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Environmental Services
Nakusp Facility Transitions from Landfill to Transfer Station
Nakusp Waste Facility is now a Transfer Station
Major upgrades to the Nakusp Waste Facility are complete, marking a significant step in its transition from an active landfill to a modern transfer station in 2025.
Upgrades included the installation of a new tipping area and compacting bins; part of a long-term strategy to enhance waste management services, control costs, and improve environmental performance.
The decision to consolidate landfilling across the RDCK was first recommended in 2009 to reduce operating costs and improve environmental outcomes. Currently, RDCK landfills operate without engineered liners or leachate treatment systems. While these are not required for existing RDCK landfill cells, any new cells will require costly infrastructure to meet modern standards; transitioning the Nakusp site to a transfer station and hauling waste to the Ootischenia Landfill, will allow the region to avoid the higher costs of meeting these standards.
Over 90% of waste-related emissions in Nakusp stem from landfill decomposition rather than transportation. Although hauling waste to Ootischenia may slightly increase emissions in the short term, significant reductions are expected by the mid-2030s, when Ootischenia begins managing landfill gas—an initiative not feasible at smaller sites like Nakusp.
The Ootischenia Landfill will be developed as an engineered landfill, including liners and a leachate collection and treatment system, reducing the impact of waste on the receiving environment.
In 2026, as Nakusp residents adjust to the service changes, RDCK Staff will strive to accommodate residents, municipal partners, and contractors, through assessing larger loads (greater than 5 m3 or 2,000 kg) on a case-by-case basis. Loads that exceed bin capacity or posing a threat to infrastructure or hauling safety (e.g., dense boulders or concrete which can damage bins or create weight imbalances) will be directed to Ootischenia for disposal.
As with all RDCK transfer stations, the following Controlled Wastes will not be accepted at Nakusp once landfilling ends:
- Contaminated soil
- Municipal wastewater biosolids
- Dead animals (quantities over 121 litres / 27 imperial gallons)
- Land clearing debris (quantities over 1.5 cubic metres)
- Asbestos containing materials
For a full list of controlled waste materials, please see our User Guide Brochure for the West Subregion.
The Nakusp Transfer Station will continue to operate its septage pit until alternative service options are assessed for the Nakusp area.