Regional District of Nanaimo Launches Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program
Posted in: News Item
Date Posted: 2023-07-13
Organization Name: Regional District of Nanaimo
Location: Nanaimo
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has launched a program for residents to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) items that are not accepted through the Province of BC’s HHW recycling program. The RDN’s HHW program will accept flammable, corrosive, reactive and poisonous household products that are not regulated by the Province. These non-regulated products are categorized based on their usage: automotive products, household chemicals, building supply products, gardening and pest control products, hobby chemicals, personal care products, compressed gases and mercury-containing products. The RDN will also accept regulated products that do not meet provincial program collection criteria, such as products in unlabeled, damaged or non-original containers.
“The Household Hazardous Waste program is part of the RDN’s Solid Waste Management Plan and will help prevent hazardous waste from being illegally dumped and ending up in our forests and waterways,” said Vanessa Craig, RDN Chair. “This new program provides a safe and low-cost means to dispose of household hazardous waste and supports the RDN’s 90 per cent waste diversion goal.”
Tipping fees and surcharges will apply to eligible HHW disposed of at the Regional Landfill and the Church Road Transfer Station. Tipping fees start at a flat rate of $10 for loads up to 25 kg and a rate of $0.30 per kg for loads greater than 25 kg. Surcharges of $5 to $50 will apply for certain items. Detailed fees are available on our website and are subject to change. Operational funds will offset program costs to ensure the tipping fees needed to operate the program are affordable for residents. The RDN will review the program after the first two years of operation to ensure it continues to be an efficient and cost-effective way for RDN residents to divert hazardous products to RDN facilities for proper disposal.
Provincial HHW recycling programs currently collect several common types of recyclable HHW products that are listed in BC’s Recycling Regulation. These include most consumer-grade paints and stains, select pesticides and flammable liquids, gasoline, used oil and antifreeze, batteries and medications. The RDN does not these accept these materials. Items that fall under the provincial HHW recycling program can be returned to participating recycling depots without an appointment and at no additional charge.
Residents wishing to dispose of eligible household hazardous waste at an RDN facility must first register their materials by scheduling an appointment as the RDN is unable to accommodate unscheduled drop-offs. This step will improve safety for residents and RDN staff, ensure prohibited materials are directed to the proper disposal locations and reduce tipping fees and operational costs. Appointments can be scheduled online at rdn.bc.ca/hhw, by using the RDN Curbside app or calling the RDN HHW hotline at 250-390-5427.
For more information about the program, a list of the items accepted at RDN facilities and how to register HHW for drop-off, visit rdn.bc.ca/hhw. Residents can also visit rdn.bc.ca/what-goes-where for disposal instructions on hazardous items for both the RDN and provincial HHW programs. For information on the RDN’s Solid Waste Management Plan, visit rdn.bc.ca/solid-waste-management-plan.