Rethink Waste Newsletter

September 2026

Beyond the Curb Opens in Oak Bay and Langford

Beyond the Curb has arrived in Oak Bay and Langford! The new year-round recycling hubs are open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm.

The new hubs build on the success of the existing Colwood Hub and seasonal market locations. You can use any Beyond the Curb location, regardless of which municipality you live in.

Hubs accept:

Foam packaging
Flexible plastics
Electronics
Household batteries
Lightbulbs
Cardboard
Paper
Glass bottles and jars
Mixed containers
Beverage containers (donation only)

Whether you're decluttering or simply have a few hard-to-recycle items piling up, Beyond the Curb offers a convenient way to keep more materials out of the landfill.

Learn More

Ins and Outs of Glass Bottle and Jar Recycling

Did you know glass bottles and jars can often be reused before they’re recycled? And when it’s time to recycle them, sorting them correctly helps keep glass out of the landfill and prevents contamination in other recycling streams.

Want to know what belongs in the glass bin—and what doesn’t? Our in-depth article covers:

which glass items can and can’t be recycled
how to prepare bottles and jars for recycling
where to recycle glass containers if you don’t have curbside collection
what happens to glass after it’s collected

Remember: glass bottles and jars should always go in a designated glass recycling bin, never in your mixed recycling.

Intake is Now Open for New Repair Grant

Part of the Rethink Waste Grant program

This new grant supports local organizations in hosting free community repair events that help residents repair, reuse, and learn new skills. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for Repair Cafés, repair workshops, and similar initiatives across the capital region.

By extending the life of everyday items, these events help reduce waste, keep reusable materials out of landfill, build repair skills, and strengthen community connections. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to deliver a series of free repair events that make repair more accessible for everyone.

Apply Now

Community Events and Workshops

September 18-20 - Fall 2026 Sale | Victoria Kids Consignment

September 19 - Sustainability Fair 2026 | Vic West Community Centre

September 19 - Repair Cafe | Transition Salt Spring

September 26 - North Saanich Repair Cafe | Repair Café North Saanich

September 26 - Repair Café West Shore & Holiday Décor Swap & Shop | ReImagine West Shore

October 3 - Clothing Swap | The Bay Centre

October 3 - Soup's On! A Community Fundraiser Transforming Rescued Food Into Hope | Soroptimist Victoria Westshore Society

October 3 - Repair Cafe | Fairfield Gonzales Community Association

October 3 - Clothing Swap | Fairfield Gonzales Community Association

October 3 - Zero Waste Living | Compost Education Centre (Registration required)

October 4 - Sooke Repair Cafe | Zero Waste Sooke

October 16 - Clean Farms Collection Event | Hartland Landfill

October 17 - Do-It-Yourself: Creative Cooking with What You've Got | Compost Education Centre (Registration required)

October 24 - North Saanich Repair Cafe | Repair Café North Saanich

October 24 - Pop-Up Sewing Makerspace & Clothing Swap | ReImagine West Shore

October 31 - Do-It-Yourself: Clothes Mending and Altering | Compost Education Centre (Registration required)

November 5 - Mending Night: Embroidery | Ecologyst

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.

Planning Waste and Recycling Areas in Apartments and Condos

Effective waste management starts with good planning and clear systems. These guides for developers and property managers provide practical tools, best practices, and step-by-step guidance to help reduce waste, improve recycling and organics diversion, and support compliance with local regulations.

Waste Management and Recycling Guides

Waste Management and Recycling Tools

Learn More

Join the Solid Waste Advisory Committee

This committee monitors implementation of the CRD’s current Solid Waste Management Plan and will support the development of the region’s next plan. Participation is voluntary and members will be asked to commit to meeting up to eight times per year for up to three years.

There are vacancies for members representing the following communities:

Municipal engineering staff who are involved in solid waste collection (1)
Private sector industry collection service providers (2)
First Nations (2)
Composting industry representatives (1)
Non-profit group with an interest in solid waste (1)
Solid waste technology representatives (1)
Large waste generators (industrial, commercial, institutional) (1)
Public representatives, at large (1)
District of Highlands representative (1)

We invite you to send us a brief email telling us about yourself, who you represent, your relevant experience and why you would like to serve on this committee. Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, November 6, 2026.

Learn More

News, Tidbits and Updates

SSI Composting Bylaw Amendment

The CRD is amending its Composting Facilities Regulation Bylaw No. 2736 to exempt the Salt Spring Abattoir Society from licensing requirements prior to fully rescinding Bylaw No. 2736 in the coming years.

Learn More

Minor Traffic Impacts at Hartland Landfill North Entrance

Construction is underway to widen the Hartland Landfill North Entrance driveway at 280 Willis Point Rd. and improve sightlines for commercial vehicles exiting onto Willis Point Road. Work will continue until December 31. Willis Point Road will remain open to two-way traffic, but drivers may experience minor delays. Please use caution, follow posted signage and obey directions from flag persons while travelling through the area.

Learn More

CRD Receives Funding for the Biochar Project

The CRD received $7 million in funding through the community stream of the Build Canada Strong Fund to support the introduction of new carbonisation technology at the Residuals Treatment Facility at Hartland Landfill to transform Class A biosolids, the leftover solids from wastewater treatment, into biochar.

Learn More

Hartland Landfill Tours

Get a behind the scene look at where your garbage goes. We will discuss the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle), ways we can generate less waste and how our behaviours affect Hartland Landfill and the region.

Tour Dates

Friday, October 16 | 9-11 am

Saturday, October 17 | 9-11 am

Ask the CRD's Garbage and Recycling Infoline

Q: Can I drop my fireplace off in Hartland's metal recycling bin?

A: Before bringing any type of fireplace to Hartland, you must complete an Application for Renovation Demolition Waste Disposal and provide supporting documentation confirming that the fireplace does not contain asbestos.

Non-asbestos fireplace: Once approved, the fireplace can be disposed of free of charge in the metal recycling bin.

Asbestos-containing fireplace: Additional requirements apply. Review the Hartland Asbestos Disposal page for packaging guidelines, how to schedule a drop-off appointment and applicable disposal fees.

Do not bring a fireplace to Hartland without completing the application and receiving approval.

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 Tonnage Report

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