After successfully piloting the project in 2014, the Regional District of Central Kootenay says a seasonal a free yard and garden waste program at the Crawford Bay and Boswell transfer stations is now permanent.
Every year in April and October residents will be able to deposit their yard and garden waste at the facilities without having to pay tipping fees.
The RDCK hopes it reduces the burning of yard waste and improves local air quality.
“Every spring and fall there is a noticeable drop in air quality due from people burning their yard and garden waste,” says East Shore regional director Garry Jackman.
“Last April at the east sub-region facilities, 373 loads of yard and garden waste were brought in for deposit that may otherwise have been burned. To me, that is a success story and shows that the program should continue permanently.”
Yard and garden waste materials that qualify for free tipping fees include hedge clippings, weeds, shrubs, and shrub and tree branches less than 15 cm in diameter. Materials that do not qualify include tree stumps, noxious weeds, rocks, sand, soil and fruits and vegetables.