Engagement update: February 26, 2024

UPDATE: February 26, 2024

Thank you to everyone who has submitted comments on yoursay.rdco.com on the proposed food waste collection program for Central Okanagan residents. We appreciate your feedback.

We officially launched this site in October 2023 as part of Phase One of a public engagement process to share information about the current waste collection process, why food waste collection is now being considered, and to offer a space for you to ask questions and provide comments.

Phase one of engagement also included conducting a statistically valid survey with approximately 1800 randomly selected residents. This was completed in December 2023.

The goal of Phase One of engagement was to measure overall community support for a food waste collection program and identify concerns residents may have regarding this type of program.

A summary of the results have been compiled here: “What We Heard Report: Phase One Food Waste Engagement for the RDCO”. Phase One of the engagement process is now complete.

On February 22, 2024 the Regional Board received results of the "What We Heard Report". The report indicated as a region, 73% would support a curbside food waste program and 83% said they would likely participate in a food waste program if it was implemented.

Next steps for the project include additional public engagement focused on potential service design and delivery, with a proposal to be brought forward to the Regional Board by the end of 2024.

Service design to include:

• where composting of food waste will take place
• if a transfer station is required
• costs related to collection, transport and processing of food waste
• frequency of collection
• identifying further public consultation and education needs

Stay tuned to yoursay.rdco.com for updates on Phase Two of the proposed food waste program.