Phase 2 engagement results now available

UPDATE: August 29, 2024

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent food waste survey and Phase 2 engagement! Your input has been invaluable, and we couldn't have done it without you.

In June, the Regional District of Central Okanagan launched Phase 2 of our food waste engagement initiative. We aimed to gather more feedback on various aspects of food waste collection, including considerations for locating a transfer station, the frequency of garbage collection (weekly or bi-weekly), associated costs, and further opportunities for community engagement.

View What We Heard Phase 2 Report.

This phase followed our initial engagement in the fall of 2023.

What We Heard: Phase 2 Food Waste Engagement

Key Highlights:

• Strong Support for Curbside Collection: 76% of survey respondents are in favor of a curbside food waste collection service.
• Bi-Weekly Garbage Collection: 70% support or strongly support moving to bi-weekly garbage collection if yard waste and food waste are collected weekly.
• Cost Concerns: While 50% are willing to pay at least $66 annually for a food waste program, 27% want the program but do not support a tax/utility bill increase, and 19% do not support food waste collection at all.
• Wildlife and Pest Issues: While 24% have no wildlife concerns, 72% are concerned that food waste collection could attract pests like rats, bears, and raccoons.
• Transfer Station Priorities: Residents prioritize the cost of the facility, pest and wildlife management, and odour control when considering the location for a transfer station.

Over 4,200 residents participated in the Phase 2 survey, and more than 8,000 visited our engagement page in June. Our staff also connected with over 500 residents at outreach events throughout the region.

Next Steps:

Throughout September, we will present the results of Phase 1 and 2 to municipal councils across the region. Feedback from these councils and public engagement results will help us design an effective program that meets residents' needs and addresses their concerns. We will present an update to the Regional Board in the fall of 2024, where the Board will decide on the next steps for developing a curbside food waste collection service.

Stay updated on the project by visiting yoursay.rdco.com.

Past updates:

To view the entire engagement process to date, visit the "Past updates" section or click the links below:

• July 3, 2024 - Phase 2 launch
• February 26, 2024 - Phase 1 results
• October 2023 - Phase 1 launch