INFORMATION RELEASE

Draft Solid Waste Management Plan engagement events

The Regional District of Okanagan‑Similkameen (RDOS) is seeking community input on the draft Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). The SWMP establishes the region’s long-term approach to waste reduction, recycling, and organics management for the next decade. RDOS residents, First Nations communities, member municipality residents, businesses, and community organizations are invited to attend. Public engagement events will take place throughout March 2026 at locations across the RDOS. Event dates are shown below.

You can view the draft Solid Waste Management Plan and complete the comment form on the SWMP project page at rdosregionalconnections.ca. If you are unable to attend an engagement event, you can submit written feedback via the comment form. Your feedback will help shape the SWMP and ensure it reflects community priorities for waste reduction, recycling, organics, and long-term service planning.

The following topics will be discussed at the engagement events, in addition to questions from residents:

1) New or expanded organics/composting programs coming to the Regional District

• Organics represent 40% of the waste disposed from residential and commercial sources. Diverting organics has been identified as the number one way to extend the life of our landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. An introduction or expansion of organics collection and processing, such as food scraps, will help save landfill space and cut emissions.

2) Recycling convenience improvements 

• Improvements are planned for depots and specialty-item collections to make recycling simpler and more accessible. Share what works for your household and what would make recycling more convenient in your area.

3) System efficiency and cost savings 

• The RDOS has multiple small disposal sites that are not as efficient as larger disposal operations. The draft SWMP includes exploring opportunities to make the waste management system more efficient to reduce system costs. Are all current landfills needed? What options should the RDOS consider to reduce system costs? Attend a meeting or submit feedback on the project page at rdosregionalconnections.ca.

4) Environmental and Health Impacts

• Community health and environmental safety are priorities. The draft SWMP proposes measures to reduce emissions, divert waste from landfills, and manage landfill gas. Diverting organics and improving landfill gas management can reduce greenhouse gases, odors and other risks to nearby residents. Learn about monitoring plans, data and potential local impacts on the project page at rdosregionalconnections.ca.

6) Rethink, Reduce and Reuse 

• Managing waste and recyclables takes resources. Providing greater support and opportunities, such as a Repair Café, helps reduce costs and the amount of waste generated. Repair Cafés are community events where people bring broken items to be fixed with the help of volunteers. The draft SWMP promotes Repair Cafés, reuse programs, and more ways to reduce what we throw away.

Project background

On January 22, 2026, the RDOS Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to seek input from the public and interested or affected parties on the draft SWMP. Once approved by the Ministry of Environment and Parks, the new plan will replace the previous 2012 SWMP. 

For further information and to view the draft SWMP, please visit the SWMP project page on the RDOS Regional Connections interactive website at rdosregionalconnections.ca.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

 Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737