Glenmore Landfill/City of Kelowna

By Vernon Matters Staff

Disposal danger

Kelowna urges residents to keep hazardous waste out of landfill

Aug 26, 2025 | 11:37 AM

The City of Kelowna and the Regional District of Central Okanagan are reminding residents to properly dispose of hazardous household waste as landfill visits pick up this fall.

Officials say hazardous items cannot be placed in curbside bins, dropped at the Glenmore Landfill, or left at transfer stations and collection depots because of the risk of fire and explosions.

Hazardous waste includes anything corrosive, flammable or poisonous, such as e-cigarette batteries, small power tools, smoke alarms and toys with batteries still inside. Items marked with “do not dispose” labels should never be mixed with landfill loads or recycling carts.

“Residents can do their part to help keep our workers safe by disposing of their waste properly,” said Scott Hoekstra, landfill operations manager with the City of Kelowna. “Often there are lithium-ion batteries hidden in a load or item being disposed of, which are a common cause of fires at the landfill.”

The regional district says improper disposal not only endangers staff, vehicles and equipment but can also increase contamination rates, leading to costly surcharges.

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Electronics, batteries and other hazardous materials should be recycled through approved facilities.

More information on safe disposal can be found at rdco.com/hazwaste or through the Recycle Coach app.