April 20–26 marks Earth Week 2025, and it’s the perfect opportunity for Fernie residents to pause and consider how small changes in our daily lives can lead to lasting, positive environmental impact.
This year’s theme centers around three powerful words: reduce, reuse, recycle. Throughout the week, community members are encouraged to take simple, hands-on steps to cut down on waste, repurpose everyday items, and recycle smarter.
Whether you’re at home, work, or school, the opportunities to make a difference are everywhere:
• Use both sides of paper to reduce waste.
• Pack lunches in reusable containers.
• Reuse glass jars for storage.
When you’re out and about in Fernie, consider:
• Avoiding over-packaged or disposable products.
• Using a reusable cup or shopping bag.
• Purchasing goods made from recycled materials.
• Choosing repairable or rentable items over disposable ones.
Understanding the Recycling Landscape: Yellow Bins vs. Recycle BC
While many residents still use the familiar Yellow Bin system, it’s important to understand that this program is no longer the most effective or economical option for residential recycling.
The Yellow Bin System, in place for over 25 years, was once a leader in community recycling. However, with evolving provincial regulations and better systems now available, it’s become outdated and expensive. In 2024 alone, the Yellow Bin program cost East Kootenay taxpayers over $1.2 million to operate. In 2025, costs are projected to climb to $2 million.
By contrast, the Recycle BC program pays the Regional District for every tonne of eligible materials collected—earning the RDEK $254,253 in 2024. The program, regulated by the province, is funded by producers and accepts a broader range of materials, including:
• Paper & cardboard
• Containers
• Flexible plastics
• Printed and white styrofoam
• Glass containers
Curbside programs in Fernie, Cranbrook, Invermere, and Kimberley already operate under Recycle BC, and drop-off depots are available across the region—including Fernie Transfer Station.
Composting and Diversion: More Than Just Recycling
Reducing waste doesn’t stop with packaging. The RDEK also supports backyard composting with affordable Earth Machine composters available for $52 at the Cranbrook and Columbia Valley offices.
And don’t forget about other recyclable household items:
• Electronics & small appliances
• Oil, antifreeze & filters
• Light bulbs & fixtures
• Tires, batteries, cellphones
• Smoke/CO2 alarms, medications
• Scrap metal, propane tanks, clean wood waste
For a full list of what can be diverted from the landfill, visit the RDEK’s Recycling Brochures page.
Celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday April 22nd with Wildsight Elk Valley by taking action for nature! Choose from two fun challenges for a chance to win local prizes, visit wildsight.ca/events/elk-valley-earth-day/
Earth Week is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to build habits that last beyond seven days. Fernie is already leading the charge in environmental responsibility, and by embracing programs like Recycle BC and making mindful daily choices, we can keep our community clean, efficient, and sustainable for generations to come.
Let’s take care of our world, together.
