Biweekly garbage pickup consigned to trash heap

A new recycling depot could be set up in the Mission, Kelowna city council will hear today.

But proposals to pick up garbage every two weeks instead of weekly and to reduce the frequency of yard waste pickup have been dropped because of public opposition.

Reviewing the operation and location of recycling depots is said to be a “high priority” in a review of current waste management practices in the Central Okanagan.

Regional districts are required by the provincial government to update their solid waste management plan every 10 years.

Kelowna is the last local municipality to hear details of that review. Previously, councils in West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland were given an overview of possible changes, with some criticisms offered by elected officials.

West Kelowna councillors didn’t like a proposal by waste management officials to switch garbage pickup to a biweekly service.

“If we were to even look at going to biweekly garbage collection, I would be fighting that tooth and nail,” said Coun. Rick De Jong.

“Garbage stinks, OK?” Coun. Carol Zanon said. “What are you supposed to do with it? Keep it in your refrigerator?”

Another idea from waste management officials, since dropped, was to require people to use only clear plastic bags for their garbage.

That would have made it easier to see what people were throwing away, to try to prevent recyclable materials and other banned items from ending up at the Glenmore dump.

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

Food and yard waste make up the largest portion, accounting for 41 per cent by weight.