The city of Prince George is getting out of the garbage game.

On Thursday, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board agreed to assume operational control of the Quinn Street and Vanway transfer stations as of May 1.

The idea was put forward last year, under the assumption the city would see an annual savings of about $250,000.

The regional district already controls 18 other transfer stations throughout its boundaries as well as the Foothills regional landfill in the city limits.

In 1995, the province delegated responsibility of solid waste management to regional districts. At that time city council ceded control of the landfill to the regional district but kept control of the two transfer stations within city limits.

The Quinn Street station was built in 1999 and Vanway in 2004 with capital funding from the regional district.

Before switching to automated garbage collection the city operated a fleet of small manual collection vehicles that used the stations as transfer areas for curbside trash.

"This would have increased the efficiency of the municipal solid waste service and provided a cost savings," said a Feb. 20, 2012 finance and audit committee report to council. "With automated collection, this option is no longer cost effective."

The regional district will maintain the service level at the two sites as planned by the city, which includes the suspension of solid waste disposal. Recycling and yard waste will still be accepted.

The costs stemming from the transfer will be determined when the regional district finalizes its 2013 budget later in March.