Change is coming to the McKelvey Creek Regional Landfill

The Environmental Services team at the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) is urging local residents, contractors and businesses to be aware of changes coming soon to the McKelvey Creek Regional landfill in Trail.

Depending upon the weather, construction is likely to start on February 27th and the existing recycling area will be moved to a different location on site on Friday, 24th February.

“The upgrade of the facility over the next number of months will create the infrastructure that is needed for the implementation of the upcoming Organics Diversion Project,” says RDKB’s general manager of environmental services Janine Dougall who is leading the team responsible for rolling out the green bin program in Areas A and B and the municipalities of Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose and Fruitvale in October 2023. “We’re hoping that once works start at McKelvey, people will use available alternative services and only come to the landfill if they really have to.  We’re confident that everyone will play their part in reducing delays, and will always remain courteous to staff on site,” she adds. 

Landfill users are being encouraged to use their curbside collection service for garbage and to use The Bottle Depot in the Gulch for their household recyclables and deposit-based items.

“Before you make a trip to the landfill, check rdkb.com, social media and follow the project “Join the Conversation” to keep up to date with the latest site news.  Closures are possible and road layouts will change. Tipping fees will be based on volume not weight when the scale is not operational and material will need to be separated and pre-sorted before arrival,” explains Dougall.

General construction works will encompass the demolition of existing infrastructure, expansion of the current transfer station area, the relocation of the recycling area, new pavement and pavement strengthening, two new weigh scales and scale building and the installation of a water and sewer (septic service).  Other project components include the installation of fibre optic internet connectivity which will improve point of sale services.

“The initiation of food waste collection and diversion from landfill is a significant opportunity for the RDKB to minimize green house gas emissions from landfill.  The project also brings cost efficiencies, will extend the landfill’s life and the addition of a second scale will improve wait times and reduce congestion on site.  It’s a great development for the area and will be worth the short-term pain while construction is being carried out,” says RDKB’s board chair and Area B/Lower Columbia-Old Glory director Linda Worley. “On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to thank our staff for the extensive planning and preparation that has gotten us to this stage in the process,” she adds.

Following the development of the 2019 Organics Management Strategy, an Organics Infrastructure and Collection Program grant valued at $702,000 was secured and is supporting RDKB’s initiation of the new residential green bin curbside collection program.

Visit https://jointheconversation.rdkb.com/ to follow the McKelvey Creek Regional Landfill 2023 Upgrade & Construction Project, ask questions, engage with RDKB staff working on it and view volume based tipping fees.

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