This week marks National Waste Reduction Week, a nationwide initiative that challenges Canadians to rethink what we throw away. From repairing instead of replacing to recycling smarter, Fernie residents have endless opportunities to make a difference — and the impact starts close to home.
Waste Reduction Week is about more than sorting recyclables. It’s about protecting the planet, prioritizing people, and finding practical ways to reduce what ends up in landfills. Whether it’s fixing gear, swapping clothes, or recycling right, the goal is to keep useful materials in circulation and cut down on wasteful consumption.
Repair, Swap, Share
Fernie is full of skilled tradespeople and creative problem solvers. Repairing instead of replacing — whether it’s your ski jacket, bike, or coffee maker — saves money and prevents up to 95% of greenhouse gas emissions created when manufacturing something new.
Swaps are another great way to keep things in use. Clothing, bike, and ski swaps are already a Fernie tradition — community-powered recycling at its best. Sharing tools, vehicles, or equipment also makes sense in a town where adventure and self-sufficiency run deep. Need a chainsaw for a weekend project or a lawn aerator for fall cleanup? Borrowing or lending through friends and neighbours keeps resources moving without creating more waste.
Keeping Gear Alive: Frontier Gear Repair
In a town defined by adventure, where gear is both a tool and a companion, Frontier Gear Repair is keeping the stories stitched together. Founded and operated by Nick Marks, this small but mighty Fernie business offers expert sewing and technical repair services for outdoor gear — from zippers and tents to jackets, backpacks, and technical equipment.
At Frontier Gear Repair, the philosophy is simple: good gear deserves a second life.
“Outdoor equipment isn’t disposable — it’s part of your journey,” says Marks. “Repairing it means respecting the craftsmanship, reducing waste, and keeping the adventure going.”
Nick’s path to Fernie — and to founding Frontier — is stitched with creativity and craftsmanship. With a background spanning architectural technology, fine arts, woodworking, graphic design, fabrication, and product development, he brings a deep appreciation for how things are made and how they can be made better. The business grew out of a simple but growing need: accessible, professional outdoor gear repair right here in the Kootenays.
Today, Frontier Gear Repair operates as a one-person shop with a big vision — to become the leading repair center in the region, supporting both local adventurers and outdoor brands through warranty and repair partnerships. The goal: keep high-quality gear in use and out of the landfill, while strengthening the circular economy within the outdoor industry.
Marks sees Fernie as the perfect home for this vision.
“The opportunity to start this business came from an early conversation with KORE executive director, Kevin Pennock with his vision for the Rehub program. Seeing a demand in the Kootenays, Rehub had a successful first year and I was fortunate to learn and take part,” he says. As for Frontier Gear Repair, there was a demand for this service in Fernie as well and no one offering these specific services. I’m still learning how to fix certain pieces of gear and the service will only get better from here. I have always tried to fixed my own gear and learn how things work so that is how I first started fixing hockey and ski gear. Fernie is the perfect base for this type of shop and I see opportunity with eventually designing and making my own gear as well.”
Learn more or book your repair at frontiergearrepair.ca
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E-Waste and the Hidden Hazards
Electronics are a growing waste stream, and tossing them in the trash can be dangerous. Devices contain toxic materials like mercury and lead, which can leach into soil and water, or even start fires in landfills. Fortunately, e-waste recycling depots in our region safely process items like cables, phones, batteries, and fluorescent lights — reclaiming metals, plastics, and even gold. To find the nearest drop-off, visit engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle
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Plastic and Textile Waste
Globally, plastic waste remains a massive challenge — over 8.3 billion tonnes have been produced since the 1950s, and only a fraction has been recovered. Many companies now turn recovered plastic into new materials, like decking or outerwear. Choosing products made from recycled plastics, or simply reducing packaging use, makes a real difference.
Textile waste is another issue tied to “fast fashion.” Canadians buy an average of 70 new clothing items per year, with most ending up in landfills. Donating, swapping, or repurposing clothes extends their life and reduces pressure on global textile production.
Recycling Right: Recycle BC vs. Yellow Bins
Closer to home, there’s been confusion around Fernie’s recycling systems — particularly the Recycle BC depots versus the older Yellow Bin system. They are not the same.
The Yellow Bin program, introduced over 25 years ago, once filled a vital gap but has become costly and limited. In contrast, the Recycle BC system — which operates in Fernie and across the East Kootenay — accepts far more materials and pays the Regional District (RDEK) per tonne collected.
From January to September 2025, Recycle BC generated $327,051 in revenue, while the Yellow Bin system cost taxpayers over $1.2 million to operate. As a result, the RDEK Board is preparing to phase out Yellow Bins in favour of the more efficient, environmentally responsible Recycle BC system.
Recycle BC depots at local transfer stations — including Fernie, Sparwood, and Elkford — accept:
• Paper and cardboard
• Containers (plastic, metal, cartons)
• Flexible plastics
• Styrofoam (coloured and white)
• Glass containers
By using these depots, residents not only reduce landfill waste but also support a program that reinvests back into local waste management.
Fernie’s Role in a Cleaner Future
From backyard composting to community tool-sharing, Fernie residents have already shown their passion for sustainability. Waste Reduction Week is an opportunity to build on that — to challenge old habits, share new ideas, and move toward a future where less truly is more.
For recycling guides, drop-off locations, and updates on regional waste initiatives, visit engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle
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