Solid Waste Network Assessment

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The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is reviewing its network of solid waste facilities. The PRRD provides solid waste disposal locations across the rural region to protect the environment, prevent illegal dumping, and provide a convenient service to residents. Rising costs and challenges to accessing private land are forcing the PRRD to look for efficiencies to maintain and improve services where possible. As a result, the PRRD has been reviewing its current services and engaging with the public to understand what is working, the challenges, and the potential.

In March 2026, the PRRD requested feedback from the public through a survey posted on this project page. The survey asked questions to better understand how the public uses the PRRD transfer stations, landfills, and recycling facilities.

Based on the review and feedback, the PRRD is proposing changes to solid waste disposal that are intended to provide reasonable access to locations, improve efficiency, encourage use of facilities, make it easier for residents to recycle as well as manage costs. The proposed changes will result in the consolidation of 7 facilities into 3, larger, attended sites, upgrading 1 facility, closing 1 facility, and modifying hours to align with community demand.

The PRRD is requesting your feedback on the proposed changes to the network of solid waste facilities across the region.

Why we’re doing this

  • To understand how people currently use transfer stations

  • To understand what challenges people face.

  • To make sure all residents have reliable access to waste and recycling services.

  • To consider options that could improve service, reduce costs and support long‑term planning.

  • To reduce reliance on landfills.

  • To support decisions based on good data and community input.

Background

The PRRD’s regional solid waste network currently includes three landfills, 16 attended transfer stations, 11 unattended transfer stations, three privately run recycling depots, and three unattended recycling drop-off sites. In 2021, the PRRD’s Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, identified improving access and efficiency in the Solid Waste Facility Network as a priority. The 2021 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan also concluded that the current network provides broad access across a large rural region with some overlapping services, there are different levels of use at sites, recycling and diversion services are not available equally across the region, and long-term operating and replacement costs need to be considered. Prior to completing all recommended upgrades from the 2021 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, the PRRD determined a comprehensive review was required to ensure any future investments were fair, coordinated and cost-effective.

How you can get involved

Phase 2 engagement is now beginning.

The second phase of engagement will include a survey and pop-up events, to gather feedback on proposed changes to the transfer station network and how different options may affect residents and communities before decisions are made. The survey is open from August 24, 2026, to September 11, 2026, at 4:30pm (PT).

Pop-up events will be held at transfer stations across the region on the dates listed in the project newsfeed. Drop by to learn more, ask questions and share your input.

Check out the newsfeed to see when we will be at a transfer station near you!

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is reviewing its network of solid waste facilities. The PRRD provides solid waste disposal locations across the rural region to protect the environment, prevent illegal dumping, and provide a convenient service to residents. Rising costs and challenges to accessing private land are forcing the PRRD to look for efficiencies to maintain and improve services where possible. As a result, the PRRD has been reviewing its current services and engaging with the public to understand what is working, the challenges, and the potential.

In March 2026, the PRRD requested feedback from the public through a survey posted on this project page. The survey asked questions to better understand how the public uses the PRRD transfer stations, landfills, and recycling facilities.

Based on the review and feedback, the PRRD is proposing changes to solid waste disposal that are intended to provide reasonable access to locations, improve efficiency, encourage use of facilities, make it easier for residents to recycle as well as manage costs. The proposed changes will result in the consolidation of 7 facilities into 3, larger, attended sites, upgrading 1 facility, closing 1 facility, and modifying hours to align with community demand.

The PRRD is requesting your feedback on the proposed changes to the network of solid waste facilities across the region.

Why we’re doing this

  • To understand how people currently use transfer stations

  • To understand what challenges people face.

  • To make sure all residents have reliable access to waste and recycling services.

  • To consider options that could improve service, reduce costs and support long‑term planning.

  • To reduce reliance on landfills.

  • To support decisions based on good data and community input.

Background

The PRRD’s regional solid waste network currently includes three landfills, 16 attended transfer stations, 11 unattended transfer stations, three privately run recycling depots, and three unattended recycling drop-off sites. In 2021, the PRRD’s Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, identified improving access and efficiency in the Solid Waste Facility Network as a priority. The 2021 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan also concluded that the current network provides broad access across a large rural region with some overlapping services, there are different levels of use at sites, recycling and diversion services are not available equally across the region, and long-term operating and replacement costs need to be considered. Prior to completing all recommended upgrades from the 2021 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, the PRRD determined a comprehensive review was required to ensure any future investments were fair, coordinated and cost-effective.

How you can get involved

Phase 2 engagement is now beginning.

The second phase of engagement will include a survey and pop-up events, to gather feedback on proposed changes to the transfer station network and how different options may affect residents and communities before decisions are made. The survey is open from August 24, 2026, to September 11, 2026, at 4:30pm (PT).

Pop-up events will be held at transfer stations across the region on the dates listed in the project newsfeed. Drop by to learn more, ask questions and share your input.

Check out the newsfeed to see when we will be at a transfer station near you!

  • Project Updates

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    How you can get involved in round 2 engagement

    Phase 2 engagement is now beginning.

    The second phase of engagement will include a survey and pop-up events, to gather feedback on proposed changes to the transfer station network and how different options may affect residents and communities before decisions are made. The survey is open from August 24, 2026, to September 11, 2026, at 4:30pm (PT).

    Pop-up events will be held at transfer stations across the region on the dates listed below. Drop by to learn more, ask questions, and share your input.

    Check out the list below to see when we will be at a transfer station near you!

    Tuesday, August 25

    • Sukunka: 11:30am to 2pm

    • Lone Prairie: 3pm to 5:30pm

    • East Pine: 11am to 1pm

    • Groundbirch: 1:30pm to 3:30pm

    • Progress: 4pm to 6:30pm

    • Cecil Lake: 8:30am to 11am

    • Goodlow: 11:30am to 2pm

    Thursday, August 27

    • Milligan: 12pm to 2:30pm

    • Osborn: 3:30pm to 5:30pm

    • Progress: 7:30am to 11am

    • Lebell: 12pm to 2:30pm

    • Groundbirch: 7:30am to 11am

    • East Pine: 11:30am to 2:15pm

    Saturday, August 29

    • Cecil Lake: 8:30am to 11am

    • Goodlow: 11:30am to 2pm

    Stay informed

    All updates, surveys, and engagement opportunities will be posted here on the Project Page. This is the best place to follow the project and participate.

    About this project

    Why is the Regional District completing a review and assessment of the solid waste facilities?

    This project will help us learn what is working, what is not and what changes could make the system easier to use, more efficient and more affordable over the long term. The project aims:

    • To understand how people currently use transfer stations and what challenges they face.
    • To make sure all residents have reliable access to waste and recycling services.
    • To consider options that could improve service, reduce costs and support long‑term planning.


    To ensure future decisions are based on good data and community input.

    What are the biggest challenges the region is trying to address?

    Over time, the transfer station network has expanded piece by piece. This has resulted in sites that vary in their services, hours and distances from one another. Much of the equipment is aging and residents have expressed concerns about long travel times, limited hours and differing service levels between communities.

    Because the PRRD covers a large and dispersed region, ensuring that the system works well is a priority. The 2021 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan identified the need to improve access and efficiency across the facility network. As a result, some upgrades were paused while the PRRD completes this comprehensive review to support fair, coordinated, and cost-effective future investments.

    How will the assessment project affect my household garbage and recycling service?

    This assessment will not impact any curbside services being provided to residents or businesses.

    Will this cost users more?

    We want to prioritize a cost-effective network that serves the region well. It is important to remember that managing waste and recycling isn’t free. Every item discarded has a cost - from the resources used to make the item, to handling, processing and the environmental impact.

    What changes to facilities can be expected?

    We don’t know, yet. This assessment will help us identify gaps and opportunities that will inform changes for a better system. Your feedback is important to us so that we can make changes to better serve our community!

    How will feedback influence the final recommendations?

    The community will be asked for feedback to help us improve and strengthen the options. Feedback will guide the final recommendations presented to the Solid Waste Committee and Regional Board.

    What's next

    How can the public provide input throughout this project?

    Watch out for engagement opportunities coming up!

    • Look out for Survey 1 in early March: we want to know how you use the current system and what matters most to you.
    • Look out for Survey 2 and in-person events in the spring: we want your feedback on potential changes to the transfer stations in the PRRD.

    Where can I find project updates, reports and findings of this project?

    All updates, reports, surveys and engagement opportunities will be posted here on Have Your Say PRRD. This is the best place to follow the project and participate.

    Never miss an update! Register for project updates through the Have Your Say platform.

    Who can I contact if I have questions?

    If you have any questions please use the Question Forum.

    About the region

    What facilities are in the region?

    The Solid Waste Collection network consists of PRRD operated Landfills, Transfer Stations and private recycling systems. Today, the system includes:

    Landfills (3)

    • Bessborough
    • Chetwynd
    • North Peace Regional


    Attended Transfer Stations (16)

    • Buick Creek
    • Cecil Lake
    • Dawson Creek
    • Goodlow
    • Hudson's Hope
    • Mile 62.5
    • Moberly Lake
    • Pink Mountain
    • Prespatou
    • Rolla
    • Rose Prairie
    • Tomslake
    • Tumbler Ridge
    • Upper Halfway
    • Wonowon


    Unattended Transfer Stations (11)

    • East Pine
    • Fellers Heights
    • Groundbirch
    • Hasler Flat
    • Labell Subdivision
    • Lone Prairie
    • Milligan Creek Highway
    • Osborn
    • Progress
    • Sukunka
    • Upper Cache


    Private Recycling Depots (4)

    • Chetwynd Recycling
    • Dawson Creek Recycling
    • Recycle-It Resource Recovery
    • Tumbler Ridge Return-It


    Unattended Recycling Stations (3)

    • Mile 54 Chevron
    • No Frills (Dawson Creek)
    • McMahon Drive (Taylor)

    What services are available at each transfer station?

    • Tier 1 Transfer Stations: Operate between 26 hours and 40 hours a week. These sites accept household bagged waste, recyclables (paper, cardboard, containers, glass, flexible plastics, styrofoam), bulky waste, wood waste, metal waste, reusable items and select extended producer responsibility (EPR) materials.
    • Tier 2 Transfer Stations: Operate 26 hours a week. These sites accept household bagged waste, recyclables (paper, cardboard, containers, glass, flexible plastics and styrofoam) and reusable items.
    • Unattended Transfer Stations: Operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These sites collect household bagged waste only and are serviced on a weekly schedule.
    • Unattended Recycling Stations: collect recyclables (paper, cardboard, containers, glass, flexible plastics and styrofoam).
    • Private Facilities: Provide various services. Visit their individual websites for details.


    For a full list of PRRD transfer stations and hours of operation, visit Landfills and Waste Transfer Stations on the PRRD website.

    What programs are available to reduce tipping fee costs?

    The Solid Waste Coupon Program provides all residential properties in the region with eleven (11) coupons for the disposal of up to $45.00 of waste, free of charge. Each coupon is valued to a maximum of $3.75. Users can use one or multiple coupons per transaction. Coupons are valid from May 1 to April 30 and residents can use them at any point in that timeframe.

    2026 coupons were mailed out at the end of February 2026. Residents who do not receive their coupons in 2026 should call the PRRD office at 250.784.3200 to get their coupons mailed or prepared for pick-up.

    The Spring and Fall Cleanup Campaign helps reduce illegally dumped materials on Provincial lands. For a two-week period, each spring and fall, the PRRD waives tipping fees for sorted waste originating from properties in the region. During the campaign, bulky bins are provided to all Tier 2 and Unattended transfer stations for the collection of bulky waste. For 2026, the spring and fall cleanup will take place on the following dates:

    • June 1 to 14, 2026
    • October 5 to 18, 2026


    The Tipping Fee Waiver Program waives tipping fees of up to $500 to volunteer groups, and up to $3,000 for municipalities or First Nations Communities that are performing clean-ups within municipalities, First Nations Communities, or Provincial lands.

    The 24-Hour Access Program collects household bagged waste outside of business hours of attended transfer stations. The program is offered at the Cecil Lake, Moberly Lake, Prespatou and Rolla transfer stations.

    How much does solid waste management cost the PRRD annually?

    In 2025, the Solid Waste Budget was $18,672,371.

    Expenses fell under the following categories:

    • Landfill Operations: $3,710,086
    • Attended Transfer Station Operations: $2,288,968
    • Unattended Transfer Station Operations: $463,044
    • Recycling: $2,070,000
    • Spring and Fall Cleanup: $227,500
    • Capital Projects: $3,106,447


    Funding for solid waste comes from the following sources:

    • Taxes: $9,250,000
    • Landfill Tipping Fees: $4,275,000
    • Attended Transfer Station Tipping Fees: $89,100
    • Grants : $1,971,447
    • Reserves: $3,017,924
    • Recycling: $41,000
    • Agreements: $27,900

    Where can I go to find out more about solid waste management in the PRRD?

    Check out our Garbage and Recycling webpage, where you can learn more about the garbage and recycling disposal services available in the PRRD including:


    Download the pRRRDy Says App to learn what you can bring to your local landfill, recycling depot or waste transfer station. Find out how to properly recycle, compost or dispose of waste materials in your community!

    How you can get involved in round 2 engagement

    Phase 2 engagement is now beginning.

    The second phase of engagement will include a survey and pop-up events, to gather feedback on proposed changes to the transfer station network and how different options may affect residents and communities before decisions are made. The survey is open from August 24, 2026, to September 11, 2026, at 4:30pm (PT).

    Pop-up events will be held at transfer stations across the region on the dates listed below. Drop by to learn more, ask questions, and share your input.

    Check out the list below to see when we will be at a transfer station near you!

    Tuesday, August 25

    • Sukunka: 11:30am to 2pm

    • Lone Prairie: 3pm to 5:30pm

    • East Pine: 11am to 1pm

    • Groundbirch: 1:30pm to 3:30pm

    • Progress: 4pm to 6:30pm

    • Cecil Lake: 8:30am to 11am

    • Goodlow: 11:30am to 2pm

    Thursday, August 27

    • Milligan: 12pm to 2:30pm

    • Osborn: 3:30pm to 5:30pm

    • Progress: 7:30am to 11am

    • Lebell: 12pm to 2:30pm

    • Groundbirch: 7:30am to 11am

    • East Pine: 11:30am to 2:15pm

    Saturday, August 29

    • Cecil Lake: 8:30am to 11am

    • Goodlow: 11:30am to 2pm

    Stay informed

    All updates, surveys, and engagement opportunities will be posted here on the Project Page. This is the best place to follow the project and participate.

    About this project

    Why is the Regional District completing a review and assessment of the solid waste facilities?

    This project will help us learn what is working, what is not and what changes could make the system easier to use, more efficient and more affordable over the long term. The project aims:

    • To understand how people currently use transfer stations and what challenges they face.
    • To make sure all residents have reliable access to waste and recycling services.
    • To consider options that could improve service, reduce costs and support long‑term planning.


    To ensure future decisions are based on good data and community input.

    What are the biggest challenges the region is trying to address?

    Over time, the transfer station network has expanded piece by piece. This has resulted in sites that vary in their services, hours and distances from one another. Much of the equipment is aging and residents have expressed concerns about long travel times, limited hours and differing service levels between communities.

    Because the PRRD covers a large and dispersed region, ensuring that the system works well is a priority. The 2021 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan identified the need to improve access and efficiency across the facility network. As a result, some upgrades were paused while the PRRD completes this comprehensive review to support fair, coordinated, and cost-effective future investments.

    How will the assessment project affect my household garbage and recycling service?

    This assessment will not impact any curbside services being provided to residents or businesses.

    Will this cost users more?

    We want to prioritize a cost-effective network that serves the region well. It is important to remember that managing waste and recycling isn’t free. Every item discarded has a cost - from the resources used to make the item, to handling, processing and the environmental impact.

    What changes to facilities can be expected?

    We don’t know, yet. This assessment will help us identify gaps and opportunities that will inform changes for a better system. Your feedback is important to us so that we can make changes to better serve our community!

    How will feedback influence the final recommendations?

    The community will be asked for feedback to help us improve and strengthen the options. Feedback will guide the final recommendations presented to the Solid Waste Committee and Regional Board.

    What's next

    How can the public provide input throughout this project?

    Watch out for engagement opportunities coming up!

    • Look out for Survey 1 in early March: we want to know how you use the current system and what matters most to you.
    • Look out for Survey 2 and in-person events in the spring: we want your feedback on potential changes to the transfer stations in the PRRD.

    Where can I find project updates, reports and findings of this project?

    All updates, reports, surveys and engagement opportunities will be posted here on Have Your Say PRRD. This is the best place to follow the project and participate.

    Never miss an update! Register for project updates through the Have Your Say platform.

    Who can I contact if I have questions?

    If you have any questions please use the Question Forum.

    About the region

    What facilities are in the region?

    The Solid Waste Collection network consists of PRRD operated Landfills, Transfer Stations and private recycling systems. Today, the system includes:

    Landfills (3)

    • Bessborough
    • Chetwynd
    • North Peace Regional


    Attended Transfer Stations (16)

    • Buick Creek
    • Cecil Lake
    • Dawson Creek
    • Goodlow
    • Hudson's Hope
    • Mile 62.5
    • Moberly Lake
    • Pink Mountain
    • Prespatou
    • Rolla
    • Rose Prairie
    • Tomslake
    • Tumbler Ridge
    • Upper Halfway
    • Wonowon


    Unattended Transfer Stations (11)

    • East Pine
    • Fellers Heights
    • Groundbirch
    • Hasler Flat
    • Labell Subdivision
    • Lone Prairie
    • Milligan Creek Highway
    • Osborn
    • Progress
    • Sukunka
    • Upper Cache


    Private Recycling Depots (4)

    • Chetwynd Recycling
    • Dawson Creek Recycling
    • Recycle-It Resource Recovery
    • Tumbler Ridge Return-It


    Unattended Recycling Stations (3)

    • Mile 54 Chevron
    • No Frills (Dawson Creek)
    • McMahon Drive (Taylor)

    What services are available at each transfer station?

    • Tier 1 Transfer Stations: Operate between 26 hours and 40 hours a week. These sites accept household bagged waste, recyclables (paper, cardboard, containers, glass, flexible plastics, styrofoam), bulky waste, wood waste, metal waste, reusable items and select extended producer responsibility (EPR) materials.
    • Tier 2 Transfer Stations: Operate 26 hours a week. These sites accept household bagged waste, recyclables (paper, cardboard, containers, glass, flexible plastics and styrofoam) and reusable items.
    • Unattended Transfer Stations: Operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These sites collect household bagged waste only and are serviced on a weekly schedule.
    • Unattended Recycling Stations: collect recyclables (paper, cardboard, containers, glass, flexible plastics and styrofoam).
    • Private Facilities: Provide various services. Visit their individual websites for details.


    For a full list of PRRD transfer stations and hours of operation, visit Landfills and Waste Transfer Stations on the PRRD website.

    What programs are available to reduce tipping fee costs?

    The Solid Waste Coupon Program provides all residential properties in the region with eleven (11) coupons for the disposal of up to $45.00 of waste, free of charge. Each coupon is valued to a maximum of $3.75. Users can use one or multiple coupons per transaction. Coupons are valid from May 1 to April 30 and residents can use them at any point in that timeframe.

    2026 coupons were mailed out at the end of February 2026. Residents who do not receive their coupons in 2026 should call the PRRD office at 250.784.3200 to get their coupons mailed or prepared for pick-up.

    The Spring and Fall Cleanup Campaign helps reduce illegally dumped materials on Provincial lands. For a two-week period, each spring and fall, the PRRD waives tipping fees for sorted waste originating from properties in the region. During the campaign, bulky bins are provided to all Tier 2 and Unattended transfer stations for the collection of bulky waste. For 2026, the spring and fall cleanup will take place on the following dates:

    • June 1 to 14, 2026
    • October 5 to 18, 2026


    The Tipping Fee Waiver Program waives tipping fees of up to $500 to volunteer groups, and up to $3,000 for municipalities or First Nations Communities that are performing clean-ups within municipalities, First Nations Communities, or Provincial lands.

    The 24-Hour Access Program collects household bagged waste outside of business hours of attended transfer stations. The program is offered at the Cecil Lake, Moberly Lake, Prespatou and Rolla transfer stations.

    How much does solid waste management cost the PRRD annually?

    In 2025, the Solid Waste Budget was $18,672,371.

    Expenses fell under the following categories:

    • Landfill Operations: $3,710,086
    • Attended Transfer Station Operations: $2,288,968
    • Unattended Transfer Station Operations: $463,044
    • Recycling: $2,070,000
    • Spring and Fall Cleanup: $227,500
    • Capital Projects: $3,106,447


    Funding for solid waste comes from the following sources:

    • Taxes: $9,250,000
    • Landfill Tipping Fees: $4,275,000
    • Attended Transfer Station Tipping Fees: $89,100
    • Grants : $1,971,447
    • Reserves: $3,017,924
    • Recycling: $41,000
    • Agreements: $27,900

    Where can I go to find out more about solid waste management in the PRRD?

    Check out our Garbage and Recycling webpage, where you can learn more about the garbage and recycling disposal services available in the PRRD including:


    Download the pRRRDy Says App to learn what you can bring to your local landfill, recycling depot or waste transfer station. Find out how to properly recycle, compost or dispose of waste materials in your community!

Page last updated: 12 Aug 2026, 02:33 PM