Diversion & Disposal Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions - Diversion & Disposal Facilities

• Q: What can I drop off at RDNO DDFs?

  A:  Garbage, wood waste, yard & garden waste, construction and demolition waste, drywall, logs and stumps, mattresses/box springs, propane tanks, major appliances and scrap metal. Material must be solid waste that originates from residential, commercial, institutional, demolition, land clearing or construction sources. If you are unsure, contact the RDNO at 250.550.3785 or by email at solidwaste@rdno.ca. See our What Goes Where Guides for more information on what items you can recycle at local depots.

• Q: Why are “Packaging and Paper Recyclables” not accepted at RDNO DDFs?

  A: The world’s largest recyclable commodity purchasers have implemented strict regulations on imported materials and markets for Packaging and Paper Recyclables has been significantly impacted by these regulations. Also, secondary markets are too small to absorb the glut of material produced in North America. A contamination level of 0.5% has also been implemented.  In prior years the “Blue Bag” recyclables from RDNO DDFs had a consistent contamination level of 3% or higher.  Because of the restrictions, the contractor that managed Blue Bag Recyclables on behalf of the RDNO stopped accepting material from RDNO DDFs as there was no market for the contaminated material. The only Packaging & Paper material currently accepted at RDNO DDFs is clean, flattened Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) and boxboard (cereal boxes).

• Q: Why can't the RDNO monitor people at recycling bins better?

  A: The RNDO simply doesn’t have the staff resources to monitor customer drop offs in a recycling area. Also, there are other recycling options available for RDNO residents through the provincial Recycle BC Program (curbside and depots) for residential packaging and paper products. An additional recycling program at DDFs would be a duplication of service and would increase costs.  

• Q: Do I need to separate certain materials before bringing them to a DDF?

  A: Yes, please see the What Goes Where Guides for information on materials that can be diverted at RDNO DDFs and materials that should be recycled through curbside and depot recycling programs.

  Divertible and recyclable materials that are not separated will be charged higher tipping fees and in certain cases may not be accepted. To learn more about how you can save tipping fees by sorting and separating your items check out the Construction & Demolition Waste Management Guide.  

• Q: Are there materials that I should not put into the garbage or where I may need to notify the RDNO before dropping them off at RDNO DDFs?

  A: Yes, certain materials are classified as Regulated Materials and have readily available recycling or diversion options through curbside recycling, local depots or at DDFs and should be kept out of garbage. Also, certain items may require special handling and pre-approval for disposal at RDNO DDFs because of potential health, safety and environmental hazards; these materials are categorized as Controlled Waste. There are also other materials that are categorized as Prohibited Waste due to regulatory or legal reasons, or reasons related to the safe or efficient operation of a DDF.  For more information on all these materials see the Dispose Responsibly webpage.   

• Q: What types of plastic are accepted at RDNO DDFs for recycling?

  A: None. Residents can use the Recycle BC curbside collection and or depot programs to recycle plastic packaging and beverage containers. Please note that Styrofoam, film and flexible packaging are accepted at Recycle BC depots only and not in the curbside program. For more information on recycling options in the region see the What Goes Where Webpage.

• Q: Does the RDNO accept agricultural plastic for recycling at DDFs?

  A: No, agricultural plastics such as twine, irrigation tubing and silage wrap are not widely recyclable and are treated as garbage.

• Q: I have a lot of cardboard boxes. Do I have to put it in bags when visiting a DDF?

  A: No, the RDNO only accepts loose cardboard at each of the DDFs.

• Q: What kinds of scrap metal are accepted at RDNO DDFs?

  A: Scrap metal includes items containing more than seventy-five percent (75%) metal by volume, including but not limited to, metal food containers, sheet metal, siding, roofing, rebar, flashings, pipes, window frames, doors, furnaces, duct work, wire, cable, bathtubs, fencing, bicycle frames, automotive body parts, machinery, metal furniture and tire rims. Any machinery or equipment must be responsibly drained of fluids prior to drop off.

• Q: Can I drop off my Yard & Garden Waste in bags?

  A: No, if you bring Yard & Garden Waste it must be debagged. If you are not reusing your bags, emptied plastic bags go to garbage and emptied paper bags can be added to the Yard & Garden Waste pile.

• Q: What major appliances do RDNO DDFs accept?

  A: Major appliances are accepted for free drop off at RDNO DDFs and includes: refrigerators (full-size and compact) , freezers, air conditioners (window and portable), dehumidifiers, clothes washers and driers, dishwashers, ranges, range hoods, over the range microwaves, trash compactors and beverage dispensers (hot and cold). RDNO DDFs participate in the Major Appliances Recycling Roundtable program which ensures appliances are recycled responsibly. For a full list of items accepted please go to marrbc.ca.