At the June 16, 2022 Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) Board meeting, the CSWM Board approved and adopted updates to the “Comox Strathcona Waste Management Service Tipping Fee and Solid Waste Disposal Regulation Bylaw No. 720, 2022”. These changes are intended to drive positive behavioural change and reduce unnecessary waste going into the landfill by applying financial penalties and higher enforcement levels for contaminated loads.
“We understand that increased costs for residents and businesses are never ideal but necessary to keep up with rising costs to balance the solid waste budget,” says Vivian Schau, Senior Manager of CSWM Services. “To reduce your tip fee, we are encouraging customers to sort your materials before coming to the landfill and divert recyclables which will save you both time and money.”
The goal of this tip fee update is to encourage behavior change aimed at reducing waste and thereby extending the life of our landfill, which ultimately saves money for all taxpayers.”
Frequently Asked Questions - Bylaw 720 Fee Changes
The following fee changes are as follows:
2023 In-Area Tipping Fees Changes
| Material | Unit of Measure | Current | Proposed | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Solid Waste | per tonne | $140 | $145 | $5 |
| Asbestos Containing Materials | per tonne | $250 | $275 | $25 |
| Clean Fill | per tonne | $15 | $25 | $10 |
| Clean Wood Waste | per tonne | $120 | $100 | -$20 |
| Comingled Food and Yard Waste | per tonne | $45 | $110 | $65 |
| Construction and Demolition Waste without Recyclable Materials or Prohibited Waste | per tonne | $140 | $145 | $5 |
| Construction and Demolition Waste containing Recyclable Materials or Prohibited Waste | per tonne | $140 | $330 | $190 |
| Cut Grass and Leaves | per tonne | $0 | $65 | $65 |
| Gypsum - Divertible | per tonne | $225 | $240 | $15 |
| Mattresses | per tonne | $15 | $20 | $5 |
| Refrigerant Containing Units not covered by Stewardship Materials | per tonne | $140 | $145 | $5 |
| Rubble | per tonne | $15 | $25 | $10 |
| Non-Stewardship Tires and tires on rims | per tonne | $140 | $145 | $5 |
Garbage (municipal solid waste) - $10 minimum charge for up to 100 kilograms (kg) still applies.
The violations and penalties portion of the Bylaw was updated to provide clarity and add enforcement tools for the CSWM service:
- to recover the full costs associated with proper disposal, special handling and/or cleanup/abatement resulting from any waste received in contravention of the Bylaw;
- impose fines for contravention of the Bylaw under the regional district’s new Bylaw adjudication system (Bylaw No. 687); and
- the ability to temporarily or permanently prohibit any person who contravenes provisions of the Bylaw, specifically geared towards offensive behaviour, continued contraventions and repeat contamination infractions.
The fee changes will be implemented starting on January 1, 2023. For more information on Bylaw 720 and to learn more about how these changes may affect you, visit our CSWM Bylaws and Policies page.
Media contact:
Vivian Schau
Senior Manager of CSWM Services
Tel: 250-334-6025