Solid Waste Management Plan Review

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is reviewing its Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). SWMP reflects a long-term vision for how each regional district manages its solid waste, including diversion and disposal.

The RDOS's current plan was adopted in 2012 after approval from the Ministry of Environment. The new plan will set the legal framework in how waste, recycling and waste reduction is managed and evaluate how our systems are working and recommend areas of improvement. The RDOS SWMP will focus on the 5 "R"s of pollution prevention hierarchy as a tool to evaluate and prioritize future improvements, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover and Residuals Management

To achieve this goal, the RDOS is in search of dedicated individuals to form a Public Advisory Committee (PAC). Committee members representing the following groups and organizations are invited to join the PAC, including Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, business and consumer groups, large waste generators, school districts, chambers of commerce, ratepayers or community associations, and interested residents from all RDOS electoral areas and member municipalities.

The Terms of Reference for the Public Advisory Committee can be viewed in the Documents section of this page.

Applications will be accepted until Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 4:30 pm. Space is limited.

Getting started with the SWMP review

In order to update the SWMP, it is important to understand the current state of solid waste, issues, and challenges. This will allow for innovative solutions, technology improvements, and address evolving needs of the community.

A key component of the review will be consultation with the public and Indigenous communities. Follow along here for more information about the plan and how you can get involved and informed. There will be events and surveys asking for the community input.