Rethink Waste Newsletter

August 2025

CRD Board Approves Amendments to Hartland Landfill Tipping Fees

The CRD Board has passed amendments to the Hartland Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Bylaw No. 3881 to reduce waste, improve sorting compliance, and extend the landfill's lifespan.

Starting in 2025, general refuse tipping fees will increase by $5 per tonne annually, reaching $170 per tonne by 2028. Fees for clean wood and treated wood or asphalt shingles will remain unchanged at $80 and $110 per tonne, respectively.

A $1,000 fine will be introduced for large, improperly sorted waste loads delivered in walking floor trailers, targeting commercial haulers to ensure compliance with sorting regulations.

The Waste Stream Collector Incentive Program will be extended into 2026, offering discounts to haulers who adopt multi-stream collection systems and share waste data with the CRD.

Preventing Fires at Hartland Landfill: The Role of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Fires at Hartland Landfill are increasing, and lithium-ion batteries from phones, laptops, and e-bikes are a major cause. These batteries are safe when stored and used properly but can become fire hazards if thrown in household garbage or recycling. At the landfill, they risk being punctured or crushed, triggering dangerous fires.

Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in household garbage or curbside recycling. Instead, drop them off for free at the Hartland Depot or use the What Goes Where tool to find other drop-off locations.

Learn more

Beyond the Curb: Victoria Pilots Soft Plastics and Foam Packaging Collection

The City of Victoria is testing new collection points for flexible plastics and foam packaging that can't be picked up curbside.

Drop-off locations include:

1234 Yates Street: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., until December 2025
James Bay Market
Moss Street Market
Oaklands Sunset Market

Drop-off is free, and all materials will be recycled by not-for-profit organizations.

To learn how to dispose of other items or find nearby drop-off locations, use the CRD’s What Goes Where tool.

Learn More

Community Events and Workshops

August 10 - Esquimalt Lagoon Beach Cleanup | Surfrider South Vancouver Island

August 16 - North Saanich Repair Cafe | Repair Cafe North Saanich

August 24 - School Supplies Swap | Zero Waste Sooke

September 6 - Composting Basics Workshop | Compost Education Centre

Want to get the word out about an event related to waste reduction in the region? Email rethinkwaste@crd.bc.ca to get it added to the list.

Rethink Waste Grant

Power to Be

In July 2025, Power To Be hosted the first-ever UnGala, a zero-waste event supported by the new CRD Zero-Waste Event Grant.

Over 200 guests gathered to support four local charities while embracing sustainability.

A dedicated “Green Team” ensured proper waste sorting, resulting in just 100L of landfill waste, compared to 180L of compost and 240L of recycling. The event also promoted the circular economy by renting equipment, avoiding disposable gifts, and donating quilts to charity.

If you have a creative idea to reduce waste in the capital region, now’s the perfect time to bring it to life. Under the Rethink Waste Grant umbrella you can apply for the Community Grant or the Zero-Waste Event Grant.

News Tibits and Updates

Hartland Reminders - Tarp Your Load

Help keep our roads, wildlife, and community safe by securing your load before heading to Hartland. A properly tarped load prevents loose debris and avoids extra fees—a $100 bylaw fine or double charge at the scale.

Here are some simple tips to secure your load the right way!

Learn More

PICK Colwood Opportunity

Are you passionate about protecting the environment and creating positive change in your community? Do you want to turn that passion into action? PICK Colwood is looking for a dynamic Volunteer Lead to help them grow their litter-picking initiative and deepen their impact. If you're organized, community-minded, and ready to make a real difference, this could be the role for you!

Email to Register

Ecostar Awards 2025

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ecostar Awards, an annual event hosted by the non-profit @Synergy Foundation that celebrates businesses, organizations, and individuals driving environmental leadership and social impact across Vancouver Island.

Applications and nominations are now open! Check out all award categories and get involved.

Learn More

Wildlife Attractants

Bears are active in our region and unsecured waste can attract them into neighbourhoods.

Keep containers storing waste and recycling clean and odour free
Only set out bins on the morning of collection
Freeze smelly waste until pickup or drop-off at a depot.

Let's all do our part to keep bears wild and communitites safe.

Learn More

Ask the CRD's Infoline

Q: How do I dispose of invasive species at Hartland Landfill?

A: Invasive species must be bagged and labeled as “Invasive Species” or covered with a tarp and secured in your vehicle. When you arrive at Hartland, please inform the scale attendant about your load. They will direct you to a designated area for safe disposal. The rate for disposal is $59/tonne. That’s about $0.03 cents per pound. (min. $10 scale fee).

Knotweed species disposal requires a controlled waste permit (reduced fee), to ensure proper disposal protocols are followed.

Looking for more information about invasive species including how to identify or view a list of high priority invasive species in the region? Visit the CRD's Invasive Species webpage.

Have a question about waste and recycling? Email your questions to infoline@crd.bc.ca.

Policy, Planning, Contracts and Staff Reports

A round-up of the latest solid waste policy and planning reports and contracts by staff to inform the CRD Board and Environmental Services Committee.

Hartland Landfill Tipping Fee and Regulation Bylaw No. 3881 Amendment and Adoption of Bylaw Nos. 4685 and 4675

The CRD Board approved amendments to increase Hartland tipping fees by $5 per tonne annually, concluding with a fee of $170 per tonne in 2028. A $1,000 fine will be introduced for large, improperly sorted loads of waste.

Hartland Landfill Tonnage Report

A monthly report that provides a summary of general refuse received at Hartland Landfill.