Disposal costs for burned materials on the rise

PENTICTON – The tragedy of a structure fire is hard enough, but it is about to be exacerbated by an increase in dumping fees for burned waste at Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen landfills.

Burned waste is generally derived from structure fires and some of the materials may contain lead, mercury and other hazards, making disposal more of a problem. These types of materials are usually building and construction products, which do not break down or compact easily, taking up an inordinate amount of space in the landfill.

As of May 1, it will cost $150 to dispose of up to 500 kilograms of burned waste and an additional $500 for each tonne above 500 kg at the Campbell Mountain and Oliver landfills,  with a $50 minimum charge.

At the Okanagan Falls landfill it will cost $200 for the first 500 kg of burned materials and $700 for each tonne above 500 kg, again with a $50 minimum charge.

The lower fees at Campbell Mountain and Oliver reflect those operations simpler handling capabilities. The Keremeos transfer station does not accept burned waste.

Fees at Campbell Mountain, Oliver and Okanagan Falls landfills will also rise for metal tanks disposed of at the landfill. Propane and other fuel tanks will also cost an additional $1 to dispose of. The fee applies to refillable and non-refillable tanks that hold gas under pressure.

For more information on disposal fees, contact the RDOS at 250-490-4129, or view  rates online at: http://www.rdosmaps.bc.ca/min_bylaws/bylaws/engineering/2015/Landfill_Fees_from_Bylaw.pdf

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.