Three-stream Waste Diversion Now in Effect for All Properties in the RDN

The Regional District of Nanaimo’s (RDN) new Mandatory Waste Source Separation (MWSS) bylaw is in effect as of January 1, 2025.

The MWSS bylaw requires commercial, multi-family and institutional properties throughout the RDN to have separate, partitioned waste containers for garbage, recycling and organics. To help property owners and managers implement the new waste diversion program, the RDN is focusing on education rather than enforcement during the first six months.

Staff will be available in person during the following drop-in office hours to answer questions:

Date	Time	Location
Jan. 16	3-5 p.m.	Gabriola Library 575 N Rd
Jan. 28	3-5 p.m.	Bowser Legion 7035 Island Highway W
Jan. 30	3-5 p.m.	Nanaimo Library (Creative Commons), 90 Commercial St.
Feb. 5	3-5 p.m.	Parksville Community Centre 223 Mills St.
Feb.13	3-5 p.m.	Qualicum Beach Civic Centre 747 Jones St.

The MWSS bylaw, like the program already in place for single-family residences, applies to all properties across the RDN which includes Electoral Areas A, B, C, E, F, G and H, the City of Nanaimo, District of Lantzville, City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach. Property owners and managers are responsible for coordinating the collection and proper management of separated waste with their waste collection service provider.

Properties impacted by the MWSS bylaw include:

Island Health facilities/medical clinics
School districts and Vancouver Island University
Municipal facilities
Hotels, motels, and similar accommodations
Restaurants and other food service businesses
Office buildings
Condominiums and apartments

Watch this page for more information on the MWSS bylaw, to ask questions, to watch a recorded webinar and to subscribe to receive project updates.