Snowy streets may cause waste collection delays

With snow in the forecast, the Regional District of Central Okanagan reminds residents that sudden or excessive snow accumulation may result in delays for curbside garbage, recycling and yard waste collection in the region.

Residents receiving curbside pickup are reminded that if your pickup is missed on your collection day, notify the curbside collection hauler and leave your carts out until collection occurs. Please be patient; safety comes first.

“Unplowed, slippery roads can be unsafe for large collection vehicles. Clearing roads to ensure safety is the priority before collection can resume,” said Cynthia Coates, Solid Waste Supervisor for the Regional District of Central Okanagan. “If your garbage, recycling, or yard waste is missed, please be patient. The hauler will collect it as soon as conditions allow.”

During the winter months, residents may need to adjust the regular placement of carts to ensure the collection vehicle can reach them.

Some tips to make collection easier include:

• Clear an unobstructed area to put your cart.
• Clear your cart of snow and ice to ensure the driver can see the colour of the lid, and to ensure the lid opens freely.
• Put carts as close as possible to the street, without obstructing the street, sidewalk or bike lane (Often placing your carts on either side of your driveway allows for greater ease for the collection trucks).
• Keep carts off the roadway. Do not place carts in a location where a snowplow could hit them.
• Place carts out no earlier than 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection. (Avoid placing carts out the night before as plows often work at night).
• If carts are not collected by 7:00 p.m. bring them in and set them back out the next day before 7:00 a.m.
• Always leave an arm’s length between each cart. The cart should be no closer than three feet (1 metre) from any obstacle, parked car or other cart.
• Do not place carts behind or on top of snowbanks.
• Please use extra caution when wheeling carts in snowy and icy conditions.

Find out how to report a missed collection at rdco.com/collection.

For more information on proper placement and how to handle your carts in winter conditions, visit the RDCO YouTube channel.