There is still strong support for a curbside food waste collection program according to the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO).

In June, the RDCO launched Phase 2 of public engagement. It included considerations for the location of a transfer station, frequency of collection, associated costs and further opportunities for community engagement.  

More than 4,200 residents participated and the survey revealed strong support for the program with 76 per cent of respondents in favour. About 70 per cent of residents supported moving to bi-weekly garbage collection if yard waste and food waste are collected weekly.

鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly encouraging to see how engaged residents have been in the food waste engagement process,鈥� said Cynthia Coates, RDCO supervisor of solid waste. 鈥淭he feedback we have received is invaluable and will guide us in designing a service that works for everyone.鈥�

Similar concerns to those identified in Phase 1 were raised regarding program costs and potential wildlife issues. About 27 per cent of respondents supported the program but were unwilling to pay for it. About 50 per cent were willing to pay at least $66 annually for the service. 

Public engagement will be shared with municipal councils over the next few weeks for feedback, and an update presented to the Regional Board in the fall of 2024.