The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) says curbside collection has led to a significant reduction in waste going to landfills one year after its introduction.
The district says the first 10 months of the program have provided a clearer picture of how much waste previously went to landfill, and the reduction indicates more material is now being recycled.
“Curbside garbage volumes have dropped by 28.6 per cent,” the district said. “At a time when landfill capacity is increasingly limited across British Columbia, the progress made in the Cowichan Valley highlights the importance of implementing proven and effective waste solutions like this.”
The CVRD says effective waste diversion relies on small, consistent actions from residents, and participation has helped keep the program running safely and smoothly.
The district says it is continuing to invest in upgrades, including measures to improve curbside collection and deter wildlife from accessing garbage bins as a secondary food source.
“As bears learn to seek out residential properties for food, they become a safety concern for neighbourhood children, pets and livestock,” the district said. “To ensure curbside waste material does not become a bear attractant, residents are asked not to leave waste out overnight, to rinse recyclables and to put bins out after 5 a.m.”
