What's the Solution?
Improving the way we manage our waste is one of the most significant things we can do to impact our GHG emissions.

Recycling and composting significantly reduces our personal carbon footprint.

Backyard composting is the most cost-effective way to keep organic material out of the landfill, however, not everyone can do that. We still need to find a way to keep those compostables out of our garbage stream.

The RDKB is already operating a composting program that diverts wood and Yard & Garden waste. We are now preparing to expand our composting program to include food waste.

Unfortunately, voluntary waste reduction programs yield limited results. The RDKB is investigating efficient curbside collection systems that will require all residents to sort their waste into three material streams:

• food waste (which comprises 40% of present garbage),
• recyclable materials (50%) and
• residuals (10%)
  
  We all have a part to play in waste reduction.

The Kettle Valley experiences high levels of airborne particulates from agricultural and backyard burning. These-low temperature burns release CO2, dioxins and furans into the air we breath.

Burning leaves, grass and other organics wastes the nutrients in the materials and quick-releases CO2 into the atmosphere. Check out the Province's Air Quality webpage for more info. 

What can you do right now to reduce what is buried in the landfill?

It doesn't matter where you live, rural or urban, we all shop at the same stores and then bring the same type of garbage to the landfill.

Roughly 25% of the food we purchase at the grocery store ends up in the garbage. To reduce your garbage, start by wasting less.

If you have a yard, you are probably already composting your garden waste and leaves. The next step is to compost your kitchen scraps. Even in bear country this can done safely.

Grass is best left right on the lawn. Grasscycling returns nutrients to your lawn, right where they came from, and where they are needed.

These days, recycling is the norm for everyone. All clean paper, tin cans, rigid plastic, film plastic and cardboard can be recycled. Check out www.rdkb.com to find out more.

Other materials can be recycled; batteries, used tires, used oil, oil filters, small appliances, computers, TVs, beverage containers and 'lots more'... Call the BC Recycling Hotline to find out more: 1-800-667-4321