NEWS RELEASE

 September 3, 2003

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPECIAL GARBAGE COLLECTION FOR FIRE AFFECTED AREAS

The City of Kelowna is offering special garbage collection services for residents in fire-damaged areas. On Friday September 5th residents can put out an unlimited amount of garbage, as well as large items such as burnt or smoke-damaged furniture, draperies or other items. This does not include refrigerators or freezers. Please contact your insurance agent prior to disposing of any item.

Residents are also reminded to please keep the safety of the garbage haulers in mind. Do not put hazardous materials, hot ash and other hot, burnt items out for collection (to prevent truck fires and reactions with other materials in the trucks).

For your safety and the safety of the haulers, please refreeze fouled meats and other previously frozen food and place out on your garbage day as close to pick-up time as possible. This will also help discourage animals in the area. Residents are reminded that normal garbage collection regulations apply:

• Garbage must be set out by 7 a.m. on Friday
• Maximum weight per item is 23 kg (50 lbs.)

Your recycling schedule will remain the same. Please consult your Residential Recycling Guide or call Canadian Waste at 861-8788 for more information.

Landfill Drop Off:
Landfill fees at the Glenmore Sanitary Landfill will be waived for residents who live on fire affected streets (please see list of eligible streets). Please bring picture ID and your evacuation slip to have the fees waived. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 7:30 am - 4:45 pm. If you are having your waste handled by a commercial contractor, please contact the Waste Reduction Office. To prevent fires at the landfill, do not deliver “hot” loads to the landfill.

Yard Waste Collection:
To help with forest fire hazard abatement and general yard clean up, there will be an unlimited yard waste pick up on Friday September 12th for residents on fire affected streets (please see list of eligible streets). This additional yard waste collection is in conjunction with your normal garbage collection.

This collection is for grass, leaves, pine needles, pine cones, garden plants, windfall fruit and prunings up to 1 cm (1/2”) in diameter. Residents are reminded that the usual yard waste regulations for pick up apply. They are as follows:

• Garbage and yard waste must be set out by 7 a.m. on Friday, September 12.
• Use reusable containers (such as cardboard boxes), clear bags, or bundle prunings.
• Maximum weight per item is 23 kg (50 lbs).
• Bundles to be no more that 1 metre long and ½ metre across.

Residents can also use the Glenmore and Westside landfills. Both landfills are open for free drop-off of yard waste and prunings up to 20 cm (8”) in diameter, delivered by residents. This service is available year round.

For large trees please contact your insurance agency and a certified arborist (see the Yellow Pages).

Propane Tanks:
Some residents may have fire-damaged propane tanks. If your propane tank is damaged or you are unsure of its safety, contact your propane provider or Fuel Pro at 1-888-394-991.

Refrigerators/Freezers:
Some residents in the fire affected areas may want to dispose of their refrigerators and freezers. They are advised to contact their insurance agent first for assistance. In the event you need to dispose of the unit and the contents, call the company your insurance agent provides or the Waste Reduction Office at 868-5250 for the numbers of companies able to help.

Animal Mortality Pick Up:
Please contact the City of Kelowna at 862-5500, press Option 1 (fire affected areas only).

This special garbage collection includes the following roads.