During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on waste management practices, particularly regarding the disposal of batteries and household hazardous waste, as well as road safety measures in Okanagan County.

The meeting highlighted the landfill's current policy on battery disposal. Small lithium batteries are accepted, but alkaline batteries, which no longer contain mercury, are classified as regular trash due to changes in EPA regulations. Concerns were raised about the potential fire hazards posed by batteries in landfills, with reports of incidents occurring at transfer stations. The landfill management emphasized the importance of proper disposal methods to mitigate these risks.

Additionally, the county's approach to handling household hazardous waste was discussed. The landfill accepts oil-based paints and other hazardous materials on specific days, with a limit of 15 gallons or containers per visit. This limitation aims to manage the flow of waste and ensure efficient processing, particularly during peak times. The county encourages residents to dispose of hazardous materials incrementally rather than waiting until they accumulate large quantities.

In terms of road safety, the county engineer reported on speed studies conducted on Johnson Creek Road, revealing that the 85th percentile speeds were significantly above the posted limits. Despite community concerns about speeding, particularly in areas where pets have been harmed, officials expressed reluctance to lower speed limits without substantial evidence of safety hazards. Instead, they suggested increased enforcement as a more effective measure to address speeding issues.

The meeting concluded with discussions on a methane gas grant aimed at improving gas capture from the landfill. The county plans to apply for funding to enhance its gas management systems, which currently rely on flaring due to insufficient gas generation for energy capture.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to effective waste management and road safety, while also addressing community concerns regarding environmental and public safety issues.