The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Board of Directors has approved a new pilot program to subsidize organic waste tipping fees for commercial customers.
The initiative, according to a press release, was brought forward in an attempt to generate more affordable participation in organic waste recycling in the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (IC&I) sectors.
The program, which is in place now until January 2026, subsidizes the disposal cost of source-separated commercial organic waste at 65 per cent lower than mixed waste ($55/tonne compared to $166.50/tonne).
The RDCK says the $55/tonne price is a specific organic waste disposal rate for the IC&I sector. The standard fee is currently $166.50/tonne.
The subsidy is available at all RDCK facilities where organic waste disposal infrastructure exists, including the following landfills and transfer stations:
- Grohman Narrows Transfer Station
- Ootischenia Landfill
- Creston Landfill
- Central (Salmo) Transfer Station
RDCK Board members approved the pilot for the IC&I sector until January 2026, at which time the outcomes of the subsidized tipping fee will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.
The initiative is supported by both the RDCK and the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce Business Climate Advisor, who has been working to provide education and advocacy for affordable, effective solutions to businesses’ waste disposal needs.
The RDCK says by diverting compostable materials from mixed waste, businesses have the opportunity to both save money and help the environment.
Nelson business rebate
In addition to the tipping fee subsidy, the RDCK Resource Recovery Department will provide up to a $400 rebate for businesses in Nelson and surrounding areas towards the purchase of collection containers and supplies for starting organics recycling in their operations.
The $400 rebate is available for the first 25 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, with application requests being sent via email to the Resource Recovery Department Organics Coordinator at [email protected].
The rebate program may be available to other municipalities and areas with access to organics disposal, should the business community express interest. Access to organics disposal is available to those with collection services or who can self-haul commercial organic waste to an RDCK disposal facility.
Commercial organic waste hauling services have been confirmed as available in the Nelson area, so now is a great time to connect with your contracted waste collection service provider or reach out to the RDCK to be connected to potential services.
RDCK staff are also able to provide education and program implementation support at the request of a business. Staff can provide operations managers with front- and back-of-house waste sorting recommendations, collection bin siting support, and liaise with waste haulers to advocate for affordable, safe, and effective services.
Information session
An information session is being hosted by the Nelson Chamber of Commerce on February 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to discuss these changes and opportunities for increased waste diversion and cost savings.
RDCK staff will be available to answer questions and provide support and resources for setting up organic waste recycling in IC&I operations.
Registration is free and can be completed online. Click here for the link.
Additionally, the RDCK has launched a survey to help the district better understand current waste disposal practices and barriers in the IC&I sector, as well as additional information about this initiative, including example signage and resources for starting organic waste recycling for commercial operations.
The survey can be found online at engage.rdck.ca/ici-organics.
The RDCK Board of Directors has also directed the Resource Recovery Department to assess the feasibility of regulating organics disposal for the IC&I sector and to provide a framework for implementing some form of regulation on landfilling organic waste where diversion services exist.
This feasibility study will be provided to the Board in the fall of 2025.
Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
