The TNRD and City of Kamloops have implemented new rules that cover how construction waste in the area can be disposed of.

It is in response to Worksafe BC requirements and is meant to protect both workers and the public from exposure to asbestos at landfills and waste transfer sites.

Anyone who’s about to start work on a building constructed before 1990 has to get a hazard assessment done to test for asbestos as waste from those buildings with Potential Asbestos Containing Materials (PACM) will be assumed to have asbestos if it has not been tested.

“We are asking everyone to find out the disposal restriction that will apply to their specific construction or renovation project before you begin work, especially before you load up your truck for a dump run,” said Glen Farrow, Streets and Environmental Services Manager at the City of Kamloops.

Any load that contains gypsum wall board and mud compound, plaster and plaster board, vinyl flooring and leveling compound, ceiling tiles, cement pipe, stucco and cement siding, and spray applied insulation and attic insulation will be subject to the new requirements.

“Due to these new safety requirements, you may be turned away if your load hadn’t been properly bagged or is missing required documentation,” said Jamie Vieira, the Manager of Environmental Services at the TNRD.

“We will continue to help people properly dispose of waste, but we also need to ensure workers and all members of the public are protected. That is what these new rules aim to do.”

Viera says materials with asbestos will only be accepted at the Mission Flats landfill in Kamloops, and it has to be double-bagged in 6 mil thick bags and sealed shut before it will be accepted.