Reminder about temporary restrictions at RDCK waste facilities
April 1, 2020
Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is reminding everyone of the temporary restrictions currently in place at RDCK-operated waste facilities to allow for the safe operation of those sites and to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The RDCK also wants to ensure that sites are not overwhelmed with waste that can be safely stored at home until the restrictions are lifted.
“Our first priority is the safety of staff and the public, and we have taken specific steps to reduce contact between customers and staff at our sites,” said Uli Wolf, General Manager of Environmental Services at the RDCK. “We understand that some people might want to take advantage of their time at home to clean up their yards or clean out their closets, but we need people to understand that now is not the time to bring that material to one of our sites.”
Waste that does not attract pests or pose a health risk should be left at home. “It may be an eyesore, but non-household waste or excess volumes may cause a strain on our facilities and will be turned away,” said Mr. Wolf.
The RDCK is not currently accepting payment for residential waste disposal at the sites in order to limit contact between staff and customers. However, customers who bring excess loads will be turned away. Commercial customers will continue to have charges placed on account and may bring all material types at this time.
Customers may only dispose of one load per week per household, with loads up to the equivalent of one pick-up truck bed (< 1 m3).
Customers must stay home and not come to a site if they feel unwell or if they have potentially been exposed to the coronavirus.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding at this time, as we do all we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Mr. Wolf. “Thank you also for your respectful behaviour towards RDCK staff who continue to provide essential services to the public under these difficult circumstances.”
More information and a guide to what is accepted and what is not is available on the RDCK website here: https://rdck.ca/EN/main/services/waste-recycling.html
OTHER CHANGES TO SERVICES AS A RESULT OF COVID-19
- Applications for Rezoning, OCP Amendment, and Temporary Use Permits: Due to the current situation, the RDCK is challenged in its ability to safely host a public hearing. With that in mind, and in an effort to keep everyone safe, the RDCK may not be able to complete applications already in process wherein this legislative requirement has not yet been met. For owners considering applying for Rezoning, OCP Amendment, or Temporary Use Permit applications, this may delay your projects.
- Regional parks and trails: Currently regional parks and trails remain open. If you feel sick or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please refrain from using our parks at this time. Please practice responsible social distancing by staying two metres away from other people, do not gather in groups, and be respectful of other park users. All skate parks and playgrounds are closed.
Further updates will be shared as needed, and will be also posted on our website here: https://rdck.ca/EN/main/services/emergency-management/covid-19-updates.html
For more resources relating to COVID-19, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
Incorporated in 1965, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is a local government that serves 60,000 residents in 11 electoral areas and nine member municipalities. The RDCK provides more than 160 services, including community facilities, fire protection and emergency services, grants, planning and land use, regional parks, resource recovery and handling, transit, water services and much more. For more information about the RDCK, visit www.rdck.ca.
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For media inquiries, contact the RDCK Emergency Information Officer at EOCInfo@rdck.bc.ca.
For all other inquiries, contact the main RDCK reception during business hours: toll-free at 1-800-268-7325 or (250) 352-6665, info@rdck.bc.ca.
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The content on this page was last updated April 1 2020 at 9:49 AM