Fridge and freezer disposal options available for North Westside Rd residents until Friday

North Westside Road residents who’s properties were affected by the White Rock Lake wildfire have until noon Thursday, Sept. 16, to book the curbside collection of refrigerators and freezers damaged in the blaze.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is offering a pick up service for those who book a curbside collection. Residents can book a pick up by calling 1-855-238-9350 before Thursday at noon.

The RDCO asks that residents not put fridges or freezers out until just before pick up times so as to not attract wild animals.

Freezers and refrigerators can also be dropped off at the gravel pit above the North Westside Transfer Station on Sugar Loaf Mountain Service Road no later than noon on Friday.

“We’re pleased to offer our communities three more days of free curbside pickup collection. It has been a well used service and approximately 600 fridges and freezers have been collected since re-entry,” said Travis Kendel, Manager of Engineering Services.

“We expect to collect a few hundred more before the service ends on Friday, September 17. Residents must call the contractor by Thursday, September 16 to book their pick-up. After Friday, any uncollected fridges of freezers will need to be emptied and properly disposed by their owners.”

The RDCO said there will be no extensions or additional curbside pick ups for refrigerators and freezers after Friday, Sept. 17. However, there are some other disposal options.

Fridges and freezers, which must be cleaned out prior to drop off, can be disposed of at the Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre; at Planet Earth Recycling; and at the Glenmore Landfill. These appliances can also be dropped off at the Fall Bulky Collection Event, which will be held in October, though an exact date has yet to be set.

The RDCO notes that the North Westside Transfer Station will remain open daily from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. through September to support the clean up and recovery work by residents in the area. Whole non-burnt yard waste and bagged household waste is accepted at the transfer station, building materials, furniture and large appliances are not accepted at the site. The transfer station will return to regular operating hours in October.