Why is the Town moving to carts for garbage and yard waste?
Our existing contract with Waste Connections is expiring. To obtain the best possible pricing for our residents, we joined the regional program which includes the RDOS and other municipalities within the area.
Why do we have to get garbage and yard waste carts?
Waste collection companies have been changing their business model to carts over the past few years to reduce overall costs and ultimately the contract price they offer municipalities. The cart system is also much safer for their operators.
May I opt out of the Residential Curbside Cart Collection program?
No, all eligible households will be transitioning to Curbside Cart Collection.
What is the Standard Cart Package?
The Standard Package is: one 120 litre Garbage Cart, One 240 litre Yard Waste Cart (same size as your recycling cart), and One 240 litre Recycling Cart (which is already supplied by the Town)
The standard package doesn’t meet my households needs. Can I ask for something different?
Yes, you can! Fill out the Cart Change-out form by May 30, 2025 to request a change in your carts.
I have a lot of wildlife in my area and am concerned that they will get into my garbage cart. What can I do?
You can choose to get a wildlife resistant cart.
Is there a charge for choosing a cart that is different than the standard package?
Yes there is a monthly charge if you choose one of the following options:
- Bigger garbage cart (240L): extra $5.00/month
- Second yard waste cart (240L): extra $5.00/month
- Wildlife-resistant garbage cart (120L): extra $4.00/month
- Second recycling cart: extra $5.00/month
I don’t require a yard waste cart, do I have to keep it?
No. If you do not require a yard waste cart, simply fill in the “Cart Change Out Form” and let us know your wishes. There is no additional fee associated with choosing not to have a yard waste cart. Your utility bill will not change from the standard if you choose not to have a yard waste cart.
If I choose a cart that is not part of the “standard cart package” when will the additional fees be added to my utility bill?
Fees for carts not part of the standard cart package will being to be charged monthly starting January 1, 2026 and will be added to your utility bill automatically.
Do I have to fill out a Cart Change-Out Form?
No. If you want the “standard cart package” you do not need to fill in the form or contact the town. No form – standard package!
The standard cart package does not meet my needs. What do I do?
Complete the Cart change out form by May 30, 2025 and the cart selection you identify will be delivered later this fall.
What is the deadline date to inform the town that I do not want the standard package?
The deadline date is May 30, 2025.
What happens if my household conditions change, and I need to change my cart needs after May 30, 2025?
You can change your cart selection after the May 30th deadline; however, there will be a one-time administrative fee of $45 per cart change.
When will the new carts be delivered?
The estimated delivery is November, 2025.
Will the landfill accept compostable yard waste?
Yes, the landfill accepts compostable yard waste for free (up to 100kg)!
Will the waste collection frequency change once cart collection starts?
No, garbage will still be collected weekly, and recycling and yard waste will alternate weeks.
I have a long or steep driveway, am I supposed to move the carts every week?
Carts may be kept at the end of your driveway on your property, to be rolled to the collection point and filled with waste on the morning of your collection day.
I don’t generate a lot of waste, is there an option for me?
Yes, there is an option in the Cart Change-Out form to downsize your yard waste cart. You may also choose to not have a Yard Waste Cart. There is no smaller option (120 litres) for a Garbage Cart.
My household produces a lot of yard waste, am I restricted to the size of the cart?
For those that generate a lot of yard waste, a second 240L Yard Waste Cart can be selected. In addition, there will be unlimited yard waste collection dates during periods of high accumulation, such as the spring and fall, when yard waste in paper bags will also be accepted.
What about food scraps? Will the Town of Osoyoos start collecting them at the curb?
Collection of food scraps is planned to begin once a regional composting facility is completed. For now, do not put food scraps in your yard waste bin. Food scraps belong in the garbage or in your personal composter.
I already own a cart; can I continue to use it instead of receiving a new cart?
If you have a cart that fits within the specifications, you have an option. Upon inspection and approval, the Town will purchase your cart for $35. Your cart will become town property but will remain with your residence for continued use. It your cart does not meet the standard cart package, monthly fees will occur as per any other being used in the community. It is important to note that once the cart program is implemented, in or around November 2025, no personally owned carts can be used.
What happens if I own my own cart but don’t want to sell it to the Town, can I continue to use my cart for garbage pick-up?
No. Once the Town starts the automated cart program in about November 2025, you will no longer be able to use carts that are not Town issued?
I currently rent a cart from Waste Connections for yard waste and/or garbage and/or another recycling cart, what do I do?
The carts you are currently renting from Waste Connections will become the property of the Town and will stay with your property. However, if the size of cart you currently have from Waste Connections does not meet your needs, you can make a change by filling out the “Waste Connections Cart Change Out Form”.
What Happens If I currently rent an additional cart from Waste Connections for recycling?
Residents renting multiple carts from Waste Connections will need to fill out the Rental Cart Information Form by May 30, 2025. If you are only renting a garbage cart, fill out the Cart Change-out form if you require any changes to the standard cart package.
I currently rent carts from Waste Connections, will I continue to pay them?
Once the Town’s cart program is rolled out later this year (planned for November) Waste Connections will be issuing you a refund for the remainder of your contract with them.
