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RDOS issues new restrictions on garbage cans

Residents have been using cans larger than what can be contractually picked up
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Cans are being limited to 240L for garbage, or only half-full for 360L cans by the RDOS starting Oct. 25. (District of Summerland)

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is putting a limit on the size of garbage cans being used for weekly curbside pick-up.

Waste Connections Canada informed the RDOS that residents have been using cans beyond the maximum weight and volume included in their contract.

This left some residents in the RDOS and the Village of Keremeos with garbage that was tagged and not picked up the week before Oct. 21.

The limit for garbage is one 240 litre container a week, with a metal bar halfway up the front of the can required for the truck’s semi-automated lifts.

WCC had recently undertaken an internal audit due to injuries and an increase in the number of trucks on the road where they discovered residents using garbage carts of 360L in size (with a bar halfway up the front) and over the 57 kg (125 lbs) limit.

The RDOS and WCC have come to an agreement where the 360L carts can continue to be used starting Oct. 25, as long as they are no more than half-full and under the 57kg weight limit.

For residents who have more garbage than what is now permitted, it must be bagged separately and tagged with a sticker. Tag-a-bag stickers are available for $1.50 and can be purchased in Hedley at the Country Store, in Keremeos at Buy-Low Foods and the Village of Keremeos office, in Naramata at the Naramata General Store, in Oliver at Buy-Low Foods and the Town of Oliver office, in Osoyoos at Osoyoos Town Hall and in Penticton at the RDOS office.

For residents who didn’t have their garbage picked up and received a tag on their can, they can place the excess garbage in bags beside the can during next weeks garbage pick up, as long they have the tag-a-bag stickers.

The RDOS has also advised residents that the limit on size only applies to garbage, and that they can swap the cans being used for garbage and recycling as long as they are properly and clearly labeled as garbage and recycling.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Brennan Phillips

About the Author: Brennan Phillips

Brennan was raised in the Okanagan and is thankful every day that he gets to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
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