RDCK: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Organics Diversion Subsidies and Supports
By Regional District of Central Kootenay
As part of the Organic Waste Diversion Program at the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), a new pilot program to subsidize separated organic waste tipping fees for commercial customers has recently been approved by the Board of Directors. This initiative was brought forward to generate more affordable participation in organic waste recycling in the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (IC&I) sectors.
Disposal cost of source separated commercial organic waste is currently subsidized at 65% lower than mixed waste ($55/tonne compared to $166.50/tonne). The price of $55/tonne is a specific organic waste disposal rate for the IC&I sector. The standard organic waste tipping fee is currently $106.50/tonne. This subsidized tipping fee is available at all RDCK facilities where organic waste disposal infrastructure exists (Grohman Narrows Transfer Station, Ootischenia Landfill, Creston Landfill, and Central (Salmo) Transfer Station).
This pilot tipping fee subsidy program is approved for the IC&I Sector until January 2026, at which time the outcomes of the subsidized tipping fee will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.
With the support of the RDCK, the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce Business Climate Advisor has been working to provide education and advocacy for affordable, effective solutions to business’s waste disposal needs. By diverting compostable materials from mixed waste, businesses have the opportunity to both save money and help the environment.
In addition to the tipping fee subsidy, the RDCK Resource Recovery department will provide up to a $400 rebate for businesses in Nelson and surrounding areas towards the purchase of collection containers and supplies for starting organics recycling in their operations.
The $400 rebate is available for the first 25 participants on a first come, first serve basis, with application requests being sent via email to the Resource Recovery Department Organics Coordinator: organics@rdck.bc.ca.
The rebate program may be available to other municipalities and areas with access to organics disposal, should the business community express interest. Access to organics disposal is available to those with collection services, or who can self-haul commercial organic waste to an RDCK disposal facility. Commercial organic waste hauling services have been confirmed as available in the Nelson area, so now is a great time to connect with your contracted waste collection service provider or reach out to the RDCK to be connected to potential services.
RDCK staff are also able to provide education, and program implementation support at the request of a business. Staff can provide operation managers with front and back of house waste sorting recommendations, collection bin sitting support, and liaise with waste haulers to advocate for affordable, safe, and effective services.
An information session is being hosted by the Nelson Chamber of Commerce on February 24 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am to discuss these changes and opportunities for increased waste diversion and cost savings. RDCK staff will be available to answer questions and provide support and resources for setting up organic waste recycling in IC&I operations. Registration is free, and can be completed at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ici-organics-bin-pilot-program-info-session-tickets-1223805458069?aff=oddtdtcreator
A survey to help the RDCK better understand current waste disposal practices and barriers in the IC&I sector, as well as additional information about this initiative, including example signage and resources for starting organic waste recycling for commercial operations can be found online at https://engage.rdck.ca/ici-organics.
The RDCK Board of Directors has also directed the Resource Recovery Department to assess the feasibility of regulating organics disposal for the IC&I Sector, and to provide a framework for implementing some form of regulation on landfilling organic waste where diversion services exist. This feasibility study will be provided to the Board in the fall of 2025.
Incorporated in 1965, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is a local government that serves 60,000 residents in 11 electoral areas and nine member municipalities. The RDCK provides more than 160 services, including community facilities, fire protection and emergency services, grants, planning and land use, regional parks, resource recovery and handling, transit, water services and much more. For more information about the RDCK, visit www.rdck.ca.
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