Garbage, Recycling & Organics/Yard Waste Collection

ACCEPTED ITEMS IN YOUR ORGANICS / YARD WASTE CART

Food Scraps

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Cheese
• Bread
• Meat
• Fish
• Poultry
• Bones
• Egg Shells
• Coffee grounds
• Rice
• Pasta
• Cereal
• Cookies
• Nuts and Seeds
• Condiments

• Polypropylene-free tea bags

  Food Soiled Paper

• Paper napkins
• Paper plates
• Coffee filters
• Greasy cardboard pizza boxes (non-waxed or plastic coated)

• Silicone-free parchment paper

  Small amounts of cooking fats soaked in paper towels

• Cooking oils
• Fats

• Grease

  Wood Products

• Wood shavings
• Wooden popsicle sticks
• Wooden skewers
• Wooden toothpicks

• Wooden single-use utensils & chopsticks

  Yard Waste

• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Pine needles and cones
• Fruit
• Untreated mulch
• Small sticks and twigs
• Hay and straw

• Branches less than 2cm diameter and 30cm long

  Natural Fiber-Lined Bags

• Paper bags
• Cellulose lined paper bags
• Newspaper

NOT ACCEPTED ITEMS IN YOUR ORGANICS / YARD WASTE CART

• Plastic of any kind
• Plastic bags (including those labelled compostable, biodegradable, oxo-compostable, etc)
• Glass
• Soil and rocks
• Liquid grease and oils
• Metal and rubber products
• Pet waste and cat litter
• Styrofoam
• Coated take out boxes
• Fruit and vegetable stickers
• Waxed/coated paper products
• Takeout coffee cups
• Invasive plants (e.g. puncturevine)
• Diapers
• Household garbage & recycling

Image

Tips & Tricks

• Keep carts in garages, behind gates or inside sheds to reduce the presence of pests and animals
• Use natural cleaners like lemon juice, white vinegar, or baking soda and water to clean your cart
• Line your curbside cart with paper bags or newspaper to absorb liquids, prevent odours and make it easier to clean
• Layer your yard waste and food waste
• Sprinkle baking soda on top of food waste or store your waste in the fridge or freezer to help prevent odours prior to collection day

KITCHEN CATCHERS

The town has kitchen catchers available, free of charge for each eligible household. Additional catchers are available to purchase at the Finance office for $10 + GST each.

Image

The kitchen catchers can be taken apart for washing and are dishwasher safe, so liners are not necessary, but if you wish to use a liner for your catcher, the materials listed below can be used:

• Newspaper or paper bags                                   

• Soiled paper takeout boxes

• Parchment paper

•  **Bag to Earth Organic Compostable Food Waste Bags are available at Canadian Tire in Oliver.

Image

Materials that are NOT ACCEPTED include:

• Plastic bags
• Anything labelled compostable, biodegradable, oxo-compostable, etc. such as the ones below

**The below compostable plastic bags are made from plant-based plastic. The Oliver Landfill facility does not accept these because the plastic does not fully break down at this facility. Plastic can contaminate the finished product (compost) and introduce microplastics into the soil system.

Image

About the Organic Waste Collection Program

• On average in Canada, 42% of residential garbage is compostable
• Approximately 3.7 million British Columbians have a municipal organic waste collection program
• This organic waste initiative is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, extending the lifespan of the Oliver landfill and modernizing the Town’s solid waste collection service
• The composting facility at the Oliver Landfill does not accept any compostable plastic bags because the plastic does not fully break down at this facility. Disposing of plastic in your Organics/Yard Waste cart can introduce microplastics into the soil system
• The Oliver landfill does accept any paper-based liners, such as Bag-To-Earth products and liners made out of newspaper and paper bags

Frequently Asked Questions- Edition 1

Frequently Asked Questions - Edition 2

Frequently Asked Questions - Edition 3

Image

ACCEPTED ITEMS IN YOUR RECYCLING CART

Paper

• Newspapers, inserts and flyers
• Magazines and catalogues
• Telephone books and other directories
• Writing and home office paper, paper envelopes, and notepads
• Paper gift wrap and greeting cards
• Single-use party decor (paper ornaments)

• Shredded paper (package in paper bag or small box before placing in your cart)

  Paper Packaging and Cardboard

• Corrugated cardboard boxes, pizza boxes, moving boxes and Banker’s boxes
• Cardboard and boxboard boxes used for cereal, shoes, tissues, pizza, frozen entrees, etc.
• Carrier trays for bulk cans, bottles, etc
• Cores for paper towels and toilet tissue
• Molded boxboard packaging for egg cartons, take-out beverage trays, paper-based plan pots
• Paper gift bags and boxes
• Paper bags and envelopes
• Multi-layered paper bags for flour, sugar, etc.

• Compressed paper hangers included with clothing

  Cartons and Paper Cups

• Paper cups for hot and cold drinks
• Cartons and boxes for dairy, broth, sauces, etc.

• Coated paper plates and bowls

  Plastic Containers

• Plastic jugs, bottles, jars and tubs with lids
• Plastic clam shells, black-bottom trays with clear tops
• Plastic garden pots and trays
• Plastic pails less than 25L for laundry detergent, ice cream, etc
• Microwavable bowls and cups
• Empty single-use coffee and tea pods; remove lids and do not include lids with recycling
• Rigid plastic packaging for toys, toothbrushes, batteries, etc (remove paper backing and recycle separately)
• Plastic straws, stir sticks, utensils, plates, cups, bowls

• Disposable plastic hangers, tape dispensers and dental floss containers

  Aluminum Containers

• Aluminum cans and lids used for food
• Aluminum foil
• Aluminum foil pie plates and baking trays

• Empty Aluminum spray containers

  Steel Containers

• Cans and lids used for food
• Metal spray containers

• Thin-gauge metal tins (e.g. cookie tins)

  NOT ACCEPTED ITEMS IN YOUR RECYCLING CART

  REUSE, DONATE, OR SELL AND/OR DISCARD IN BLACK GARBAGE CART

• Hardcover or paperback books
• Non-paper/crinkly cellophane and foil gift wrap, ribbons or bows
• Rubber bands
• Padded envelopes
• Durable hangers (wire, metal, wood)
• Ceramic plant pots
• Electronics and appliances
• Scrap metal (e.g. pots & pans)
• Durable storage containers
• Toys
• Dishes and cookware
• Furniture cushions
• Light bulbs and light fixtures
• Window glass or mirrors
• Clothing, textiles and shoes
• Pet waste
• Paper towel, tissue, napkins
• Diapers
• Liquid absorbing pads for meat, poultry and seafood
• Plastic packaging labelled biodegradable or compostable, or oxo-degradable
• Plastic wrap
• Plastic blister packs (e.g. chewing gum or pills)
• Wiring or metal cords
• Blue or pink foam board insulation
• Foam noodles, peanuts and packing chips
• Plastic squeeze tubes
• Flexible 6-pack rings
• Paper bags that include a foil or plastic layer
• Plastic string or rope
• Cardboard boxes with wax coating

Image

Want to recycle something not included here? To find out how to properly dispose of your item, please visit RecycleBC.ca for a complete list of acceptable materials. Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper recycling throughout BC. To learn more about their depots and services provided, visit RecycleBC.ca.

ACCEPTED ITEMS IN YOUR GARBAGE CART

• Pet waste
• Paper towel, tissue, napkins
• Diapers
• Liquid absorbing pads for meat, poultry and seafood
• Plastic packaging labelled biodegradable or compostable, or oxo-degradable
• Plastic wrap
• Plastic blister packs (e.g. chewing gum or pills)
• Wiring or metal cords
• Blue or pink foam board insulation
• Foam noodles, peanuts and packing chips
• Plastic squeeze tubes
• Flexible 6-pack rings
• Paper bags that include a foil or plastic layer
• Plastic string or rope
• Cardboard boxes with wax coating
• Hardcover or paperback books
• Non-paper/crinkly cellophane and foil gift wrap, ribbons or bows
• Rubber bands
• Padded envelopes
• Durable hangers (e.g. wire, metal, wood)
• Ceramic plant pots
• Electronics and appliances
• Scrap metal (e.g. pots & pans)
• Durable storage containers
• Toys
• Dishes and cookware
• Furniture cushions
• Light bulbs and light fixtures
• Window glass or mirrors
• Clothing, textiles and shoes

Image

The Town of Oliver, in cooperation with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, participates in a progressive solid waste management system. There is a strong emphasis on user pay, waste reduction, reuse or recycling, and for residual materials, efficient landfill operation.

Now that all the kitchen/food waste is removed from the garbage, there should not be issues with odour. However, some residents may have diapers or pet waste in their garbage (which is not allowed to be placed in the organics/yard waste carts).  Here are some ideas to help manage odour, especially in the warmer months:

• Ensure all garbage material is bagged and tied shut before placing in the cart.
• Keep the cart lid closed
• Store your garbage cart inside your garage or in the shade as much as possible if the cart is stored outside.
• Sprinkle baking soda in layers throughout your garbage cart.  If you choose to use baking soda, be sure to rinse your cart out with water and vinegar occasionally to keep it clean and fresh.

Next Unlimited Yard Waste Collection - Week of November 10, 2025 

Note: Effective January 2026, there will be no unlimited yard waste pick-ups.

What Goes in Your Yard Waste Cart?

Accepted Items

• Grass clippings
• Food Waste
• Leaves
• Weeds
• Plant trimmings
• Pruning and branches up to 5 cm (2″) in diameter and less than 1 m (3ft) long.
• Pine needles and cones
• Fruit dropping

Not Accepted

• Plastic or compostable bags
• Animal feces or kitty litter
• Dirt, sod, rocks and tree stumps
• Construction or renovation materials
• Plastic plant or flower pots (recyclable)
• Landscape fabric or plastic edging

2026 **BULKY ITEM PICK-UP**  - April 20, 2026 Town Wide

The Large or Bulky item pickup, held on a specific day each year, allows each home to place out two items per year for residential pickup. For the annual pickup date for your area please consult your curbside calendar (see top of page).

• Place out at regular garbage collection area by 7am on Monday morning on scheduled week in a safe area at the curb
• Maximum of 2 items will be accepted

     Large or Bulky items accepted:

• Dishwashers, microwaves, stoves, washing machines, and dryers (please remove door and shelves and place them beside the unit for safer pickup)
• Couches, desks, and chairs
• Barbecues (all drip trays, hoses and propane tanks removed)

• Mattresses and boxsprings (remember placing out a mattress and a box spring would count as 2 items!)

  Items NOT accepted 

• NO TVs or Computer Monitors. Please take computers, monitors and TVs directly to free recycling depots. Click here for information and depot locations. The Campbell Mountain, Oliver and Keremeos Landfills will also take all residential electronic waste free of charge. These items will not be collected.
• NO home renovation/demolition waste, automotive parts, toilets, hot water tanks,  plumbing, other bathroom fixtures, carpet, heat pumps, furnaces or doors.
• NO items containing Freon such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners.

The hours of operation can be found on the Oliver Landfill website.

The Oliver and District Landfill is a jointly funded facility, operated by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. Information is provided on this web site for public convenience. For further information, call the RDOS directly at 250-492-0237 or visit the RDOS website.

The Oliver Landfill is located at 498 Saddle Ridge Road. This facility is open six days a week all year long. It is closed on Sundays, statutory holidays and Boxing Day. The Oliver Landfill can be contacted directly at 250-498-3316.

Yard waste composting is also offered at the Oliver Landfill.  Yard waste is free of charge under 500kg per load.

All loads delivered to the Oliver Landfill must be covered by a tarp, canopy or container to confine the load to the vehicle. All uncovered loads will be charged a double tipping fee.

Besides burying residual waste, this function also supports a community composting operation, recycling and public education on solid waste issues. The solid waste disposal service in Oliver and district is funded through a combination of landfill tipping fees and tax subsidy. The percent of funding through the tax subsidy is decreasing, as the function moves towards a user-pay philosophy. Taxes are collected from all properties in Oliver and Area C based on assessed property values of land and improvements.

Fall chipping services will be available to residents during the week of October 20 - 24, 2025. Spring chipping services will be available to residents during the week of April 13 - 17, 2026. Our public works crews will be collecting branches with diameters ranging from ½ inch up to 4 inches. 

To efficiently manage time, crews will allocate a maximum of 10 minutes of chipping per residence. Residents are advised to make their own arrangements for disposing of large volumes of chipping items. 

To assist our crews, please neatly bundle materials to maximize the volume that can be chipped within the designated time limit. Bundles should be placed exclusively on the boulevard as crews will not be entering private property.

Please pay special attention that all materials are free from dirt, metal (such as nails or wire) and plastic. Contaminated items will not be collected for chipping.

Please ensure branches are placed curbside by 7:00am, Monday, October 20, 2025 and Monday, April 13, 2026.

Fall 2026 chipping services are to be announced - stay tuned to oliver.ca for updates.

For further inquiries, contact the Public Works Office at 
250-485-6213.