Where to Take Waste in the Okanagan
Where to Take Waste in the Okanagan
(Armstrong, Vernon, Kelowna & Surrounding Areas)
If you’ve ever loaded up your truck only to be told “you can’t dump that here”, you’re not alone. In the Okanagan, where you live and what kind of waste you have both matter.
This guide breaks it down clearly so you know:
- which facilities you’re allowed to use
- where different materials actually belong
- when a recycling depot makes more sense than the dump
- when calling a bin company will save you time and effort
First: If You Live Here, This Is Where You Can Take Your Waste
If You Live in the Central Okanagan (RDCO)
(Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland)
If you pay taxes in the Central Okanagan, you can take residential waste to:
- Glenmore Landfill (Kelowna)
- Westside Residential Waste & Recycling Centre (West Kelowna)
- Authorized RDCO transfer stations such as North Westside Road and Traders Cove
These facilities handle household garbage, yard waste, construction debris and some
recycling depending on the site.
Good to know: Even if an RDNO facility is closer, RDCO residents are
typically not permitted to use North Okanagan landfills or transfer stations.
RDNO residents (including Enderby) follow different facility rules. In general, North Okanagan facilities focus on household garbage and common divertible materials, while many specialty items must be taken to recycling depots rather than being accepted directly at landfill or transfer station sites.
If You Live in the North Okanagan (RDNO)
(Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Coldstream, Spallumcheen)
If you pay taxes in the North Okanagan, you can take residential waste to:
- Greater Vernon Diversion & Disposal Facility
- Armstrong / Spallumcheen Transfer Station
- Other authorized RDNO facilities
These sites focus on household garbage and common divertible materials, with more
specialized recycling handled through depots.
Residents of Enderby typically use the Greater Vernon Diversion & Disposal Facility
or other authorized RDNO facilities, depending on material type.
Rule of thumb:
Where you pay taxes determines which facilities you can use,
not which one is closest.
Second: If You Have This Type of Waste, Take It Here
Once you know which regional facilities you’re eligible for, the next step is sorting
by material.
If You Have Household Garbage
Take it to:
- Your regional landfill or transfer station (RDCO or RDNO)
Examples:
- Bagged household garbage
- Mixed non-recyclable waste
If You Have Yard Waste
Take it to:
- Glenmore Landfill or Westside Residential Centre (RDCO)
- RDNO landfill or transfer station (seasonal rules may apply)
Includes:
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- Branches and trimmings
If You Have Construction or Renovation Waste
Take it to:
- Your regional landfill or transfer station
Includes:
- Drywall
- Wood and framing
- Mixed renovation debris
Large volumes often make multiple trips impractical; see the bin option below.
If You Have Scrap Metal or Mostly-Metal Items
Take it to:
- Landfills or transfer stations that accept scrap metal
Examples:
- Appliances
- Metal shelving
- Lamps or fixtures that are mostly metal
This is why staff may ask what an item is mostly made of before directing you.
If You Have Styrofoam or Flexible Plastics
Do not take these to the dump.
Take them to:
- Local recycling depots
- Recycle BC partner locations
Includes:
- Styrofoam and foam packaging
- Meat trays and foam containers
- Plastic bags and bubble wrap
These materials are not handled at landfills or transfer stations.
If You Have Electronics
Take them to:
- Recycling depots or electronics recycling programs
Includes:
- TVs and monitors
- Computers
- Small electronics
- Lamps or fixtures that are mostly plastic
If You Have Household Hazardous Waste
Do not take these to landfills.
Take them to:
- Recycling depots
- Product stewardship programs
- Scheduled collection events put on by the RDCO and others
Includes:
- Paint
- Batteries
- Light bulbs
- Chemicals
- Propane tanks
If You Have Large or Heavy Waste, Earth-Wise Can Help!
Some materials are technically accepted at disposal sites but are difficult or time-consuming to haul yourself. This is where a roll-off bin or hauling service makes sense.
Earth-Wise Waste Management can help with:
- Concrete and clean fill
- Large amounts of yard waste
- Construction and renovation debris
- Drywall
- Wood and demolition materials
- Mixed job-site cleanup
Instead of loading, tarping and making multiple trips, Earth-Wise can drop off a roll-off bin at your property, then haul everything away once it’s full.
This is especially useful if:
- you have more than a truckload
- you’re renovating or demolishing
- you’re clearing a large yard or property
- you want everything removed in one go
If you’re unsure whether your material belongs in a bin or needs special handling,
we can help you decide.
Putting It All Together
- Confirm where you live (RDCO or RDNO)
- Sort your waste by material
- Garbage and bulky debris → landfill or transfer station
- Packaging, plastics, electronics and hazardous items → recycling depots
- Large or heavy volumes → roll-off bin or hauling service
Once you understand those steps, waste disposal in the Okanagan becomes straightforward.
Quick Reference
| If you have… | Take it to… |
|---|---|
| Household garbage | Regional landfill or transfer station |
| Yard waste | Landfill or residential waste centre |
| Construction debris | Landfill or roll-off bin |
| Styrofoam or soft plastics | Recycling depot |
| Electronics | Recycling depot |
| Hazardous waste | Stewardship program or depot |
| Large volumes | Roll-off bin service |
Final Thoughts
Knowing where to take your waste saves time, prevents frustration and helps ensure materials are handled properly. This guide is designed to be bookmarked and reused whenever you’re cleaning out, renovating or hauling materials.
For large volumes or heavy waste, Earth-Wise Waste Management can simplify the process
by delivering a bin and handling disposal for you.
