Garbage and Recycling

What can or can't I Recycle?

Have a look at the Living Greener Calendar, put out every year by the Waste Reduction Office.

Where can I recycle small appliance or power tools?

The Small Appliance Recycling Program accepts all these and more. Visit their website for all the details. The nearest depot to Lake Country is the Columbia Bottle Depot at 680 Dease Road, 250-763-2554.

What day is my garbage collected?

All garbage, recycling and yard waste is collected on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your location. Check the collection schedule to find out which day is your collection day.

How should I place my waste collection cart for pick-up?

• Place carts out by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day. Please do not place your carts out before your collection day to reduce conflicts with wildlife.
• Park It! Place your carts on the street, with the wheels against the curb, if there is one, or just off the roadway on the shoulder. Do not place carts in bike lanes or block sidewalks. Carts must not be an obstacle for cyclists or pedestrians. RDCO Cart Placement Information
• Point It! The arrow on the cart lid must point to the centre of the road.
• Space It! Leave 1m (3ft) of space between each cart and any obstacles to allow for truck access.

Can I get a larger recycling or yard waste container?

Yes, complete the Garbage Cart Request.

Why didn't my garbage get picked up?

Was your garbage out on the right day and time (before 7:00 a.m.)? If yes, call the garbage contractor, Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S) at 250-868-3211 or email info-bc@e360s.ca.

Why did they take my garbage but not my recycling/yard waste?

There are two trucks: one for garbage and one for recycling/yard waste, in addition to a dual-commodity split-body truck. They do not travel the routes together and therefore pick up at different times. If your recycling/yard waste has not been picked up, please call the recycling contractor, Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S) at 250-868-3211 or email info-bc@e360s.ca.

When does yard waste and household recycling get picked up?

Recycling and yard waste are picked up on alternate weeks. Recycling is collected year-round; yard waste is collected March 1 through December starting in 2019.  We recommend you download the Recycle Coach app which provides scheduling information, tips on what can you can put in your cart and where to dispose of different types of material, as well as curbside pick up of garbage, recycling and yard waste, visit regionaldistrict.com/recyclecoach or you can use the online tool at RDCO Recycle. Check the Collection Schedule or contact Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S) at 250-868-3211 or email info-bc@e360s.ca.

I just built a house. How do I arrange for pick-up?

Fill out a Garbage Cart Request and select New Service. 

Where can I find more information about composting?

Various options for managing organic waste continue to be considered. Check out this page for more info: Composting - Regional District of Central Okanagan (rdco.com)

I hear I'm going to get a "Utility" bill for Garbage, Sewer & Recycling in 2022 - what's up with that? 

Utility invoices are going to look different beginning July 2022.  Up until now, Utilities invoices have only included user fees related to the supply of water. The biggest change property owners in Lake Country will notice is that Garbage, Recycling, and Sewer user fees will now be included on Utility invoices (charges were previously listed on Property Tax Notices).

If you are not a District water customer, but own property in Lake Country, you will begin receiving quarterly Utility invoices beginning July 2022.  Utility invoices for non-District Water customers will include Garbage, Recycling and Sewer user fees (if applicable), prorated over four quarters.

If you currently subscribe to paperless Utility invoices – the service will be suspended beginning July 2022 but will resume in 2023.