The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEk) has released its draft Rural Transfer Station Optimization Plan and is seeking public feedback.
RDEK board chair Rob Gay said changes are coming because the yellow-bin recycling program will end next year.
“The way the region handles its garbage and recycling services at many of our rural transfer stations will be changing as the yellow bin recycling program comes to an end at the end of December 2027,” said Gay.
The plan is focused on establishing service standards for rural sites to maximize waste diversion.
“This plan is aimed at establishing service levels at our rural sites in the Central and Columbia Valley Subregions as we transition away from the yellow bin program and work to maximize waste diversion while maintaining reasonable public access to services.” said Gay.
The plan covers rural transfer stations in the Central and Columbia Valley subregions. The Elk Valley is not included because the subregion does not have any rural transfer stations.
RDEK environmental services manager Jeff Blanchard said the plan sets general service levels but does not determine specific operating days or hours. Those details will be considered later, with another opportunity for public input.
“It is important for residents to understand this is a two-stage process. The Optimization Plan, which is the stage we are at now, establishes service levels for the rural transfer station system. It does not speak to specifics such as operating days or hours. Those specifics will be part of a future implementation phase that will include a separate opportunity for additional public input,” said Blanchard.
Residents can review the plan and provide feedback at engage.rdek.bc.ca/ruraltransferstations until Sept. 20, 2026.
People who cannot access the online form can contact the RDEK to provide feedback by phone or request a paper copy.
The draft is expected to return to the RDEK board in October for review and possible approval.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
