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By Vernon Matters Staff

don't create attractants

Your garbage, your responsibility: RDCO

Sep 2, 2025 | 2:00 PM

It’s coming up to bear hibernation season and the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) and WildSafeBC are reminding residents about their responsibilities when it comes to garbage.

It is an offence under the BC Wildlife Act to attract dangerous animals – like bears, wolves, cougars and coyotes – with unsecured attractants.

Residents should keep garbage, compost, and other non-natural attractants secure, with indoor storage the best option.

Never put garbage carts out before the morning of collection and freeze smelly items.

In a media release, the RDCO said local Solid Waste Management bylaws state residents must only put garbage, yard waste, and recyclables out between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the day of collection.

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In addition, it is an offence under the BC Wildlife Act (Section 33.1) to attract dangerous animals (bears, wolves, cougars, and coyotes) with unsecured attractants. Store carts inside or in a secure location (i.e. in a shed), freeze strong smelling food scraps until pick-up day and maintain a clean cart.

As well as limiting attractants in carts, residents should take additional steps to manage attractants around their property. Pick fruit when ripe and collect fallen fruit, keep BBQs clean and burn off food after each use, avoid using bird feeders during bear season (April to November), practice responsible composting and keep pet food indoors.

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