What is the new bylaw and where is three-stream sorting required in the RDN?

    As of January 2025, all properties in the RDN are required to have bins for separating food scraps, recycling - and landfill items/ garbage. This requirement is included in the Mandatory Waste Source Separation bylaw (No 1812) and marks an expansion in three-stream sorting requirements to include all business and organization properties as well as multi-family residences. 

    Why is the RDN expanding this requirement?

    The RDN has a goal to reach 90 per cent waste diversion from the landfill, move towards zero waste, and extend the life of the Regional Landfill. Diverting from business, organization and multi-family residences are central to meeting regional goals; about 72% of the garbage going to landfill comes from these buildings. Further, 75% of this garbage sent to is actually recyclable or compostable. The new Mandatory Waste Source Separation bylaw will help move the needle by including all properties in the RDN in the diversion requirements.

    How does this apply to my business?

    Every site is going to have a different set of needs, and assessing what materials you generate and what you can recycle will be part of the planning. There are a few key things to consider:

    • The diversion requirement applies to both your staff/internal operations as well as to customers. For example: a hotel will have to plan for three-stream sorting within its guest rooms, as well as how it’s handled in back offices or lunchrooms.
    • Waste haulers in the RDN have incentive to divert waste from the landfill and understand the three stream sorting requirement. Seek input from the Guide for Contracting a Waste Hauler and the Waste Hauler List handouts to inform contract review and gauge who offers multi-stream collection services.
    • Tools for sorting and managing your in-house collection system are instrumental to successful three stream sorting. See Discount handouts for Containers and Bags. 

    Who’s going to collect my food scraps, recycling and landfill items / garbage?

    Multi-family properties and those zoned as commercial/industrial currently coordinate their own waste collection, and will need to work with their own waste collector to accommodate these new requirements.

    How can I get support to keep food scraps and recycling out of landfill - and meet regional district requirements?

    Request a free onsite technical assistance site visit! The RDN is trialing a Sort Smart – Waste Less Technical Assistance Program (Sort Smart Program) in 2025/2026. Your site visit will:

    • Include a walk through to see what materials are generated at your site, from initial use through collection, to:
      • Identify what (else) can be reduced or diverted
      • Propose system efficiencies and leverage ways to manage costs over time
    • Provide practical resources and tools to update your system and educate your staff, plus a follow up support visit
    • Offer an opportunity to be recognized as a Sort Smart Partner – and qualify for future recognition initiatives – by successfully completing the Sort Smart Scorecard 1.0. 

    How can I get information about three-stream sorting requirements in another language?

    If any resource is needed in another language besides English, please reach out to zerowaste@rdn.bc.ca.