The Regional District of East Kootenay Board of Directors has requested that a report be prepared that presents potential options to optimize and modernize our rural transfer station system. In order to effectively do that, all perspectives need to be considered. So we will be seeking feedback from the public on how the rural transfer stations are used and what services are important to those who use them.

This project aims to meet objectives from the Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) and SWMP Review, including:

  • Ensuring our system encourages waste diversion
  • Minimize the amount of waste being landfilled
  • Seek opportunities to enhance recycling and diversion opportunities

A public survey will be conducted starting January 13

The rural transfer station system has not been changed significantly since the stations were first opened and this is an opportunity for us to review all aspects of the rural transfer stations including:

  • USERS OF THE RURAL TRANSFER STATION SYSTEM
    • How does the public use the system?
    • What is working well?
    • What, if any, changes would the public like to see considered?
  • OPERATIONAL SYSTEM COSTS
    • What is the system costing for operations and maintenance?
    • Are there ways to increase diversion opportunities?
    • Are there trends regarding waste generation, hauling rates/costs, notable service gaps or opportunities for improvements?
  • REGULATORY AND STRATEGIC DIRECTION
    • What are the RDEK Board’s strategic priorities?
    • How are we doing concerning meeting the objectives of the Solid Waste Management Plan and what could be done better if there are gaps?

This is a brand new “review” – no decisions have been made. During this project, there will be many opportunities for the public to provide their input and feedback.

  • STEP 1: Getting the word out about the project
  • STEP 2: Conducting a survey to understand residents' current ways of using the rural transfer stations, and what their priorities are
  • STEP 3: Community consultation – to report out on what we have heard and present our findings to the public
  • STEP 4: Request for Decision will go to the RDEK Board for a decision on the next steps or future direction
  • STEP 5: Prepare implementation of the approved direction

What are Rural Transfer Stations?

Rural transfer stations are found throughout the Columbia Valley and Central sub-regions of the RDEK. We currently have 15 rural transfer stations that provide a variety of services. Each of the stations provides a collection point for household garbage and has Yellow Bins on site. Some of the stations also provide collection of residential yard and garden waste, scrap metal and wood waste.

What are Staffed Transfer Stations?

Staffed transfer stations are located in municipalities throughout the region. These stations can provide a wider variety of services than the unstaffed rural transfer stations, such as: Recycle BC depots, glass recycling, mattress recycling, electronics recycling, small appliance recycling, household hazardous waste collection, battery recycling and many more unique diversion opportunities.

Transfer Station Locations in the RDEK

Columbia Valley (Canal Flats, Invermere, Radium, Areas F and G)

  • Rural Transfer Stations: Brisco, Canal Flats, Edgewater, Fairmont
  • Staffed Transfer Stations: Invermere, Radium, and Columbia Valley Landfill

Central (Cranbrook, Kimberley, Areas B, C and E)

  • Rural Transfer Stations: Baynes Lake, Elko, Fort Steele, Grasmere, Green Bay/Monroe Lake, Moyie/Sunrise, Newgate, Sheep Creek, Tie Lake, Wardner and Wasa
  • Staffed Transfer Stations: Cranbrook and Kimberley

Elk Valley (Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, Area A)

  • Staffed Transfer Stations: Fernie, Elkford, and Sparwood

The Difference Between Recycle BC Depots and Yellow Bins

Recycle BC Depots (located at all RDEK staffed Transfer Stations) offer the greatest opportunity for keeping products out of the trash, including paper and cardboard products, plastic and metal containers, flexible plastic packaging, styrofoam and glass. The Recycle BC system is funded by the producers who supply packaging and paper products to BC residents, and the RDEK is paid per tonne of materials collected. Residents can recycle more, and this system costs less to operate.

The Yellow Bin Program accepts a limited variety of products and they are separate from Recycle BC. The Yellow Bin Program is funded by taxpayers, and the RDEK has to pay for every tonne of material collected. It is preferable to divert as much recyclable product as we can to the Recycle BC program.