By Roy Wood, Special to the Times Chronicle
As Osoyoos moves to a new automated residential waste collection system, property owners will receive a letter this month asking about their preferences around the size of garbage, yard waste and recycling carts.
According to a report to council from CAO Rod Risling, the town’s waste collection contract expires in July 2026, and the work of preparing to replace it is in full swing.
Osoyoos benefits from RDOS’s switch to a new system later this year, offering a chance to learn from their experience. Wrote Risling: “The Town is learning from their transition process and is expecting to have our cart program rolled out by the end of this year.”
The new Osoyoos system from Solid Waste Collection will see the collection of garbage, yard waste, and recycling become more automated and will require carts compatible with the technology.
The letter to property owners will inquire as to the size of carts preferred for the yard waste and garbage, either 120 or 240 litres. Recycling already uses the 240-litre carts exclusively. The results of the survey will allow the town to purchase the appropriate number of the variously sized carts.
Under the bylaw, residents who opt for the larger carts will pay an additional monthly charge.
According to Risling’s report: “Administration is planning to mail out the survey on cart needs by the end of the month.
“It is important for those wanting deviations from the standard package to respond by the May deadline. Although users can make changes after the deadline, there will be a one-time $45 administration/delivery charge applied.”
Property owners who have a 120-litre garbage cart will be offered the chance to sell it back to the town for $35 in anticipation of purchasing a 240-litre replacement.
