The City of Campbell River’s popular curbside yard waste collection program starts again Oct. 1 and will run two months, until Nov. 23.
The yard waste drop-off centre is another well-used option for residents. This year between January and the end of August, residents made 10,291 visits to deposit 537.5 tonnes of organic material at the facility off Willis Road.
Residents are also encouraged to use backyard composting to keep valuable organic matter available for re-use in home gardens and landscaping. “Composting is a popular option, and through our composter rebate program we have seen 148 composters and digesters installed this summer,” says Amber Zirnhelt, the City’s sustainability manager. The rebate program was made possible through funding from the Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM).
“With three options available for handling yard waste, we remind residents that disposing of yard waste in nature and in city green spaces is a harmful practice prohibited by city bylaws,” says Councillor Larry Samson. “It’s important that people remember that piles of yard waste can smother and kill native plants, help to spread invasive plants that choke out native species, and, if yard waste is piled on steep slopes and stream banks, dumping can lead to slope failure and erosion.
“Large piles of branches can also be a significant fire hazard,” Samson says. “Thanks to volunteer help from Strategic Group, the City is working to restore a steep slope along Simms Creek after a significant yard waste fire in August. We are anxious to get the bare dirt slope re-planted and stabilized before the rainy season.”
Campbell River’s curbside waste collection service for single family and duplex residential units includes weekly collection of one 80-litre can of garbage (20 kg or 44 lbs weight restriction) and unlimited recyclables throughout the year, unlimited yard waste collection for four months of the year, and a free yard waste drop-off centre. The yard waste drop-off centre is open year-round (Friday to Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and is located on the We Wai Kai Nation land, west of the Inland Highway. For extra garbage collection, residents can purchase a $2 garbage tag, one tag required per extra can.
Tags are available at City Hall, the Community Centre and the Sportsplex.