Sparwood dry landfill to reach capacity in 2027

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) says the Sparwood Dry Landfill is expected to reach capacity in 2027.

District officials say a recent lifespan analysis updated the estimated remaining capacity of the landfill, located on the same property as the Sparwood Transfer Station.

“We recently had a consultant provide an updated analysis based on current and projected tonnages, and we anticipate reaching capacity in 2027,” said RDEK General Manager of Operations Jamie Davies.

“We looked at a number of different options to extend the life of the landfill; however, the significant associated costs, combined with the limited additional lifespan that would be achieved, made those options cost-prohibitive.”

The current landfill accepts commercial construction waste and demolition waste; other waste is handled through the transfer station system.

While the landfill is expected to close in 2027, the RDEK Board has approved an amendment to its 2026–2030 financial plan to include a new facility to continue accepting commercial construction and demolition waste.

“In 2026, we will work on creating a formal closure plan for the landfill portion of the site and undertake a feasibility study to explore how best to develop the infrastructure to continue to accept construction waste, with the goal of having something in place to coincide with the landfill’s closure,” adds Davies.

The RDEK says there will be no impact on the Sparwood Transfer Station or its operations as a result of the project.