Green Bin Program - RDKB Kootenay Region

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Green Bin curbside collection!

Households have received green bins, kitchen catchers, information packages and sample Bag to Earth bin liners (you can use these if you want). Please read through the materials. Curbside collection started the beginning of October 2023. Green bin and garbage collection will be at the same time each week. Common questions are in our FAQ and at the bottom of this page. Have a look here for more information.

Click HERE for the NEW collections calendar.

If you are interested in upgrading to a BEAR resistant BIN... click the BIN below and fill out the form:

October 2023 - Curbside Green-Bin organics and kitchen scraps collection has started in Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale and Area A and B.

This Join the Conversation page is set-up to give you the information you need for this exciting new program. Whether you are looking for information about what items you can put in your green bin (and what items are not accepted), or if you need information on how to prevent food waste, or maybe you have a question, this is your 'One-Stop-Shop' for all things green bin and organics!

Check back here frequently for up to date information and if you have a question, check the questions and comments section at the bottom of this page (or the FAQs tab), if your question isn't answered, send us one!

Going Greener

As part of the Regional District’s commitment to Zero Waste Goals and efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, a new waste reduction program will be launched targeting the diversion of food waste and kitchen scraps in the McKelvey Creek Wasteshed (which includes Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Montrose, Fruitvale and Area A and B).

Garbage Collection Changes

To facilitate the green bin program, agreements have been reached with municipalities of Trail, Rossland, Warfield and Fruitvale to allow for the transition of garbage collection services to the Regional District. Garbage collection will be a user-pay, bag-tag system that will allow for the dual collection of garbage and food waste at the same time using split packer trucks. These trucks have separate collection compartments for each waste type, so that one does not contaminate the other. Currently, up to 38% of landfill waste is compostable organics.

Your Green Bin

Green bins, along with educational materials and a kitchen tote, were delivered to residents in August 2023. 80L sized bins that are considered “critter resistant” (racoons, skunks, rats, etc.) will be the standard bin size distributed. The RDKB has purchased a limited number of “bear resistant” bins that are available under a trade-in program. Residents will be required to exchange the standard bin and pay the difference in cost to receive the bear resistant bin.

Starting October 2023

Residential curbside collection in the McKelvey Creek Wasteshed will be as follows:

The RDKB has awarded the contract to GFL Environmental Inc. who will provide the residential curbside collection of garbage and green bin food waste.

Bin Liners - Food Waste accepted in the green bin will include items such as meat, bones, left over cooked food, grease and other food waste that should not be included in a backyard composter. No plastics of any kinds will be accepted in the green bin program, including bin liners labelled biodegradable or compostable. Only 100% paper bags or “Bag to Earth” bin liners will be accepted in the program. Bag to Earth products are available locally at Canadian Tire, No Frills, Home Hardware, Safeway and Ferraro Foods.

You do not need to use a bin liner at all, this is up to you. You can put your kitchen scraps directly in your kitchen catcher and then directly in your green bin for pick up. Feel free to use small amounts of cardboard, boxboard, newspaper or paper towel to help keep your bin clean.

No Plastics Please!

The RDKB is grateful for the approximately $700,000 in grant funding from the Province that will assist with the implementation of the project, including public education, collection, bin supply and distribution.

If you are a resident of Trail, Warfield, Rossland or Fruitvale, please contact your local municipal office if you have questions regarding the transition of garbage collection and how this will impact your current program and utility billing.

Stay tuned for more information and sign up to this “Join the Conversation” page for updates.

Click on the Green Bin User Guide for program information:

Why Use Your Green Bin?

Using your green bin is smart - for both your wallet and the environment.

Reduce your Disposal Costs - There is no charge for residential curbside green bin collection, so by putting kitchen waste in the green bin, you will reduce your garbage and save money with the new user-pay bag tag system.

Extends the life of the landfill - By diverting organic waste from the landfill, you are helping conserve valuable landfill space. Landfill expansion projects are very costly and time consuming, so it makes sense (and cents!) to keep organics out.

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions - Organic waste buried in a landfill decomposes anaerobically - without oxygen - releasing methane greenhouse gases. By diverting organics from the landfill we expect to see an annual average reduction of 2,225 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the diversion of 877 to 1451 metric tonnes of food waste. This equates to 495 cars driven for one year. By composting organic waste, greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced.

It creates compost - a valuable resource! - Our food waste will be composted at the Central Salmo Composting Facility operated by the RDCK. By using your green bin, you will help create a valuable Class A marketable compost.


Green Bin curbside collection!

Households have received green bins, kitchen catchers, information packages and sample Bag to Earth bin liners (you can use these if you want). Please read through the materials. Curbside collection started the beginning of October 2023. Green bin and garbage collection will be at the same time each week. Common questions are in our FAQ and at the bottom of this page. Have a look here for more information.

Click HERE for the NEW collections calendar.

If you are interested in upgrading to a BEAR resistant BIN... click the BIN below and fill out the form:

October 2023 - Curbside Green-Bin organics and kitchen scraps collection has started in Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale and Area A and B.

This Join the Conversation page is set-up to give you the information you need for this exciting new program. Whether you are looking for information about what items you can put in your green bin (and what items are not accepted), or if you need information on how to prevent food waste, or maybe you have a question, this is your 'One-Stop-Shop' for all things green bin and organics!

Check back here frequently for up to date information and if you have a question, check the questions and comments section at the bottom of this page (or the FAQs tab), if your question isn't answered, send us one!

Going Greener

As part of the Regional District’s commitment to Zero Waste Goals and efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, a new waste reduction program will be launched targeting the diversion of food waste and kitchen scraps in the McKelvey Creek Wasteshed (which includes Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Montrose, Fruitvale and Area A and B).

Garbage Collection Changes

To facilitate the green bin program, agreements have been reached with municipalities of Trail, Rossland, Warfield and Fruitvale to allow for the transition of garbage collection services to the Regional District. Garbage collection will be a user-pay, bag-tag system that will allow for the dual collection of garbage and food waste at the same time using split packer trucks. These trucks have separate collection compartments for each waste type, so that one does not contaminate the other. Currently, up to 38% of landfill waste is compostable organics.

Your Green Bin

Green bins, along with educational materials and a kitchen tote, were delivered to residents in August 2023. 80L sized bins that are considered “critter resistant” (racoons, skunks, rats, etc.) will be the standard bin size distributed. The RDKB has purchased a limited number of “bear resistant” bins that are available under a trade-in program. Residents will be required to exchange the standard bin and pay the difference in cost to receive the bear resistant bin.

Starting October 2023

Residential curbside collection in the McKelvey Creek Wasteshed will be as follows:

The RDKB has awarded the contract to GFL Environmental Inc. who will provide the residential curbside collection of garbage and green bin food waste.

Bin Liners - Food Waste accepted in the green bin will include items such as meat, bones, left over cooked food, grease and other food waste that should not be included in a backyard composter. No plastics of any kinds will be accepted in the green bin program, including bin liners labelled biodegradable or compostable. Only 100% paper bags or “Bag to Earth” bin liners will be accepted in the program. Bag to Earth products are available locally at Canadian Tire, No Frills, Home Hardware, Safeway and Ferraro Foods.

You do not need to use a bin liner at all, this is up to you. You can put your kitchen scraps directly in your kitchen catcher and then directly in your green bin for pick up. Feel free to use small amounts of cardboard, boxboard, newspaper or paper towel to help keep your bin clean.

No Plastics Please!

The RDKB is grateful for the approximately $700,000 in grant funding from the Province that will assist with the implementation of the project, including public education, collection, bin supply and distribution.

If you are a resident of Trail, Warfield, Rossland or Fruitvale, please contact your local municipal office if you have questions regarding the transition of garbage collection and how this will impact your current program and utility billing.

Stay tuned for more information and sign up to this “Join the Conversation” page for updates.

Click on the Green Bin User Guide for program information:

Why Use Your Green Bin?

Using your green bin is smart - for both your wallet and the environment.

Reduce your Disposal Costs - There is no charge for residential curbside green bin collection, so by putting kitchen waste in the green bin, you will reduce your garbage and save money with the new user-pay bag tag system.

Extends the life of the landfill - By diverting organic waste from the landfill, you are helping conserve valuable landfill space. Landfill expansion projects are very costly and time consuming, so it makes sense (and cents!) to keep organics out.

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions - Organic waste buried in a landfill decomposes anaerobically - without oxygen - releasing methane greenhouse gases. By diverting organics from the landfill we expect to see an annual average reduction of 2,225 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the diversion of 877 to 1451 metric tonnes of food waste. This equates to 495 cars driven for one year. By composting organic waste, greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced.

It creates compost - a valuable resource! - Our food waste will be composted at the Central Salmo Composting Facility operated by the RDCK. By using your green bin, you will help create a valuable Class A marketable compost.

Questions & Comments - send them to our Green Bin Team

If you've got a question, our team loves answering them!

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  • Share Can dandelions and lawn/garden weeds (after shaking off as much soil as I can) go in the Green Bin? on Facebook Share Can dandelions and lawn/garden weeds (after shaking off as much soil as I can) go in the Green Bin? on Twitter Share Can dandelions and lawn/garden weeds (after shaking off as much soil as I can) go in the Green Bin? on Linkedin Email Can dandelions and lawn/garden weeds (after shaking off as much soil as I can) go in the Green Bin? link

    Can dandelions and lawn/garden weeds (after shaking off as much soil as I can) go in the Green Bin?

    Kimm asked 3 days ago

    YES – dandelions and all regular yard weeds are accepted in our green bin program, but please NO noxious and/or invasive weeds. Please do not include excess soil.    

    Anything from your garden can go in the green bin, including stalks, vines, leaves from plants, flowers etc. (long list of items).  

    Our program started primarily as a food waste collection program, but it has slowly expanded to include these garden and plant items.  

    It is possible that more items will be included in the program in the future, but for now, we are NOT accepting grass clippings, raked leaves, branches, soil or rocks, all of these products can be brought to one of our landfill facilities for a minimum charge.   

    More questions?  Please email:  knowwaste@rdkb.com or call 250.368.0231

  • Share Hi, my curb side green bin lid is broken where it joins the lid to the bin. So every time I lift the lid or the recyclers lift the lid it is only held on by one pin hinge. I tried super glue but that didn’t work. Any chance I can switch it out for a new one? Thank you. PS. I LOVE the program! on Facebook Share Hi, my curb side green bin lid is broken where it joins the lid to the bin. So every time I lift the lid or the recyclers lift the lid it is only held on by one pin hinge. I tried super glue but that didn’t work. Any chance I can switch it out for a new one? Thank you. PS. I LOVE the program! on Twitter Share Hi, my curb side green bin lid is broken where it joins the lid to the bin. So every time I lift the lid or the recyclers lift the lid it is only held on by one pin hinge. I tried super glue but that didn’t work. Any chance I can switch it out for a new one? Thank you. PS. I LOVE the program! on Linkedin Email Hi, my curb side green bin lid is broken where it joins the lid to the bin. So every time I lift the lid or the recyclers lift the lid it is only held on by one pin hinge. I tried super glue but that didn’t work. Any chance I can switch it out for a new one? Thank you. PS. I LOVE the program! link

    Hi, my curb side green bin lid is broken where it joins the lid to the bin. So every time I lift the lid or the recyclers lift the lid it is only held on by one pin hinge. I tried super glue but that didn’t work. Any chance I can switch it out for a new one? Thank you. PS. I LOVE the program!

    Debra asked 2 months ago

    Hi Debra,

    YES - we can issue you a new bin to replace the broken one.  

    Please fill out the RDKB online bin request form here - and be sure to click 'damaged' bin:  

    https://rdkb.com/Utilities-Waste/Garbage-Organics-and-Recycling/Kootenay-Green-Bin-Form

    If that link doesn't work, please email:  knowwaste@rdkb.com

    On the form, please provide your name, address and phone number, and you will be contacted by an RDKB representative.

    Thank you!  

  • Share I heard some garden waste can now go in n the green bin. Could you clarify? on Facebook Share I heard some garden waste can now go in n the green bin. Could you clarify? on Twitter Share I heard some garden waste can now go in n the green bin. Could you clarify? on Linkedin Email I heard some garden waste can now go in n the green bin. Could you clarify? link

    I heard some garden waste can now go in n the green bin. Could you clarify?

    Bruce Fawcett asked 6 months ago

    YES!  Most items from your garden can go into the green bin.  All backyard food waste from gardens and trees can go into the green bin.  All of your leftover fruit and veggies can be added to your green bin.  You are also able to put plants, trimmings, flowers, stalks, vines in the green bin for composting.  Potted house plants can also go into the bin, but please shake off the excess soil.  Don't forget that those heavy left over pumpkins can also be added to your green bins!  

    Please NO grass clippings, raked leaves, branches, wood chips, rocks and no soil.  

    Email knowwaste@rdkb.com  or call (250) 368-0231 if you have any further questions.  

  • Share Can we in Trail add garden waste to our green bin? on Facebook Share Can we in Trail add garden waste to our green bin? on Twitter Share Can we in Trail add garden waste to our green bin? on Linkedin Email Can we in Trail add garden waste to our green bin? link

    Can we in Trail add garden waste to our green bin?

    Acklin asked 8 months ago

    YES!  Most items from your garden can go into the green bin.  

    Please NO grass clippings, raked leaves, branches, wood chips, rocks and no soil.  

    Potted house plants can also go into the bin, but please shake off the excess soil.  

    Email knowwaste@rdkb.com or call (250) 368-0231 if you have any further questions.


  • Share I see from previous Q & A that indoor & outdoor plants can go in Green Bin (minus excess soil & roots), along with flower tops and tomato stock & vine....but how about herbs (sage, oregano - leaves & stems) and potted flowers? The potted flowers (from local Greenhouse) are fairly root bound and purchased just for summer decoration for hanging and on summer patio and soon time to dispose of them. Your thoughts/help are appreciated - thanks! on Facebook Share I see from previous Q & A that indoor & outdoor plants can go in Green Bin (minus excess soil & roots), along with flower tops and tomato stock & vine....but how about herbs (sage, oregano - leaves & stems) and potted flowers? The potted flowers (from local Greenhouse) are fairly root bound and purchased just for summer decoration for hanging and on summer patio and soon time to dispose of them. Your thoughts/help are appreciated - thanks! on Twitter Share I see from previous Q & A that indoor & outdoor plants can go in Green Bin (minus excess soil & roots), along with flower tops and tomato stock & vine....but how about herbs (sage, oregano - leaves & stems) and potted flowers? The potted flowers (from local Greenhouse) are fairly root bound and purchased just for summer decoration for hanging and on summer patio and soon time to dispose of them. Your thoughts/help are appreciated - thanks! on Linkedin Email I see from previous Q & A that indoor & outdoor plants can go in Green Bin (minus excess soil & roots), along with flower tops and tomato stock & vine....but how about herbs (sage, oregano - leaves & stems) and potted flowers? The potted flowers (from local Greenhouse) are fairly root bound and purchased just for summer decoration for hanging and on summer patio and soon time to dispose of them. Your thoughts/help are appreciated - thanks! link

    I see from previous Q & A that indoor & outdoor plants can go in Green Bin (minus excess soil & roots), along with flower tops and tomato stock & vine....but how about herbs (sage, oregano - leaves & stems) and potted flowers? The potted flowers (from local Greenhouse) are fairly root bound and purchased just for summer decoration for hanging and on summer patio and soon time to dispose of them. Your thoughts/help are appreciated - thanks!

    Kimm asked 8 months ago

    YES Kimm!  All of these can go into the green bin, both herbs and potted flowers either indoor or outdoor.  Many residents have a great deal of these potted plants for the summer months, these can all go into the green bin for disposal.  Please be sure to either cut the bottom off the plants OR shake as much of the soil off the root balls as possible.  The roots are fine for the green bin, just no excess soil in the bin.  

    Feel free to email us directly at knowwaste@rdkb.com if you have further questions.    

  • Share Can we dump old plants in the green bin?? on Facebook Share Can we dump old plants in the green bin?? on Twitter Share Can we dump old plants in the green bin?? on Linkedin Email Can we dump old plants in the green bin?? link

    Can we dump old plants in the green bin??

    Liz asked 8 months ago

    Hi Liz!  YES you can put old indoor AND outdoor plants in the green bin!  Just make sure to shake out all the soil or cut it at the roots before putting it in your bin. Backyard garden waste can go into the green bin (see the poster in the question below).  

    Remember, no grass clippings, raked tree leaves, branches, rocks and soil are all not accepted in the green bin.  

  • Share Can I put apples from tree into bin? on Facebook Share Can I put apples from tree into bin? on Twitter Share Can I put apples from tree into bin? on Linkedin Email Can I put apples from tree into bin? link

    Can I put apples from tree into bin?

    Janet asked 9 months ago

    Hi Janet, great question, and the answer is YES!  

    All backyard food waste from gardens and trees can go into the green bin.  You are also able to put plants, trimmings, flowers, stalks, vines in the green bin for composting.  

    No grass clippings, leaves, branches, wood shavings, soil or rocks.

  • Share I have a concern as when they pick up my green bin it is not emptying out. Today is the second time there is a bag left inside. Are they not tipping the bin enough to empty it. I am in Montrose BC on Facebook Share I have a concern as when they pick up my green bin it is not emptying out. Today is the second time there is a bag left inside. Are they not tipping the bin enough to empty it. I am in Montrose BC on Twitter Share I have a concern as when they pick up my green bin it is not emptying out. Today is the second time there is a bag left inside. Are they not tipping the bin enough to empty it. I am in Montrose BC on Linkedin Email I have a concern as when they pick up my green bin it is not emptying out. Today is the second time there is a bag left inside. Are they not tipping the bin enough to empty it. I am in Montrose BC link

    I have a concern as when they pick up my green bin it is not emptying out. Today is the second time there is a bag left inside. Are they not tipping the bin enough to empty it. I am in Montrose BC

    Terry Pavan asked 10 months ago

    Hi Terry.  

    If your bin is not emptied out completely, please call the collections contractor GFL Environmental immediately to let them know.  

    Call (250) 367-0099 and ASK for the TRAIL OFFICE to call you back.

  • Share Wondering if you give tours of the composting facility in salmo. I think it would be interesting to see. (I have seen the videos on YouTube.). Think it would be interesting to see actual scale of operation. on Facebook Share Wondering if you give tours of the composting facility in salmo. I think it would be interesting to see. (I have seen the videos on YouTube.). Think it would be interesting to see actual scale of operation. on Twitter Share Wondering if you give tours of the composting facility in salmo. I think it would be interesting to see. (I have seen the videos on YouTube.). Think it would be interesting to see actual scale of operation. on Linkedin Email Wondering if you give tours of the composting facility in salmo. I think it would be interesting to see. (I have seen the videos on YouTube.). Think it would be interesting to see actual scale of operation. link

    Wondering if you give tours of the composting facility in salmo. I think it would be interesting to see. (I have seen the videos on YouTube.). Think it would be interesting to see actual scale of operation.

    Val asked 11 months ago

    Hi Val!  Great question!  Our neighbours over at the RDCK (Regional District of Central Kootenay) own and operate the Central Compost facility in Salmo.  They do not offer tours of the facility at this time, but feel free to reach out to the RDCK in the future to inquire if a tour is possible.  It is a very interesting, new, state-of-the-art facility where the composting is done in windrows on pavement.  

  • Share Who would I contact to try to trade my current green bin in for a bear proof one if they’re available? I think a bear got into ours last night and it broke the red lock off. on Facebook Share Who would I contact to try to trade my current green bin in for a bear proof one if they’re available? I think a bear got into ours last night and it broke the red lock off. on Twitter Share Who would I contact to try to trade my current green bin in for a bear proof one if they’re available? I think a bear got into ours last night and it broke the red lock off. on Linkedin Email Who would I contact to try to trade my current green bin in for a bear proof one if they’re available? I think a bear got into ours last night and it broke the red lock off. link

    Who would I contact to try to trade my current green bin in for a bear proof one if they’re available? I think a bear got into ours last night and it broke the red lock off.

    Chelsea asked about 1 year ago

    Hi Chelsea,

    Yes, it is THAT time of year that the bears are back and out-and-about sniffing around looking for food.  The bear resistant green bins we offer in our trade in program work very well to keep your organics locked-up and safe.  There are still precautions we must take to ensure we are storing our waste property and that includes both our organics and our regular garbage.  

    Please fill out the form on our website here:  Bear Bin Order FORM

    If you have any further questions, please email here:  knowwaste@rdkb.com

    Or give us a call at:  (250) 368-0231

Page last updated: 17 Sep 2024, 12:54 PM