FAQ

Phase 1: Program expansion start and data collection

On March 1, 2023, residents can top up their organics cart with leaves, grass and light yard trimmings.

To inform the service for Phase 2, RDN staff will begin tracking how many households are putting these materials in their organics carts and the amount of material we are collecting. 

Phase 2: Data analysis and program optimization

In 2024, RDN staff will review the data collected after the Phase 1 launch and prepare recommendations for the Regional Board.

These results will show us how to optimize the expanded program and how we can best support the needs of our residents while providing sustainable waste diversion solutions.

As of March 1, 2023, RDN residents can top up their organics cart with grass, leaves and light yard trimmings.

Light yard trimmings include twigs, small branches and prunings that are less than 1.5 cm (0.5 inches) in diameter and no longer than 60 cm (2 feet). To ensure collection, the lid of the organics cart must be able to fully close.

The following items are accepted in the organics cart:

• kitchen scraps 
• flowers 
• soiled paper 
• organic materials
• weeds
• vegetable stalks
• hedge clippings
• light trimmings no larger than 1.5 cm (0.5 inches) in diameter and no longer than 60 cm (2 feet) in length 
• leaves
• lawn clippings

The following items are not accepted in the green organics cart. For a more comprehensive list please visit rdn.bc.ca/food-waste-collection 

• garbage
• diapers
• pet waste including cat litter
• styrofoam and cork 
• construction or renovation material

The following priority invasive plants cannot be put into the organics cart:

• Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
• Invasive Knotweeds (Fallopia x / Polygonum polystachum)
• Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
• Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)
• Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris)
• Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum (T)
• Gorse (Ulex europaeus) 
• Daphne/Spurge-Laurel (Daphne laureola)

Click on the above invasive plant type to see a helpful image. To learn more about invasive species in the RDN visit: getinvolved.rdn.ca/invasivespecies or bcinvasives.ca/take-action/identify/

The priority invasive plants which are currently identified for management through controlled landfilling are:

• Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
• Invasive Knotweeds (Fallopia x / Polygonum polystachum)
• Garlic Mustard(External link) (Alliaria petiolata)
• Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)
• Wild Chervil(External link) (Anthriscus sylvestris)
• Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum (T)

These plants meet the following criteria:

1. Identified by the BC Inter-Ministry Invasive Species Working Group (IMISWG) as invasive species that can spread through infested soil after indoor industrial composting processing; and,
2. Are in listed the Prevent, Eradicate or Contain management categories of priority invasive plants by the Coastal Invasive Species Committee.

For information on how to appropriately dispose of priority invasive plant species, visit rdn.bc.ca/solid-waste-controlled-waste-disposal

All households will continue to use their current 100 litre organics cart that can be topped up with leaves, grass and light yard trimmings. The 100 litre organics cart is the only size available during Phase 1.

Alternative cart size options will be considered in the 2024 staff report based on participation, resident feedback and material volumes.

Collecting yard waste at the curb will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve local air quality and provide residents with a safe and cost-effective way to dispose of non-priority invasive species:

• A reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by hundreds of CO2e tonnes can be achieved through the yard waste collection program. This is due to a decrease in visits to the landfill or transfer stations and a reduction in the frequency of trips made by haulers that transfer compost and yard waste to the compost facility. By providing curbside disposal for yard waste, the number of visits to these sites can be significantly decreased, reducing GHG emissions.
• Improving local air quality by decreasing the frequency and necessity of backyard burning.
• Provide residents with a safe and cost-effective way to dispose of non-priority invasive species.
• Providing residents with the option to dispose of non-priority invasive species at the curb. 

Curbside organics materials, now including leaves, grass and light yard trimmings, are taken to Convertus Nanaimo composting facility located in Duke Point. There the materials are screened for contaminants, processed with in-vessel industrial composting technology, and then sold to local end markets. For more information about waste disposal, residents can visit rdn.bc.ca/what-goes-where.

If your curbside carts currently have the Regional District of Nanaimo logo, then you will automatically be eligible to top up your organics cart with leaves, grass and light yard trimmings beginning March 1, 2023.

Residential single-family dwellings in the following communities are provided with curbside service by the RDN (with the exception of the City of Nanaimo residents who are serviced directly by municipal public works):

Area A - Cassidy, Cedar, Yellowpoint, South Wellington

Area B - Gabriola

Area C - Extension, Arrowsmith-Benson, East Wellington, Pleasant Valley

Area E - Nanoose Bay

Area F - Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, Whiskey Creek, Meadowood

Area G - French Creek, Dashwood, Englishman River, San Pariel, Little Qualicum

Area H - Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay, Bowser

District of Lantzville

City of Parksville

Town of Qualicum Beach

Click here for the online RDN Utilities Property Information Map

Yes, you can continue to use compostable bags, paper bags or lining your cart with newspaper, however, it is not required.

If you choose to use a compostable bag, it must have one of the following certification logos:

During the Solid Waste Management Plan review and curbside contract procurement in 2019, the possibility of including yard and garden waste in the residential waste collection was discussed. However, after consulting with residents, it was found that the cost of including yard waste was too high and residents chose to take their yard waste to facilities themselves.

Recently, the RDN applied for a Clean BC grant, which was successful and resulted in a reduction of residents' annual utility fees. As a result, the Board agreed unanimously to add yard waste to the organics cart for a low cost of $2.00 in 2023 and 2024.

Please place leaves, grass and light yard trimmings loosely into your cart (without a bag) when possible. If you’re concerned about the materials sticking to the sides or bottom of your cart, we recommend:

• Use crumbled-up balls of flyer sheets or newspapers at the bottom 
• Place your food waste at the bottom of the cart 
• Layer wet material with dry material
• Wrap high-moisture food contents with newspapers or flyers. 
• Put material into your cart closer to collection day. 

If you need to use a yard waste paper liner bag, please ensure the following:

• The bag is made of one thin layer of paper, with no shiny coatings or liners.
• The bag and its contents are no larger than 60 cm (2 feet) in length, width or depth.
• It is placed loosely in the cart – it might not fall out if crammed or stuffed into the cart.

The annual utility rate will increase by approximately $2.00 in 2023 and 2024. 

This low-cost increase is a result of a successful application for a Clean BC grant, adventitious and forward-looking contracts with Waste Connections Canada and Convertus Waste, as well as the utilization of RDN Curbside Reserve Funds.

No, the utility fee is determined by the size of your garbage cart.    

No, the utility fee is determined by the size of your garbage cart only, not by the weight of your materials. 

Based on the results of Phase 1, alternative organics cart options will be considered. Annual billing fees will remain consistent with the Solid Waste Management Plan. However, if alternative cart options are offered, annual rates would reflect this cart size increase for those who choose to upsize.

No, please continue placing your cart in your typical collection location. 

General tips to remember:

• If you fill your cart 3/4 full, please leave the cart in the unlocked position
• place wheels against the curb without impeding roadway or bike lanes
• Leave 1m (~3ft) of space around your carts
• Do not block the sidewalks, roadway, or bike lanes
• Keep carts at least 1m away from any obstacles above or beside the carts. Obstacles may include barriers like cars, poles, and utility boxes.

If you have no sidewalk or curb, please place the carts at the end of your driveway, adjacent to the roadway.  

No, we will only collect leaves, grass and light yard trimmings contained inside your organics cart, with the lid fully closed. 

Wet, lightweight yard waste can settle and stick to the sides and bottom of the cart. To ensure your cart fully empties when tipped above the truck, please consider the tips below to prevent material from sticking inside the cart:

• Use crumpled-up balls of flyer sheets or newspapers at the bottom of the green cart before putting any food or yard waste in.
• Layer wet material (kitchen scraps) with dry material (leaves, newspaper). 
• Wrap high-moisture food contents in newspapers or flyers. 
• Put the material into your cart closer to collection day.
• If possible before your material is collected, dislodge any frozen contents in your cart by shaking the cart.