Questionable practices at South Okanagan landfill

CHBC News has learned about some questionable practices at a South Okanagan landfill that could be costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.

Demolition waste, which includes everything from tubing to insulation, should cost users $150 to dump. Processed organics, such as yard waste, is free when users bring it to the landfill.

However, after a CHBC News investigation, it appears the fees at the Okanagan Falls site do not apply to everyone. CHBC News has learned that hundreds of tons of demolition waste have been written off as processed organics, depriving the Regional District of tens of thousands of dollars.

Photos obtained by CHBC News show what appears to be demolition waste brought in by a Penticton company at no charge. Documents also obtained by CHBC News show, that time after time, the same company, Interior Waste Solutions, bringing similar materials and not being charged the tipping fee.

In a span of several months, there were at least 40 times when demolition waste was brought in for free. Almost 370 tons were brought in. That is more than $50,000 of revenue the Regional District did not receive.

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So who approved this? CHBC News obtained employee logs over a six month span. On several occasions, employees questioned why load after load was dumped for free. They say no explanation was given. In each instance, it was waste supervisor Don Hamilton who gave the approval.

Hamilton says it was Interior Waste Solutions that approached the Regional District about this pilot project from earlier this year and it was free because it was to be used as landfill cover material.

“If I was trying to hide it, why would I pile it there for pictures to be taken? Obviously it was put there for a purpose and that purpose was to create cover material,” Hamilton said.

However sources tell CHBC News the company should have been charged because much of the material was buried and never used for cover. They also add the material was apparently not suitable to be used as cover.

CHBC News also asked the Regional District for any documentation, like records and contracts, about this pilot project. Nothing has been provided so far.

Starting in May, the Regional District began charging Interior Waste Solutions for garbage at Okanagan Falls. The owner of the company says the waste that was brought in was suitable for cover. He also says much of the waste was also chipped up on his own dime.