Pender Harbour Food Waste Drop-Off Program Temporarily Suspended

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is announcing the temporary suspension of the Food Waste Drop-off Pilot Program at the Pender Harbour Transfer Station, effective May 1, 2025. 

Despite requesting proposals to continue the service, none were received. As such, the SCRD was unable to secure a new service provider after the current contract expires on April 30, 2025.  

“The main reason the program was discontinued is that not enough people took part in it, making it too expensive to keep running,” says Marc Sole, Manager, Solid Waste Services. “The fees collected were only covering 25% of the costs which is not enough to sustain the service.” 

Food waste is recyclable and throwing it in the garbage not only increases the release of green house gases but also reduces the usable space in the Sechelt Landfill.  There are regulations in place that require food waste and other recyclables to be separated from garbage and Pender Harbour Transfer Station site users are able to make use of the following options:  

• Self-haul food waste to Salish Soils in Sechelt. 

• Compost food waste at home. 

• Pay for private collection services, if available. 

The SCRD will continue exploring alternatives for food waste diversion at Pender Harbour and will present any new options to the Board for consideration. Home composter rebates will be available in May. Visit www.scrd.ca/composting to learn more. 

Residents will be informed about the change before April 30, 2025, through notices at the Transfer Station, in the local newspaper and online channels. 

You can also visit www.scrd.ca/transfer-station/ for more information.