The RDKB's waste management policy is structured according to the Five R's Hierarchy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Residual Management.

According to policies laid out in the 2005 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, the RDKB provides recycling programs, transfer stations, landfills, and education on Reduce and Reuse opportunities.

During 2004 to 2005 the RDKB conducted the mandatory 5-year review of the Solid Waste Management Plan. The review was carried out by a Public Advisory Committee made up of members of the public, staff from member municipalities and representatives of local waste management companies and the Ministry of Environment.

What is Our Mandate?

Reduce
Reduce is the highest priority in the waste management hierarchy. Waste reduction is defined as decreasing the quantity and toxicity of material that is generated and then thrown away. This means buy less! That's right. If we buy less, we'll create less garbage. For example, buying bulk foods and items with less packaging reduces waste.

Reuse
Reuse is the second R in the waste management hierarchy. Reuse is defined as the repeated use of a product in the same form, but not necessarily for the same purpose. Most of us reuse already without really realizing it. Do you use margarine containers for the kids lunch? Or use old clothes to buff up the car? These are things that most of us do automatically. There are many other ways to reuse items and we have many ideas to share with you.  Check out the list of second hand stores and reuse centres in the RDKB .

Recycle
Recycle is the third R in the waste management hierarchy . Recycle is defined as the source separation of products and materials from the solid waste stream that are no longer useable in their present form, and the use of their material content in the manufacture of new products.

Recover
Recover is the fourth R in the waste management hierarchy. It is defined as the reclamation of energy or recyclable materials from the waste stream by incineration or another method other than composting . There are no Recover programs planned at this time.

Residual Management (Landfills and Transfer stations)
Residual management is the last of the five R's in the waste management hierarchy. It is defined as the disposal of the waste remaining after the application of the other four R's.  Find out what to expect when you go to your local landfill and what can be disposed of and what material is banned.