Green Bin Program - RDKB Kootenay Region

Share Green Bin Program - RDKB Kootenay Region on Facebook Share Green Bin Program - RDKB Kootenay Region on Twitter Share Green Bin Program - RDKB Kootenay Region on Linkedin Email Green Bin Program - RDKB Kootenay Region link


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!

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share the garbage truck broke my locking device on my green bin, how do I get a new one. on Facebook Share the garbage truck broke my locking device on my green bin, how do I get a new one. on Twitter Share the garbage truck broke my locking device on my green bin, how do I get a new one. on Linkedin Email the garbage truck broke my locking device on my green bin, how do I get a new one. link

    the garbage truck broke my locking device on my green bin, how do I get a new one.

    Robert asked 1 day ago

    Hi Robert,

    Thanks for the message!  Sorry to hear that your green bin locking mechanism is broken.  

    YES, we will issue you a NEW green bin and drop it off at your residence (and collect the broken bin).

    Please fill out our green bin request form that is on our RDKB website here:

    New Green Bin FORM  

    OR, please send an email request to:

    knowwaste@rdkb.com 

    Please include:

    Name

    Address

    Phone number

    Email

    Thank you!

    Have a great day!

    knowwaste@rdkb.com | 250.368.0231

    Regional District of Kootenay Boundary
    Toll-free: 1.800.355.7352
    Main: 250.368.9148
    rdkb.com 

  • Share Do we have to use the big green to curb each week or can we use the small kitchen bin each week to the curb. on Facebook Share Do we have to use the big green to curb each week or can we use the small kitchen bin each week to the curb. on Twitter Share Do we have to use the big green to curb each week or can we use the small kitchen bin each week to the curb. on Linkedin Email Do we have to use the big green to curb each week or can we use the small kitchen bin each week to the curb. link

    Do we have to use the big green to curb each week or can we use the small kitchen bin each week to the curb.

    Flames 1966 asked 8 days ago

    Please use the big green critter resistant bin each week (or, if you traded it in, a bear resistant green bin).  No matter how small the amount you put in there, it will still be collected.  GFL drivers will not be emptying any of those small kitchen catchers if they are left out on the curb - many of which have been whisked off by hungry animals.

  • Share Can parchment paper be put in the green bin? on Facebook Share Can parchment paper be put in the green bin? on Twitter Share Can parchment paper be put in the green bin? on Linkedin Email Can parchment paper be put in the green bin? link

    Can parchment paper be put in the green bin?

    TJ asked 22 days ago

    Hi TJ!  Great question.  The answer is unfortunately no.  Some parchment paper has wax and/or other synthetics within the weaves and because of this, parchment paper is not accepted in the green bin program.  The 100% 'brown-paper' parchment paper in theory is acceptable in the program, but because of the variety of parchment papers, it is 'stated' that it is not accepted.  

  • Share Why are pick up staff refusing to take compost materials in small containers? on Facebook Share Why are pick up staff refusing to take compost materials in small containers? on Twitter Share Why are pick up staff refusing to take compost materials in small containers? on Linkedin Email Why are pick up staff refusing to take compost materials in small containers? link

    Why are pick up staff refusing to take compost materials in small containers?

    Mike H asked 14 days ago

    Thanks for the message, MikeH.

    The small bin known as the 'kitchen catcher' is intended for the kitchen, or inside use only.  The kitchen catcher is unfortunately not suitable to put out at the curb for collection.  To participate in the green bin program, households must use the 80-litre critter resistant green bin with wheels, or the bear resistant green bin.  Some households only produce a small amount of kitchen waste each week, and we recommend placing this at the curb each week.  Even if a household only produces a small kitchen catcher worth of organics, it will be collected.  Freeze smelly food scraps such as meat, fish, bones in newspaper or paper bags and place in your curbside bin on collection day.  This helps prevent critters and animals from smelling these items before they are collected and prevents bugs, flies and insects from finding your food waste.  

    The collections contractor 'GFL Environmental' has been advised that they are not to pick up the small kitchen catcher at the curb. Some of the drivers have been collecting these for the past few months, but they are now following the guidelines of the program and not collecting them.  The reasoning behind this is that this small bin is fragile and safe for the kitchen, but not safe for the curbside.  If the small catcher is left at the curbside, a neighbour could back over it, a snowplow could whisk it away, or an animal could easily drag it away (and we have had multiple phone calls here at the RDKB of each of these scenarios happening to residents in our area when placing their kitchen catcher at the curb).  

    Check out our RDKB website here for more information:

    https://rdkb.com/Utilities-Waste/Garbage-Organics-and-Recycling/Organics

    Let us know if you have any other questions.  

    Have a great day!

  • Share Can you put olive oil, veg oil or avocado oil into the green bin? Would freeze it first then put it with paper or paper towels & tissue to prevent a mess. Thanks on Facebook Share Can you put olive oil, veg oil or avocado oil into the green bin? Would freeze it first then put it with paper or paper towels & tissue to prevent a mess. Thanks on Twitter Share Can you put olive oil, veg oil or avocado oil into the green bin? Would freeze it first then put it with paper or paper towels & tissue to prevent a mess. Thanks on Linkedin Email Can you put olive oil, veg oil or avocado oil into the green bin? Would freeze it first then put it with paper or paper towels & tissue to prevent a mess. Thanks link

    Can you put olive oil, veg oil or avocado oil into the green bin? Would freeze it first then put it with paper or paper towels & tissue to prevent a mess. Thanks

    Dawn asked about 2 months ago

    Hi Dawn!  Great question and you have already written the answer!  

    YES - you can put oils into the green bin program, and the best way is to freeze them first.  What some folks have been doing is using a small 'Bag to Earth' compostable bag and putting the oil in one of these and in the freezer.  Then, on the morning of your green bin collections, placing the bag into your green bin for collections.  Also - as you wrote - using paper towels can help prevent a mess!  

  • Share Do any of the local stores sell a liner other than the Bag to Earth paper ones that are acceptable? I am still seeing lots of options selling in our local stores. on Facebook Share Do any of the local stores sell a liner other than the Bag to Earth paper ones that are acceptable? I am still seeing lots of options selling in our local stores. on Twitter Share Do any of the local stores sell a liner other than the Bag to Earth paper ones that are acceptable? I am still seeing lots of options selling in our local stores. on Linkedin Email Do any of the local stores sell a liner other than the Bag to Earth paper ones that are acceptable? I am still seeing lots of options selling in our local stores. link

    Do any of the local stores sell a liner other than the Bag to Earth paper ones that are acceptable? I am still seeing lots of options selling in our local stores.

    Trish asked 3 months ago

    Hello Trish!  Thank you for the question with regards to the Bag to Earth bin liners.

    First off - You do not have to use a bin liner at all, you can put your kitchen scrap organics directly into your green bin - but it does tend to get messy over time, therefore you need to rinse it out from time to time (easier in the spring-summer when we all turn out outside water back on).  Bag to Earth products AND regular 100% 'paper' bags are only accepted. You can also line your green bin with cardboard at the bottom, boxboard, newpaper, paper towels etc. as these are all accepted in the green bin program. Finally, some households have been using extra large 'leaf-style' paper bags available at hardware stores. They are 100% paper and generally double lined.  You can use a broom or something to get them into the bottom of the bin and then crumple the top down to make them fit.  They do not hold up well to very liquidy materials, but you can always place some extra cardboard or paper at the bottom to help with this.    

    Some other paper liner products available locally, unfortunately have a 'plastic' liner within their paper bags that has a compostable and biodegradable classification. Plastics are not accepted in our program (even if they are compostable or biodegradable).  

    Paper bags lined with compostable PLASTIC not accepted in our program:

    •  Walmart Great Value (house brand) – Small (10 pack) & Large (5 pack) Food Waste Bags – manufacturer, ZHONGSHAN XIN FU SPORTS SCIENCE & TECH CO., LTD.
    •  Save on Foods Western Family (house brand) – Small (10 & 30 packs) Food Waste Bags – manufacturer, QINGDAO HONGTAI PACKAGING PRINTING CO.
    •  London Drugs Green Life (brand name, not a house brand) – Small (30 pack) Food Waste Bags – manufacturer, QINGDAO HONGTAI PACKAGING PRINTING CO. 
    •  Dollarama Green Slant (house brand) – Small Food Waste Bags (10 pack) - HYTREND INVESTMENTS GROUP LTD., a subsidiary of DALIAN ZHONGHAI GROUP TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., CHINA


    All Plastic bags stating 'biodegradable or compostable' are also not accepted in the program at this time.

    Again, you do not need to use a bin liner, but if you do, the Bag to Earth products (or regular paper bags - which would include 100% paper 'leaf bags' even) are the only ones accepted at this time.  


  • Share What time does my green bin need to be out by? on Facebook Share What time does my green bin need to be out by? on Twitter Share What time does my green bin need to be out by? on Linkedin Email What time does my green bin need to be out by? link

    What time does my green bin need to be out by?

    Sue Duxbury asked 3 months ago

    Great question Sue!

    This depends on where you live in the RDKB.  This is from our website, see below:

    • Boundary residents 8:00am:  Set out your bins by 8:00 a.m. on your collection day, and bring them in after collection as soon as possible. DO NOT put them out the night before. Be bear aware!
    • Kootenay residents 7:30am:  Set out your bins (green bin and garbage) at 7:30am on your collection day, and bring them in after collection as soon as possible. DO NOT put them out the night before. Be bear aware!.  
  • Share Can you put baking cups for muffins in the green bin. on Facebook Share Can you put baking cups for muffins in the green bin. on Twitter Share Can you put baking cups for muffins in the green bin. on Linkedin Email Can you put baking cups for muffins in the green bin. link

    Can you put baking cups for muffins in the green bin.

    B&T asked 3 months ago

    Hi B&T!  Great question.

    The answer is YES - 100% paper baking cups are accepted in the green bin program.  If you are having challenges and think that the baking cup paper may be wax or plastic lined, then please dispose of in the regular garbage.  

  • Share If I was to chop seasonal/gift plants such as Poinsettia & Easter Lily into tiny pieces - could I put them in my Green Bin for curbside pickup? on Facebook Share If I was to chop seasonal/gift plants such as Poinsettia & Easter Lily into tiny pieces - could I put them in my Green Bin for curbside pickup? on Twitter Share If I was to chop seasonal/gift plants such as Poinsettia & Easter Lily into tiny pieces - could I put them in my Green Bin for curbside pickup? on Linkedin Email If I was to chop seasonal/gift plants such as Poinsettia & Easter Lily into tiny pieces - could I put them in my Green Bin for curbside pickup? link

    If I was to chop seasonal/gift plants such as Poinsettia & Easter Lily into tiny pieces - could I put them in my Green Bin for curbside pickup?

    Kimm asked 4 months ago

    Hi Kimm!  Great question - the answer is YES.  You can put items like this into the green bin as long as they are in the house.  If the stems and leaves aren't too big, it is fine to just put them in the bin, but it is a great idea to cut them into smaller pieces if they are too big.   

  • Share I use a LOMI to compost my kitchen scraps. Is the product of the LOMI ok to add to the Green Bin? on Facebook Share I use a LOMI to compost my kitchen scraps. Is the product of the LOMI ok to add to the Green Bin? on Twitter Share I use a LOMI to compost my kitchen scraps. Is the product of the LOMI ok to add to the Green Bin? on Linkedin Email I use a LOMI to compost my kitchen scraps. Is the product of the LOMI ok to add to the Green Bin? link

    I use a LOMI to compost my kitchen scraps. Is the product of the LOMI ok to add to the Green Bin?

    LH asked 4 months ago

    Hi LH!   YES - absolutely you can place your LOMI end-product into the green bin for collection.

Page last updated: 15 Apr 2024, 02:04 PM