While regional government provides garbage collection for residents, businesses handle their waste disposal through private haulers. However, this section of the website is designed to assist you with considerations for Reducing, Reusing and Recycling waste in your workplace. As part of this assistance we have provided a selection of tips and strategies to help you achieve these aims. Each company should modify these tips and strategies according to their particular needs. Many of these tips and strategies will also result in cost savings. For more information on how to reduce waste in the workplace, view a copy of the Seven Easy Steps to Reduce Waste in the Workplace Directory.  Additionally, for more information about the products that help reduce Solid Waste for businesses in the Central Okanagan and Green Purchasing view the Green Purchasing Guide.

Standard Regulations

Mandatory Recyclables and Materials banned from Landfills:
Regardless of which waste hauler you use, there are certain materials that are not accepted for burial at local landfills, either because there are already disposal programs in place for these items, or because they are hazardous to waste collection workers and the public. Materials banned from disposal facilities include:

• Cardboard and Mixed Waste Paper - MUST BE RECYCLED.  Computer paper, fine white paper, coloured paper, envelopes newspaper etc. are mandatory recyclables.  Loads containing these items are subject to fines.  Contact your Waste Hauler or for information or for setting up a Workplace Recycling Program visit our Wastewise@work page or contact the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250.  For information on disposal options for Office and Retail materials, view the Commercial Recycling Directory.
• Metal food and beverage containers, Household plastic containers marked #1-#7 and Plastic film: MUST BE RECYCLED.
• White Goods (large metal appliances such as refrigerators, stoves and water heaters) MUST BE RECYCLED.  View the Commercial Recycling Directory for disposal options.  There are drop off locations located at landfill sites.
• Hazardous Wastes - Hazardous materials can leach into the ground and contaminate the soil and ground water and become dangerous to people, pets and the environment if deposited at the landfill.  They may be hazardous in many different ways (corrosive, ignitable, infectious, reactive, toxic or bio-accumulative).  These materials include, but are not limited to, solvents, oil, pesticides, paints and cleaners, and are not accepted in commercial garbage collection programs.   For information on disposal options for hazardous materials, view a copy of the Hazardous Materials Directory
• Asphalt & Concrete MUST BE RECYCLED - View the Commercial Recycling Directory for disposal options.  There are special bins located at landfill sites.
• Gypsum/Drywall - all drywall from construction and demolition MUST BE RECYCLED.  There are special bins located at landfill sites.
• All products included in the BC Ministry of Environment Product Stewardship Program (Beverage containers, Electronics and electrical equipment, lead acid batteries, Used lubricating oil and filters, Pharmaceuticals, Paints, Solvents, Gas, Pesticides, Tires are banned from the landfill) See www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/recycling/ for program details and depot locations.
  

List of Commercial Haulers

Commercial Waste and Recycling Haulers

• 1-877-Garbage 1-877-427-2243
• 1-800-Got-Junk 1-800-468-5865
• BFI (250) 765-0565
• For Less Disposal (250) 878-4998
• Get it Gone Rubbish Removal (250) 860-8033
• Kelowna Junk Removal (250) 718-0992 
• OK Rubbish Removal (250) 215-4499
• Orchard Valley Disposal (250) 868-2424
• Planet Wise Recovery Inc. (250) 862-2467
• Smithrite Disposal (604)529-4030
• Super Save Disposal 1-800-665-2800
• Waste Management (250) 861-8788

Commercial Recycling Pickup Services

• Lexco Recycling Services (250) 868-9465
• Metro Waste Paper Recovery (250) 491-2242
• Valley Pro Recycling (250) 717-6056