PRRD investigates solid waste management in Peace River region

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An overlfowing garbage bin (Kenny Eliason/Unsplash) — The PRRD is investigating the needs and efficiency of solid waste management in the region. (Kenny Eliason/Unsplash)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district has decided to start exploring the needs and efficiency of solid waste management in the region.

During the September 18th meeting of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), the board of directors approved the search for a consulting firm before any more changes are made to the region’s solid waste management.

The decision was made after a resolution was passed in May to not plan on purchasing any land or constructing any attended transfer stations “until a study can be completed to evaluate the existing solid waste collection system network.”

A transfer station is a manned or unmanned building where residents can drop household waste. Waste is consolidated at the stations temporarily before being transferred to a final destination such as a landfill, recycling or composting facility.

According to a staff report submitted to the board during the September meeting, the firm would be asked to ensure solid waste management services are “aligned with population needs, travel patterns and best practices” before any more decisions are made by the board.

These decisions include pursuing purchasing new land or buildings, attended or otherwise, to use as transfer stations.

Following approval from the board, a request for proposal was issued for “consultant review” for the months of October and November, with the PRRD anticipating the approval of a contract by the board during the December 5th meeting.

A request for proposal is a formal step in the process of a governing body assigning work to a contractor or company. It is a formal document issued as an invitation to qualified individuals and companies to submit detailed proposals, including estimated cost and project timelines, so the government can select a preferred contractor.

According to staff, most of the work would be completed in the first quarter of 2026, with a final report to be shared to the region’s committee on solid waste during a meeting in July 2026.