The Regional District of Central Kootenay is rolling out new rules for the disposal of organic waste in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (IC&I) sector, giving businesses a nine-month window in 2026 to adapt.
The RDCK said in a press release the regulation will first target larger food-focused operations in Nelson, Creston, Salmo and Castlegar, where organic waste services are available.
Targeted operations include grocery stores, busy restaurants and commercial food manufacturers.
Commercial, non-residential waste from these communities that arrives at the Creston Landfill, Ootischenia Landfill, Central Transfer Station and Grohman Narrows Transfer Station will eventually be required to separate compostable organic waste from other garbage.
“Our board wants to encourage organic waste diversion by supporting the private sector with rebates and reduced tipping fees,” said Aimee Watson, RDCK board chair.
“Alongside these incentives, we recognize that regulation is the most effective tool the regional district has for achieving the levels of participation needed to meet our waste diversion goals.”
If the IC&I sector participates fully, the RDCK estimates up to 3,900 tonnes of compostable organic waste could be kept out of regional landfills each year.
The sector accounts for roughly 45 per cent of the region’s landfill waste, with about 35 per cent estimated to be compostable organics, making it the largest single waste diversion opportunity in the region.
The RDCK will contact affected businesses by phone or email to help them prepare.
The new rules were included in the RDCK’s Resource Recovery Facilities Regulatory Bylaw update for 2026, which defines compostable organic waste from IC&I sources as a type of recyclable material.
Recyclable materials are defined as items that can be easily separated from mixed waste and diverted to cost-effective recycling solutions.
Under the bylaw, if more than 10 per cent of a load of waste contains recyclable materials, the entire load may be subject to a variable tipping fee. The fee, currently $354.50 per tonne, doubles the cost of mixed waste.
The regional district said the approach has already helped reduce materials such as corrugated cardboard in landfills.
A subsidized tipping fee of $55 per tonne for separated organic waste from the IC&I sector will be maintained in 2026. Mixed waste is currently charged at $177.25 per tonne.
Businesses and institutions will have most of the year to adjust their operations. However, by September 2026, the RDCK said it will begin issuing warnings before applying the variable tipping fee to loads containing more than 10 per cent organic waste.
Enforcement could start earlier for larger generators such as grocery stores.
“Keeping organic waste out of our region’s landfills is a strategic priority of the RDCK and a key part of the Resource Recovery Plan. RDCK landfills have finite lifespans, and this material takes up much needed space,” the RDCK said.
“When landfilled, organic waste releases large amounts of methane as it rots without oxygen, making it a source of potent greenhouse gases that significantly contribute to Canada’s emissions.”
To support businesses, the RDCK is offering a limited number of $400 rebates for materials and supplies related to organics recycling.
Rebates are available to businesses in and around Castlegar, Creston, Nelson and Salmo and will be issued on a first come, first served basis.
Waste separation signage and other resources are also available free online to download and print.
Resource Recovery Staff are available to provide implementation guidance, process rebates, and answer questions.
Impacted operations are encouraged to be in touch via the RDCK’s engagement platform: engage.rdck.ca; or contact the Organics Team directly: organics@rdck.ca.
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