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last mo.

Kelowna and West Kelowna Councils Reject Regional Curbside Food Waste Pickup

Soaring per-household costs without Kelowna’s support have led the RDCO to seek input from remaining municipalities before presenting an updated plan by July.

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Overview

  • Kelowna City Council voted against the curbside food waste pickup program on June 10, citing a 30–35% tax increase, unclear long-term costs, potential odour issues and its exclusion of multi-family homes.
  • West Kelowna’s council rejected the plan on June 11, a move that would drive per-household fees above $150 without Kelowna’s participation.
  • The RDCO estimated the program would cost $63 per household annually with full regional participation, funding a new transfer station to process mixed food and yard waste.
  • Separating food scraps at the Glenmore landfill could extend its life by about four years, generating an estimated $48 million in revenue and $170 million in regional economic benefit while diverting 25% of landfill waste.
  • The Regional District of Central Okanagan will gather feedback from other municipalities and present an updated report to its board by the end of July, with plans to revisit the initiative in 2030.