The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has officially opened a new waste transfer station at Apex Mountain.
The new transfer station opened on Jan. 25 and serves over 400 properties as well as the resort itself.
The transfer station provides garbage and recycling services similar to curbside collection. The site is close to the village at 220 Strayhorse Rd., below the main parking lot of the resort.
Apex previously operated its own private transfer station in the same location. The new site is on land sub-leased by the RDOS from Apex Mountain Resort.
The transfer station has been in the works for over a decade. According to RDOS solid waste management coordinator, Cameron Baughen, the long wait was mostly caused by trouble finding the proper location.
For years the RDOS worked with property owners, Apex Mountain Resort, and the province to find the right place to host the new transfer site.
“There was a bit of delay because of the rigmarole we had to go through to make sure we do proper public consultation, to ensure everyone is informed, and then to work with the province of B.C. to make sure there’s financing in place,” said Baughen.
Usually transfer stations at ski resorts can be found on the way down the hill. However, the road at Apex quickly routes through an avalanche area. Baughen said the RDOS looked at doing upgrades to get adequate roads and power in and out of a potential transfer station site closer to the bottom of the hill but it was ultimately too costly.
Prior to the new site, garbage removal services at Apex were reliant on services from the resort and collections by homeowners. Many property owners at Apex would previously bring their own garbage to their homes in the valley. This created a problem for many people staying at Apex for a short period of time who don’t own a home nearby, Baughen said.
Since December, a temporary set of bins have been placed outside the site. Now Apex property owners can enter the building and place their materials in the bins provided. Apex Mountain Resort has been contracted to maintain the site including snow removal and litter cleanup.
Waste that cannot be brought to the transfer station include demolition and construction materials, furniture, electronics and hazardous materials. These types of larger or hazardous materials must be taken directly to the Campbell Mountain Landfill in Penticton.
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