The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is asking residents to ensure that they are disposing of yard and garden waste at the appropriate drop-off locations this spring and summer. Above is a pile of brush just outside Fernie on private property, this dumping is both disrespectful and creates a fire hazard.

“We are grateful that residents recognize the need for separation from household garbage when it comes to yard and garden waste, but we are frequently seeing large amounts of this debris left at transfer stations that are not equipped to receive it,” explains RDEK Environmental Services Manager, Kevin Paterson. “When yard and garden waste is brought to an appropriate drop-off location, we can divert that material for other purposes and keep it out of the landfill. When it is taken to a site that doesn’t have these capabilities, the costs to residents increase as removal crews need to be called in or the debris is mixed with garbage, which makes it impossible to divert. When the bins are filled with yard waste, it leaves residents with no option to dispose of their waste.”

Locations in the RDEK that accept yard and garden waste include the Cranbrook, Kimberley, Elkford, Fernie, Sparwood, Canal Flats, Tie Lake, and Wasa Transfer Stations, as well as the Columbia Valley Landfill. This service is free and available to all residents within the RDEK.

“In addition to yard waste, many of our Transfer Stations and Landfills offer a combination of free diversionary drop-off options including large and small appliances, mattresses, hazardous waste, electronics, and more. To learn which materials are accepted at which locations, visit our website at rdek.bc.ca,” adds Paterson. “We know that residents are making the effort reduce their environmental footprint and we want to be able to assist them whenever possible.”