Waste disposal fees could rise for some residents

Kelowna area homeowners could be charged for the amount of waste they set out for curbside pick-up.

Switching to a user pay system instead of the current flat rate for everyone is one of a dozen proposals under consideration by local authorities.

“Each household receiving the collection service would be charged a rate based on how much waste is placed at the curb,” reads part of a report to be considered Tuesday by West Kelowna city council.

“The carts are already equipped with the required ID tags,” the report states.

Other proposals under consideration in a review of waste management practices include banning single-use plastic bags, opening more recycling depots, accepting old electronics at recycling depots, and devoting more money to cleaning up illegal dumping sites.

Currently, the total amount of garbage sent to the Glenmore dump is equivalent to 681 kg per person. The regional district’s goal is to reduce that to 600 kg per person by 2022.

Another strategy suggested in the report is to conduct more so-called ‘waste audits’ to “educate businesses/organizations on what is in their waste stream and to initiate discussion on diversion options.”

The plan has been presented at various public meetings throughout the Central Okanagan, but interest has been slight.

For example, only 25 people attended the event in Kelowna. That was only twice as many as attended the meeting in Peachland, even though Kelowna is more than 25 times larger than Peachland.

Based on public input, which also included a phone and Internet survey, regional officials are also considering moving toward weekly rather than bi-weekly pick-up of recyclables.