Curbside Organics

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Garbage Collection Schedule Change Beginning Soon

The last major shift in the curbside collection program will debut in December. Curbside collection of Garbage will transition to every other week, like Recycling. Area 1 organics collection will remain on Tuesdays. Area 2 organics collection will move to Wednesdays. Garbage collection will be every other week on Thursdays, and Recycling will remain every other week on Fridays. Area 1 will have their first bi-weekly garbage collection on Thursday, December 5th. Area 2 will have their first bi-weekly garbage collection on Thursday, December 12th.

Transitioning to every other week garbage collection allows the community to maximize the use of our Recycling and Organics carts. Make sure you refer to your schedule to ensure you have your bins out on the right days.

Organics Collection Program

The City’s new curbside organics program launched on September 23 with weekly collection of organics now underway. This new service is the first step towards the City’s goal of redirecting all organics from the landfill, which will extend the lifespan of our landfill, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the compost produced will reduce the need to import topsoil into the valley for City projects.

Use this site to check what types of materials are accepted in your new organics cart (and what items should stay out of your bin!), changes to curbside garbage collection, and learn some tips to maintain your new curbside cart and kitchen bin.

If you have a question, check out the Q & A section below for previously answered questions, or send us your own!

On collection day, simply put out your new City-supplied organics cart for pickup. Until the first week of December, your curbside garbage collection service will remain the same. Once you’ve gotten comfortable using your organics cart, garbage collection will change to every other week, just like recycling.

To accommodate our growing City, the boundaries of Area 1 and 2 have shifted to include Alpine Trails and Parkland Terrace neighborhoods to Area 1 collection days. These neighbourhoods will be part of Area 1 starting with the first organics collection on September 23rd.

Items Accepted in the Organic Bins

You’ll be able to put a range of items in your organics bin, from yard waste and food scraps to pizza boxes, kitty litter, and chopsticks! Organic waste will be converted into Class B compost soil that will stay in the Elk Valley and be used for City/municipal landscaping projects. To ensure the quality of the soil produced, only put things in your organics bin that are on the list of acceptable items.

Prohibited Items:

Please do not compost ashes, pet waste (other than kitty litter), fruit and vegetable stickers, plastics bin liners, rubber bands, and twist ties.

If you can't determine if an item is compostable, you can do any of the following:

1) Review acceptable items at fernie.ca/organics

2) Email operations@fernie.ca for clarification

3) Put it in your garbage bin

Cleaning Your Carts

In addition to regular cleaning, sprinkling a small amount of baking soda, garden lime, or vinegar in your curbside bin and kitchen catcher will help to reduce odours. Commercial bin cleaning services are also available in the valley. A clean bin will reduce the chance for wildlife interactions.

What About Wildlife?

Although the carts are bear resistant (bear-resistant carts are only certified to withstand a bear for one hour), wildlife will be attracted to any accessible cart, bear-resistant or not.

Things you can do to prevent bear and other wildlife temptations:

  • Between collection days, store your curbside bins in a secure location that is inaccessible to wildlife.
  • Do not bring your carts to the curb until 5 am on collection days.
  • Pick ripe fruit and collect any fallen fruit around your property. This can go in your organics cart!
  • Manage attractants such as BBQs, pet food and bird feeders by keeping them clean or out of reach.

Waste Regulation Bylaw & Fines

The City of Fernie’s Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845, requires that all wildlife attractants such as garbage, organic waste, and carts be safely stored so it is not accessible by wildlife. Carts should be brought to the curb only on the morning of your designated pickup day and no earlier than 5:00 am. Carts must be out by 7:00 am to ensure collection.

If a cart is damaged either willfully or accidentally by the actions of a homeowner, such as leaving a garbage cart in an accessible location and it being damaged by a bear, homeowners are responsible for the cost to repair or replace the cart. A ticket may also be levied against the homeowner for having wildlife attractants accessible. The first offense ticket is $250, and a second or subsequent offense per year is $500.

Have questions? We're here! Submit a question, email us at operations@fernie.ca or visit fernie.ca/organics for more information on waste, recycling and organics collection.

Garbage Collection Schedule Change Beginning Soon

The last major shift in the curbside collection program will debut in December. Curbside collection of Garbage will transition to every other week, like Recycling. Area 1 organics collection will remain on Tuesdays. Area 2 organics collection will move to Wednesdays. Garbage collection will be every other week on Thursdays, and Recycling will remain every other week on Fridays. Area 1 will have their first bi-weekly garbage collection on Thursday, December 5th. Area 2 will have their first bi-weekly garbage collection on Thursday, December 12th.

Transitioning to every other week garbage collection allows the community to maximize the use of our Recycling and Organics carts. Make sure you refer to your schedule to ensure you have your bins out on the right days.

Organics Collection Program

The City’s new curbside organics program launched on September 23 with weekly collection of organics now underway. This new service is the first step towards the City’s goal of redirecting all organics from the landfill, which will extend the lifespan of our landfill, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the compost produced will reduce the need to import topsoil into the valley for City projects.

Use this site to check what types of materials are accepted in your new organics cart (and what items should stay out of your bin!), changes to curbside garbage collection, and learn some tips to maintain your new curbside cart and kitchen bin.

If you have a question, check out the Q & A section below for previously answered questions, or send us your own!

On collection day, simply put out your new City-supplied organics cart for pickup. Until the first week of December, your curbside garbage collection service will remain the same. Once you’ve gotten comfortable using your organics cart, garbage collection will change to every other week, just like recycling.

To accommodate our growing City, the boundaries of Area 1 and 2 have shifted to include Alpine Trails and Parkland Terrace neighborhoods to Area 1 collection days. These neighbourhoods will be part of Area 1 starting with the first organics collection on September 23rd.

Items Accepted in the Organic Bins

You’ll be able to put a range of items in your organics bin, from yard waste and food scraps to pizza boxes, kitty litter, and chopsticks! Organic waste will be converted into Class B compost soil that will stay in the Elk Valley and be used for City/municipal landscaping projects. To ensure the quality of the soil produced, only put things in your organics bin that are on the list of acceptable items.

Prohibited Items:

Please do not compost ashes, pet waste (other than kitty litter), fruit and vegetable stickers, plastics bin liners, rubber bands, and twist ties.

If you can't determine if an item is compostable, you can do any of the following:

1) Review acceptable items at fernie.ca/organics

2) Email operations@fernie.ca for clarification

3) Put it in your garbage bin

Cleaning Your Carts

In addition to regular cleaning, sprinkling a small amount of baking soda, garden lime, or vinegar in your curbside bin and kitchen catcher will help to reduce odours. Commercial bin cleaning services are also available in the valley. A clean bin will reduce the chance for wildlife interactions.

What About Wildlife?

Although the carts are bear resistant (bear-resistant carts are only certified to withstand a bear for one hour), wildlife will be attracted to any accessible cart, bear-resistant or not.

Things you can do to prevent bear and other wildlife temptations:

  • Between collection days, store your curbside bins in a secure location that is inaccessible to wildlife.
  • Do not bring your carts to the curb until 5 am on collection days.
  • Pick ripe fruit and collect any fallen fruit around your property. This can go in your organics cart!
  • Manage attractants such as BBQs, pet food and bird feeders by keeping them clean or out of reach.

Waste Regulation Bylaw & Fines

The City of Fernie’s Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845, requires that all wildlife attractants such as garbage, organic waste, and carts be safely stored so it is not accessible by wildlife. Carts should be brought to the curb only on the morning of your designated pickup day and no earlier than 5:00 am. Carts must be out by 7:00 am to ensure collection.

If a cart is damaged either willfully or accidentally by the actions of a homeowner, such as leaving a garbage cart in an accessible location and it being damaged by a bear, homeowners are responsible for the cost to repair or replace the cart. A ticket may also be levied against the homeowner for having wildlife attractants accessible. The first offense ticket is $250, and a second or subsequent offense per year is $500.

Have questions? We're here! Submit a question, email us at operations@fernie.ca or visit fernie.ca/organics for more information on waste, recycling and organics collection.

Q&A

Have a question about the NEW curbside organics program, ask us here! Check out what other people have asked about below. 

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  • Share I have heard that there is someone doing cleaning of these bins do you have any info yu can share on Facebook Share I have heard that there is someone doing cleaning of these bins do you have any info yu can share on Twitter Share I have heard that there is someone doing cleaning of these bins do you have any info yu can share on Linkedin Email I have heard that there is someone doing cleaning of these bins do you have any info yu can share link

    I have heard that there is someone doing cleaning of these bins do you have any info yu can share

    Taylor asked 1 day ago

    Hi Taylor, there is a private service in the valley that offers seasonal cart cleaning. Their website is here: Kootenay Canitizers.  This private company is not associated with the City. 

    maintenance
    maintenance
  • Share How do we acquire another garbage waste bin? We also need a replacement as the bear lock on our current bin is broken. Currently we have a house of 3 tenants and a stand-alone bungalow with 2 tenants sharing the one bin. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough room for everyone’s garbage. on Facebook Share How do we acquire another garbage waste bin? We also need a replacement as the bear lock on our current bin is broken. Currently we have a house of 3 tenants and a stand-alone bungalow with 2 tenants sharing the one bin. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough room for everyone’s garbage. on Twitter Share How do we acquire another garbage waste bin? We also need a replacement as the bear lock on our current bin is broken. Currently we have a house of 3 tenants and a stand-alone bungalow with 2 tenants sharing the one bin. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough room for everyone’s garbage. on Linkedin Email How do we acquire another garbage waste bin? We also need a replacement as the bear lock on our current bin is broken. Currently we have a house of 3 tenants and a stand-alone bungalow with 2 tenants sharing the one bin. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough room for everyone’s garbage. link

    How do we acquire another garbage waste bin? We also need a replacement as the bear lock on our current bin is broken. Currently we have a house of 3 tenants and a stand-alone bungalow with 2 tenants sharing the one bin. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough room for everyone’s garbage.

    Bethany asked 6 days ago

    Hello Bethany, all repair and replacements of curbside carts are managed through City Hall,  please call 250-423-6817. At this time, we only provide one garbage, organics, and recycling cart per legal suite. If the house and bungalow are two separate legal suites, then you can get a set of bins per home. City Hall can also organize that. 

     If it is your organics bin that has the broken lock, our collector, GFL, requires the household to ensure the cart is rinsed out for the repair or replacement. GFL will not accept a dirty cart. Now of course, if the problem is that you can't unlock your cart, that the lid is stuck shut, you are not required to rinse out the insides. You can't get in there! 

    carts,maintenance
    carts maintenance
  • Share Because of the varied and new schedule of three weekly pick ups, I was wondering if the city could please have a similar text reminder program that The City if Cranbrook has begun- please see here. https://cranbrook.ca/news/sign-up-for-garbage-curbside-recycling-reminders-to-your-phone-through-311-app on Facebook Share Because of the varied and new schedule of three weekly pick ups, I was wondering if the city could please have a similar text reminder program that The City if Cranbrook has begun- please see here. https://cranbrook.ca/news/sign-up-for-garbage-curbside-recycling-reminders-to-your-phone-through-311-app on Twitter Share Because of the varied and new schedule of three weekly pick ups, I was wondering if the city could please have a similar text reminder program that The City if Cranbrook has begun- please see here. https://cranbrook.ca/news/sign-up-for-garbage-curbside-recycling-reminders-to-your-phone-through-311-app on Linkedin Email Because of the varied and new schedule of three weekly pick ups, I was wondering if the city could please have a similar text reminder program that The City if Cranbrook has begun- please see here. https://cranbrook.ca/news/sign-up-for-garbage-curbside-recycling-reminders-to-your-phone-through-311-app link

    Because of the varied and new schedule of three weekly pick ups, I was wondering if the city could please have a similar text reminder program that The City if Cranbrook has begun- please see here. https://cranbrook.ca/news/sign-up-for-garbage-curbside-recycling-reminders-to-your-phone-through-311-app

    Anie asked 9 days ago

    Hi Anie, thank you for the suggestion. We will look into it! 

    rollout
    rollout
  • Share I see on the distributed paper work that compost bin bags- even those specifically noted as compostable - are not allowed in our area? I know that they are allowed in other cities. May I ask why they are prohibited in Fernie ? on Facebook Share I see on the distributed paper work that compost bin bags- even those specifically noted as compostable - are not allowed in our area? I know that they are allowed in other cities. May I ask why they are prohibited in Fernie ? on Twitter Share I see on the distributed paper work that compost bin bags- even those specifically noted as compostable - are not allowed in our area? I know that they are allowed in other cities. May I ask why they are prohibited in Fernie ? on Linkedin Email I see on the distributed paper work that compost bin bags- even those specifically noted as compostable - are not allowed in our area? I know that they are allowed in other cities. May I ask why they are prohibited in Fernie ? link

    I see on the distributed paper work that compost bin bags- even those specifically noted as compostable - are not allowed in our area? I know that they are allowed in other cities. May I ask why they are prohibited in Fernie ?

    If asked 8 days ago

    Hello If, not all compostable bin bags, or "liners", are created equal. Our Organics Processing Facility, run by the RDEK, is not designed to break down compostable plastics. Other cities use different styles of organics processing, and so they can handle different types of materials. Bin liners made of 100% paper, or using your old pizza boxes, flyers, or newspaper as a liner are all accepted in this program.  

    liners,prohibited materials
    liners prohibited materials
  • Share Can we put compostable plastic bags in the curbside organics bin? With Thanks. on Facebook Share Can we put compostable plastic bags in the curbside organics bin? With Thanks. on Twitter Share Can we put compostable plastic bags in the curbside organics bin? With Thanks. on Linkedin Email Can we put compostable plastic bags in the curbside organics bin? With Thanks. link

    Can we put compostable plastic bags in the curbside organics bin? With Thanks.

    Sarah asked 18 days ago

    Hi Sarah, no - please keep compostable and biodegradable plastics out of the organics cart. They do not break down completely at our local facility and create challenges. Instead, you can use things like paper bags, paper coffee filters or old newspaper to line your kitchen catcher bin. 

    liners,prohibited materials
    liners prohibited materials
  • Share Is the organic waste being collected from Fernie, and temporarily transported to the sub regional landfill until the Sparwood composting facility is open, just going in the landfill? on Facebook Share Is the organic waste being collected from Fernie, and temporarily transported to the sub regional landfill until the Sparwood composting facility is open, just going in the landfill? on Twitter Share Is the organic waste being collected from Fernie, and temporarily transported to the sub regional landfill until the Sparwood composting facility is open, just going in the landfill? on Linkedin Email Is the organic waste being collected from Fernie, and temporarily transported to the sub regional landfill until the Sparwood composting facility is open, just going in the landfill? link

    Is the organic waste being collected from Fernie, and temporarily transported to the sub regional landfill until the Sparwood composting facility is open, just going in the landfill?

    Ben Martin asked about 1 month ago

    Morning Ben, as per the news brief from the Regional District, the collected organics will be stockpiled at the Fernie Transfer Station and the Cranbrook Central Receiving Facility until the Sparwood site is ready. The organics will not be disposed of at the Central Facility, only stored. You can read more about the plan here.

    rollout,garbage
    rollout garbage
  • Share Hi, many grocery stores sell a specific compostable receptacle that can be filled and then secured in the green bin. Are these acceptable with the City of Fernie green program? on Facebook Share Hi, many grocery stores sell a specific compostable receptacle that can be filled and then secured in the green bin. Are these acceptable with the City of Fernie green program? on Twitter Share Hi, many grocery stores sell a specific compostable receptacle that can be filled and then secured in the green bin. Are these acceptable with the City of Fernie green program? on Linkedin Email Hi, many grocery stores sell a specific compostable receptacle that can be filled and then secured in the green bin. Are these acceptable with the City of Fernie green program? link

    Hi, many grocery stores sell a specific compostable receptacle that can be filled and then secured in the green bin. Are these acceptable with the City of Fernie green program?

    Angelika asked about 2 months ago

    Hello Angelika, the short answer is, "It depends". Any paper-based liner like a 2-ply lawn and yard waste bag, are acceptable. Any compostable liner bags that are or look like plastic are not accepted.  

    liners
    liners
  • Share At this time, I can’t anticipate participating in the compost program as I don’t have a garage or secure shed. I take any garbage that smells to the dumpsters in between garbage days so am not willing to let compost sit in the house for 2 weeks. There are many in my position. This is a town located in bear habitat, and I am very doubtful about bins that can “withstand a bear for one hour”. Central facilities to take compost for those that need it are crucial. on Facebook Share At this time, I can’t anticipate participating in the compost program as I don’t have a garage or secure shed. I take any garbage that smells to the dumpsters in between garbage days so am not willing to let compost sit in the house for 2 weeks. There are many in my position. This is a town located in bear habitat, and I am very doubtful about bins that can “withstand a bear for one hour”. Central facilities to take compost for those that need it are crucial. on Twitter Share At this time, I can’t anticipate participating in the compost program as I don’t have a garage or secure shed. I take any garbage that smells to the dumpsters in between garbage days so am not willing to let compost sit in the house for 2 weeks. There are many in my position. This is a town located in bear habitat, and I am very doubtful about bins that can “withstand a bear for one hour”. Central facilities to take compost for those that need it are crucial. on Linkedin Email At this time, I can’t anticipate participating in the compost program as I don’t have a garage or secure shed. I take any garbage that smells to the dumpsters in between garbage days so am not willing to let compost sit in the house for 2 weeks. There are many in my position. This is a town located in bear habitat, and I am very doubtful about bins that can “withstand a bear for one hour”. Central facilities to take compost for those that need it are crucial. link

    At this time, I can’t anticipate participating in the compost program as I don’t have a garage or secure shed. I take any garbage that smells to the dumpsters in between garbage days so am not willing to let compost sit in the house for 2 weeks. There are many in my position. This is a town located in bear habitat, and I am very doubtful about bins that can “withstand a bear for one hour”. Central facilities to take compost for those that need it are crucial.

    Joanne asked about 2 months ago

    Hi Joanne, thank you for your comments. Using one of the City’s Bear Resistant Dumpsters, located at the Max Turyk Centre, the Fernie Aquatic Centre or at City Hall is a great way to be wildlife conscious if you do not have a suitable storage location for your wildlife attractants. The Fernie Transfer Station is also a great drop off location for household waste, and the site offers a number of other opportunities for recycling and reuse. Also, curbside collection of organics will be once per week, not every two weeks, so there will be less time for waste to become an attractant.

    With this new program, Staff were directed by Council to provide a higher-quality curbside bin, to prevent wildlife interactions. The curbside cart is certified Bear Resistant (for one hour) by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. From their website, the Committee began providing guidance and direction relative to bear-resistant containers in the 1980s with a goal of ensuring effective storage of attractants and minimizing human/grizzly bear conflicts. The testing program is a partnership with the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and the Washington State University Bear Center, which conduct the live testing with grizzly bears in West Yellowstone, Montana, and Pullman, Washington, respectively. Products must meet specific criteria, and either “pass” a live bear test using captive grizzly bears or a technical evaluation in order to appear on the list. More information can be found at igbconline.org.

    This new service is the first step towards the City’s goal of redirecting all organics from the landfill, and was partially funded by a grant specifically for curbside collection. Discussions occurred with Council as the program was shaped back in November of 2023 on how collection should occur – curbside bins or community bins. The full report from Staff can be read in the Council agenda here.

     

    carts,collection,wildlife
    carts collection wildlife
  • Share My lid does not open. Where can I trade for new one? on Facebook Share My lid does not open. Where can I trade for new one? on Twitter Share My lid does not open. Where can I trade for new one? on Linkedin Email My lid does not open. Where can I trade for new one? link

    My lid does not open. Where can I trade for new one?

    Shan asked 2 months ago

    Hi Shan, please call City Hall, 250-423-6817 for repairs or replacement. They will coordinate repairs on all curbside carts - garbage, recycling and organics. 

    carts,maintenance,tips
    carts maintenance tips
  • Share I have just learnt that the fernie mobile home park will not be getting compost bins, I was just wondering would there be anywhere I could take my organic waste alone a month if I collected it myself? on Facebook Share I have just learnt that the fernie mobile home park will not be getting compost bins, I was just wondering would there be anywhere I could take my organic waste alone a month if I collected it myself? on Twitter Share I have just learnt that the fernie mobile home park will not be getting compost bins, I was just wondering would there be anywhere I could take my organic waste alone a month if I collected it myself? on Linkedin Email I have just learnt that the fernie mobile home park will not be getting compost bins, I was just wondering would there be anywhere I could take my organic waste alone a month if I collected it myself? link

    I have just learnt that the fernie mobile home park will not be getting compost bins, I was just wondering would there be anywhere I could take my organic waste alone a month if I collected it myself?

    Heather Senior asked 3 months ago

    Hi Heather, there are some options you could look into:

    - Encourage your site management to organize organics collection

    - Find a neighbour that does have curbside organics, and work on a plan together to be "adopted" by them, in order to share their curbside bin. 

    - Keep an eye on the RDEK's Organic Initiative website to see when they might organize drop off locations for kitchen scraps. The Fernie Transfer Station accepts yard and garden waste, which will go to the organics processing facility. 

    strata
    strata
Page last updated: 13 Nov 2024, 08:33 AM