The Waste Reduction Office has a number of programs throughout the year to promote waste reduction efforts and a cleaner region.
Book recycling program
After a successful trial, the RDCO has extended the book recycling program to help Central Okanagan residents recycle their old books. The goal is to prevent books from getting tossed into curbside recycling carts.
How to recycle books |
Two ways to dispose of old books:1. Is the book damaged or outdated (older than 5 years)? Drop off for recycling at one of these locations:
2. Is the book gently used? Donate or sell it:
What kinds of books are considered outdated and should be recycled rather than donated?
What happens to the books dropped off for recycling?Books dropped off at designated collection bins will be picked up by Planet Earth Recycling and transported back to their depot in West Kelowna. All books will get a final sort through and good books will be removed and resold. The rest will have the bindings cut off and the paper recycled. |
Christmas tree chipping
Don't chuck it, chip it! If you have a real Christmas tree, it can be dropped off free of charge for chipping from December 26 through January 31. Remove all tinsel, decorations and bags used for transporting and leave your tree at one of several convenient locations. Trees can also be cut into pieces and added to your curbside yard waste cart for pick up once collection resumes March 1.
Where to chip Christmas trees |
Kelowna LocationsGlenmore Landfill 2710 John Hindle Drive, Kelowna Open Monday to Sunday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed December 25, 26 and January 1 Accepts 3 trees per vehicle for free - load must be tarped. Trees mixed with other yard waste are subject to fees.
Ben Lee Park In parking lot at Houghton Road, Kelowna
Cook Road Boat Launch At Cook Road and Lakeshore Drive
West Kelowna LocationWestside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre 2640 Asquith Road, West Kelowna Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Closed December 25 and January 1
Lake Country LocationJack Seaton Park parking lot 1950 Camp Road, Lake Country |
Community clean-up
Each April, for Community Clean-up month, the RDCO encourages residents to get involved by doing some light spring cleaning in local neighbourhoods. Clean-up events can be organized at any time of the year. We support cleanup projects by providing gloves, bags and picking up litter filled bags when you are done.
Organize a community clean-up event |
April is Community clean-up monthHere's how it works:
Clean-up project registration form
See how it's done
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Create memories, not garbage*
Get in the spirit of the holiday season by creating memories rather than garbage with your gift and wrapping choices.
- Gift planning: Memorable gifts start with thoughtful planning. Find out what your gift recipients need/want before you make impulse purchases.
- Low waste gift ideas: Give the gift of experiences, plan an activity together or offer your services. Consider donations with a symbolic gift (e.g. buy a star), useful items (e.g. sports equipment), or eco-friendly products (e.g. reusable to-go cutlery).
- Wrap wise: Instead of buying wrapping paper to use once, give a second life to materials you already have by wrapping in newspapers, old maps or last year's calendars. Or try reusable materials like fabrics, boxes and gift bags.
- Recycle shipping and wrapping materials: There are all types of shipping packaging and wrapping materials. If you can't reuse, do you know how to recycle them properly? Visit the RecycleBC website to learn what goes where.
* Concept and creative for "Create memories, not garbage" courtesy of Metro Vancouver.
Tips to help reduce holiday waste |
Gift giving ideas
For a full list of great gift ideas, creative wrapping tips and create your own custom coupon for that unique experience gift visit Metro Vancouver’s Website. VideosAdditional information
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Educational programs
Book a free, hour-long program for your classroom. Students will learn where garbage, yard waste and recycling go in the Central Okanagan, strengthening their understanding of why it's important to dispose of waste properly. The presentation will be followed by an interactive sorting game to test what students have learned about recycling.
Book a recycling presentation |
Our Waste Reduction Ambassadors are available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for educational programs. To book your group please email recycle@rdco.com with the following information:
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Household hazardous waste collection events for Transfer Station Users
Many household items can be dangerous if disposed of improperly. Products that contain toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive components are considered household hazardous waste (HHW). We host annual hazardous waste collection events at the North Westside Road Transfer Station and Traders Cove Transfer Station, for residents who use those facilities.
Where to dispose of household hazardous waste |
Special events (for residents only): Where to dispose of HHW year round?Kelowna Recycling aka Battery Doctors is our region’s year-round depot for HHW. Fees may apply.
Safety tips for transporting HHWHHW requires special handling and disposal. You are responsible for the products you use. Our community's health and environment are at risk.
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Pop-up depots
The Regional District hosts pop-up recycling depots for residents in Lake Country and Peachland. These pop-ups provide an opportunity to for residents to drop off depot only recyclables not accepted in curbside carts.
Staff are available at these events to answer questions and accept depot only recyclables such as glass, Styrofoam, plastic bags, flexible plastics, electronics, small appliances, batteries, light bulbs and light fixtures. For residents that do not have curbside collection, containers, paper and cardboard are also accepted. Residential recyclables only, no commercial material will be accepted.
Lake Country pop-up depot events |
Fourth Saturday of the month, March to October, at the parking lot at the corner of Main Street and Hill Road
This year, you have a chance to win one of two prizes at each monthly pop-up you attend, plus an end of season grand prize draw for an e-bike. |
Peachland pop-up depot events |
Second Saturday of the month, March to October, at the Community Centre parking lot on Sixth Street (4450 6th Street), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year, you have a chance to win a $50 gift card from a Peachland business at every recycling pop-up you attend. |