Garbage collection will cost more next year

NEWS/ CITY HALL — Garbage collection in Kamloops will cost more starting next year.

The first regular meeting of the new Kamloops City council voted Tuesday to add $15 a year to curbside garbage collection rates beginning in 2015 and $12 on average for commercial and multi-family bin collection for each of the next three years.

The increases are needed due to increasing costs for fuel, vehicle maintenance, landfill disposal fees and lack of funding from the Multi-Materials B.C. stewardship program, a report to council said.

The rates will go up to $85 for 120-litre containers, $113 for 180-litre and $220 for 245-litre.

No increases for recycling were proposed. The Sustainable Kamloops Plan projects a 50 per cent reduction in solid waste deposited in landfills by 2020, with the Mission Flats landfill lasting until 2090.

Council also supported entering into a new two-year solid-waste management agreement with the TNRD. The agreement, which funds some of the costs of the Heffley Creek Eco-Depot and waste reduction initiatives, will cost the City $56,750 in 2015 and $58,750 in 2016.

Coun. Donovan Cavers wanted to know how many City residents use the Heffley Creek facility and whether the City was paying towards its operation just as “a gesture of good will.”

Staff told him the City is seeking more solid numbers from the TNRD on who uses the depot.