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Latest NEWS!:
April 7, 2026: Survey 1 has now closed.
The first public survey is now closed – thank you to everyone who responded to the survey! All the survey responses are being compiled and the summary report will be posted here mid-April. Please check back then!
The first survey gathered community input on what’s worked and not worked in past, ideas for improving solid waste management in the region, and a sense of high-level priorities.
Next we will be seeking community input on the most important strategies for the RDKB to implement moving forward through a variety of channels throughout the month of June – please check back soon for specific dates:
Online survey
In-person events week of June 15:
Trail
Rock Creek
Grand Forks
Two online webinars
Please use the Questions tab at the bottom of this page if you have any questions you would like answered, we'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for your interest in regional waste management and helping us find ways to improve it.
Project Overview
The RDKB is updating the region’s Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) along with Sperling Hansen Associates to guide waste avoidance, reduction, and management for the next 10 years. The current SWMP, approved in 2005, requires updating to:
Set the legal framework for managing waste, recycling, and waste reduction/diversion
Evaluate how current systems are performing
Recommend improvements, including opportunities to move toward zero waste
The SWMP update (completion expected summer 2027) will be shaped by:
Engagement with:
Members of the public
Interested parties (e.g., organizations and businesses)
A Public and Technical Advisory Committee
Other government agencies (e.g., school districts, member municipalities)
First Nations See the next section for more details about engagement.
Direction from RDKB staff and elected officials
Review of past work including successes and lessons learned from the 2005 SWMP and the 2013 update process (paused due to regulatory changes)
A circular economy approach See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Engagement by Project Phase
Engagement is essential to ensuring the updated SWMP meets the needs of the region. The phases and timelines below outline the project’s engagement activities.
Stay tuned to RDKB channels— Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn,—and watch/listen for newspaper and radio advertisements for upcoming public engagement opportunities.
Read our launch and survey press releases on our news page: RDKB Latest News
Phase 1: Set the Direction
Winter 2025 – Spring 2026
Activities include:
Collecting population and growth projection data
Creation of Public and Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) - Applications closed Jan 9th
Gathering public input on:
Draft principles and goals
What has worked and what has not
Ideas for future strategies
Phase 2: Evaluate Options
Summer 2026
Activities include:
Identifying feasible strategies
Evaluating their potential for inclusion in the updated SWMP
Gathering public input on the list of potential strategies
Phase 3: Plan Preparation and Submission
Winter 2026 –Spring 2027
Activities include:
Finalizing the SWMP with public input
Submitting the completed plan to the Ministry for approval
Formal adoption and implementation by the RDKB once approved
Latest NEWS!:
April 7, 2026: Survey 1 has now closed.
The first public survey is now closed – thank you to everyone who responded to the survey! All the survey responses are being compiled and the summary report will be posted here mid-April. Please check back then!
The first survey gathered community input on what’s worked and not worked in past, ideas for improving solid waste management in the region, and a sense of high-level priorities.
Next we will be seeking community input on the most important strategies for the RDKB to implement moving forward through a variety of channels throughout the month of June – please check back soon for specific dates:
Online survey
In-person events week of June 15:
Trail
Rock Creek
Grand Forks
Two online webinars
Please use the Questions tab at the bottom of this page if you have any questions you would like answered, we'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for your interest in regional waste management and helping us find ways to improve it.
Project Overview
The RDKB is updating the region’s Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) along with Sperling Hansen Associates to guide waste avoidance, reduction, and management for the next 10 years. The current SWMP, approved in 2005, requires updating to:
Set the legal framework for managing waste, recycling, and waste reduction/diversion
Evaluate how current systems are performing
Recommend improvements, including opportunities to move toward zero waste
The SWMP update (completion expected summer 2027) will be shaped by:
Engagement with:
Members of the public
Interested parties (e.g., organizations and businesses)
A Public and Technical Advisory Committee
Other government agencies (e.g., school districts, member municipalities)
First Nations See the next section for more details about engagement.
Direction from RDKB staff and elected officials
Review of past work including successes and lessons learned from the 2005 SWMP and the 2013 update process (paused due to regulatory changes)
A circular economy approach See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Engagement by Project Phase
Engagement is essential to ensuring the updated SWMP meets the needs of the region. The phases and timelines below outline the project’s engagement activities.
Stay tuned to RDKB channels— Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn,—and watch/listen for newspaper and radio advertisements for upcoming public engagement opportunities.
Read our launch and survey press releases on our news page: RDKB Latest News
Phase 1: Set the Direction
Winter 2025 – Spring 2026
Activities include:
Collecting population and growth projection data
Creation of Public and Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) - Applications closed Jan 9th
Gathering public input on:
Draft principles and goals
What has worked and what has not
Ideas for future strategies
Phase 2: Evaluate Options
Summer 2026
Activities include:
Identifying feasible strategies
Evaluating their potential for inclusion in the updated SWMP
Gathering public input on the list of potential strategies
Phase 3: Plan Preparation and Submission
Winter 2026 –Spring 2027
Activities include:
Finalizing the SWMP with public input
Submitting the completed plan to the Ministry for approval
Formal adoption and implementation by the RDKB once approved
How can we improve waste management in our region? Please share your idea(s) and stories! Consider ways current services and facilities can be improved AND additional services and/or facilities that would be useful.
How to use this page: You can add your idea(s) and you can comment on the ideas of others. If there are already existing ideas related to what you are entering, comment on it to avoid creating a duplicate idea. If you like one of the ideas that already exists, comment on it!
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
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Using the bar code to get to the questionnaire is too much technology for most of us. There must be something simpler and, no I am not likely to go to the city office to pick up a paper copy.
Too bad! I would have liked to provide input.
Using the bar code to get to the questionnaire is too much technology for most of us. There must be something simpler and, no I am not likely to go to the city office to pick up a paper copy.
Solid Waste Management PTAC - Terms of Reference - Board Approved (167 KB) (pdf)
