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# Garbage and Recycling
## Notice
### Environmental Protection Notice
## **Operational Certificate 16960**
The draft Landfill Operation Certificate and Environmental Protection Notice are open for a 30-day public review.
View documents and details on how to submit comments: northernrockies.ca/OCdraft
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The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality operates curbside garbage collection on a weekly basis. To enable the use of an automated collection arm, garbage carts need to be a standard size and are supplied by the municipality. The automated collection truck features an extended arm which reaches outward, picks up the garbage bin and dumps the waste into the truck. Carts are tracked by address, so if you move, don't move your cart, there will be one at your new home if it is located within the collection service boundary.
Residents living outside the collection service area shown on the map are responsible for their own waste disposal, either by taking it to the landfill or by renting a dumpster from a local waste management service.
Proper waste management and recycling are key steps in protecting our natural environment. Learn more about how the Northern Rockies promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship on the **Environmental Sustainability page****.**
View the Residential Curbside Collection Bylaw
## Setting out your cart
Carts should be placed:
* on a level surface
* no more than 2 meters from the curb or roadway
* allowing for overhead clearance of at least 3 meters from wires, trees and obstructions
* with a minimum of 1 meter of clearance to the sides and rear
## Garbage
### Curbside collection
Garbage bins must be securely stored, ideally in an enclosed area such as a garage or shed. More detail can be found in our Curbside Collection Bylaw. On collection day, bins should only be curbside between 5:00am and 7:00pm.
Tips on setting out your cart
For information regarding billing, regulations or damaged bins, please call 250.774.2541 or send us an email. If you have challenges with bear-safe storage and concerns about storing your garbage in compliance with the *Garbage Disposal & Wildlife Attractants Bylaw* *-* we are testing a pilot project using a new locking mechanism, contact us to find out more.
For information regarding wildlife attractants or conflict or to report a animal-human conflict, please call the Conservation Officer Service at 1.877.952.RAPP (7277)
For concerns or questions related to curbside pickup service please call Wide Sky Disposal, 250.774.6528.
#### **Things to watch for in winter**
The buildup of snow and ice can impact the ability of the collection truck to do its job. Consider the following when placing your bin to ensure the truck's extended arm can reach it:
* The ideal distance between where the truck can stop on the road and the placement of your bin is 4 to 8 feet.
* The bin is only lifted a few inches off of the ground, please ensure it is accessible, not behind a berm or snowbank and without obstacles or snow build-up.
### Landfill and Landfill Hours
3100 55th Street, Fort Nelson | P: 250.774.7194
A typical residential load, such as the back of a pickup, is charged a flat rate of $5. Commercial loads are a flat rate of $10. Qualifying large appliances are now accepted free of charge through NRRM's partnership with MARR. Learn more in Recycling - Large Appliance Recycling.
Please refer to the *Landfill Tipping Fees and Regulations Bylaw* for further information on guidelines and fees associated with using the landfill.
Hours of Operation
| Day | Open |
| --- | --- |
| ***\*CLOSED on Statutory Holidays*** | |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am - 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am - 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm |
### Vermicompost
The NRRM proudly hosts a successful vermicompost (worm-composting) system which facilitates the composting of organics into premium-quality soil enhancer! Green waste can be dropped off at the landfill in designated green bins free-of-charge.
Originally championed by a local citizen (and vermicomposting aficionado,) the NRRM launched the municipal vermicompost trial project in 2017. Using worms, the vermicomposting process transforms waste into fertilizer in about half the time of standard composting. The trial project was hugely successful and the NRRM has been actively diverting green waste from the landfill through the full-scale vermicompost system since 2019.
The entire vermicompost process occurs locally, allowing the Northern Rockies region to not only divert typical organics such as food and yard waste but also uses paper and cardboard as part of the process which would normally be long hauled south to a recycling plant. While occurring in open air without the requirement for heated buildings or fancy equipment, vermicomposting is an extremely energy efficient process. Additionally, the process turns would-be garbage into Grade A composting - creating its own circular economy!
With the northern climate and the remote nature of the area, the Northern Rockies Vermicompost is a true accomplishment in locally organic waste management!
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. For more information about their initiatives, visit Canada.ca - Environment and Climate Change.
**Northern Rockies Vermicompost Program Guidelines:**
**Grass & Leaves (Yard Waste):**
1. Grass Clippings:
* Acceptable: Grass clippings from lawns.
* Not Acceptable: Grass clippings mixed with synthetic turf, plastic, or other contaminants.
2. Leaves:
* Acceptable: Leaves from trees and plants.
* Not Acceptable: Leaves mixed with plastic, metal, or other non-biodegradable materials.
3. Garden Waste:
* Acceptable: Plant trimmings and garden waste.
* Not Acceptable: Garden waste contaminated with synthetic turf, plastic, or other contaminants.
4. Spent Flower Baskets (not plastic pot):
* Acceptable: Spent flower baskets without plastic pots.
* Not Acceptable: Spent flower baskets with plastic pots.
5. Feathers / Hair:
* Acceptable: Feathers and hair.
* Not Acceptable: Feathers or hair treated with chemicals harmful to worms.
**Wood Waste:**
1. 3" Diameter or Less Unprocessed:
* Acceptable: Unprocessed wood with a diameter of 3 inches or less.
* Not Acceptable: Processed, treated, or painted wood.
2. Trimmed Branches & Bushes:
* Acceptable: Trimmed branches and bushes.
* Not Acceptable: Branches treated with chemicals harmful to worms.
3. NO Treated or Painted Wood:
* Not Acceptable: Any wood treated, stained, or painted.
**Food Waste:**
1. Vegetable Scraps:
* Acceptable: All vegetable scraps.
2. Table Food Scraps:
* - Acceptable: Food scraps from tables, excluding non-biodegradable items.
3. Coffee & Tea Grounds + Paper Filters or Paper Bags:
* Acceptable: Coffee and tea grounds with paper filters or paper bags.
4. Meat Including Bones:
* Acceptable: All meat scraps, including bones.
5. Napkins:
* Acceptable: Used paper napkins.
6. Wax Paper / Boxes (Milk Cartons):
* Acceptable: Wax paper and boxes, including milk cartons.
7. Parchment Paper:
* Acceptable: Parchment paper.
8. Pizza Boxes:
* Acceptable: Pizza boxes without plastic heavily soiled with grease.
9. Cardboard Cups (Restaurant Takeout Cups):
* Acceptable: Cardboard/paper or wax-coated cups from restaurants.
* Not Acceptable: Compostable Plastic cups.
10. NO Compostable **Plastic** Cups/Lids:
* Not Acceptable: Plastics defined as "Compostable"
**Cardboard & Paper:**
1. Cardboard:
* Acceptable: Cardboard, Wax-Coated Cardboard
2. Newspaper:
* Acceptable: Newspaper.
3. Printer Paper:
* Acceptable: Used printer paper.
4. Kleenex / Boxes (Remove Plastic):
* Acceptable: Used tissues and tissue boxes (plastic removed).
5. Envelopes:
* Acceptable: Used envelopes (plastic removed).
6. NO High Gloss Paper (Magazines):
* Not Acceptable: High gloss paper, such as magazines.
Note: It is crucial to avoid introducing contaminants, such as plastic, metal, and chemicals, into the vermicomposting system to ensure optimal worm health and compost quality. Adherence to these guidelines contributes to the success of the Northern Rockies Vermicompost Program.
### Spring Fling
Spring Fling is a municipally-sponsored program where residents can dispose of their garbage free of charge for one week in the Spring. Typically this week starts Victoria Day weekend in May. In addition to free landfill for residents, curbside pick-up is available for residents who are unable to transport large items. Should you need to dispose of appliances or furniture, for example, those items can be placed at the end of your driveway for the Public Works Crew to pick up by arrangement.
**Important note:** This event is for residential waste only. Commercial/Industrial disposal will be subject to regular landfill tipping rates.
### Prohibited Waste
The landfill will not accept the following waste:
- liquid waste of any kind - slurries - empty steel or plastic drums that have not been shredded or crushed - contaminated soils - waste asbestos - waste oil and lubricants - potentially radioactive industrial waste - waste that is on fire or smouldering - lead acid batteries - human waste/sewage - chemical containers - loose wire - creosote-soaked wood - bovine carcasses - hazardous waste - and other items as determined by the Municipality -
## Recycling
### Recycling Depot
Wide Sky Disposals Ltd.
4501 55th Street | P: 250.774.6528
\*The recycling depot is closed on statutory holidays.
**Hours of Operation**
| Day | Open |
| --- | --- |
| Tuesday to Friday | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am - 5:00pm |
| Sunday to Monday | Closed |
Wide Sky Disposals Ltd. coordinates the following recycling stewardship programs:
* Return-It beverage container recycling
* Electrorecycle Small Appliance and Power Tool Recycling Program
* Light Recycling (Fluorescent lightbulbs and tubes)
* Call2Recycle (Batteries)
* ProductCare Recycling (Pesticides, Paint, Smoke Alarms)
* BC Used Oil Management Association (Used Oil)
Please contact Wide Sky Disposals Ltd. for an up-to-date enviro-waste and recycling price list. You can also view Recycle BC's list of accepted materials.
### Tires
* Fort Nelson Tirecraft, 250.774.6372
* OK Tire Fort Nelson, 250.774.5253
* Northern Rockies Landfill, 250.774.7194. Fees apply.
### Used Oil
* Dalex Auto, 250.774.6804
* Widesky Disposal, 250.774.6528
### Clothing and Textiles
* Our Lady of Sorrows Thrift Shop, 250.774.6664
* Fort Nelson Hospice Society Thrift Store, 250.775.0655
### Medications
* I.D.A, Fort Nelson Pharmacy, 250.774.2323
* Save-On-Foods Pharmacy, 250.774.6830
### Ink Cartridges and Toner Bottles
* Ricoh, Online (used Ricoh brand toner products only)
### Propane Cylinders
* Widesky Disposal, 250.774.6528
### Share Shed
The NRRM Share Shed is located at the Landfill Transfer Station. This is the place to be for unwanted items looking for a new home! While you take out the trash, you can leave useable, clean items for someone else, benefitting the community and the Earth. Learn more about this initiative on the Environmental Sustainability page
### Large Appliance Recycling
NRRM has partnered with the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) to offer **FREE year-round recycling** at the Northern Rockies Regional Landfill**.** Check theeligible large appliances lists for all accepted items.
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## Help keep wildlife wild
Consider the following 10 ways to help wildlife:
1. Keep garbage secure.
2. Wait until collection day to put out your waste, recycling and compost.
3. Pick ripe fruit as it ripens and clean up any that falls.
4. Avoid hanging bird feeders during summer months.
5. Feed pets indoors.
6. Manage compost effectively.
7. Protect orchards, beehives and livestock with an electric fence.
8. Respect wildlife by not feeding them.
9. Clean your barbecue.
10. Report any wildlife conflicts immediately by calling the Conservation Officer Service 1.877.952.727
Ensure your garbage bin and surrounding area are kept clean and secure from wildlife. If you have a modified, bear-resistant bin, follow the bear-resistant bin instructions on garbage collection day.
## Notice
### Bottle Donation Program
The NRRM offers fundraising opportunities by providing a collection bin for donated drink cans and bottles. Non-profit organizations can sign up to collect donations for one-month periods. Collection bins are modified for accepting and removing donations easily, and organizations keep all the revenue! Contact us for more information about this program! Don't want to spend time sorting? Drop off your unwanted recycling in collection bins located at Wide Sky Disposal or the municipal landfill.