The City of Nelson is gearing up to launch Canada’s first residential pre-treated organics program.

A residential organics diversion program is currently under development. Upon implementation, residents will be equipped with an in-home appliance that will mash and dehydrate food waste. This process is referred to as ‘pre-treatment’ and substantially reduces the weight and volume of food waste. Pre-treatment transforms food waste into an odourless and dry soil amendment that can be used to enhance your garden or collected by the City. The program will include regular collection and a range of educational materials on how to use the pre-treatment appliances effectively.

For fuller program details, please look at the Organic Waste Diversion FAQs.

To be added to the early adopters list, sign up  here. 

City residents from all neighbourhoods can sign up to be early adopters. As an early adopter, you will receive your appliance before the neighbourhood rollout.

Food Waste Reduction:

With the rising cost of food, a great way to save money on your grocery bills is to reduce food waste at home. About 1/3 of all food produced is lost or wasted every year but small changes in how you shop, cook, and use food at home will have a lasting impact on your wallet.

Did you know that food waste is also one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in BC? Reducing food waste is one of the simplest things we can do to decrease our impact on the environment.  When food waste ends up in the landfill it creates methane – a greenhouse gas 20 times more powerful than carbon dioxide!

Aligned with our Nelson Next Climate Plan, The City of Nelson is developing its organics program to help residents manage their household food waste. While some food waste is unavoidable, preventing food waste in the first place is the best solution. 

Regional Program

In partnership with the RDCK, Nelson City Council is committed to diverting organics from the waste stream. The RDCK completed an organic diversion strategy for the region and has received funding to develop a central compost site. 

Visit rdck.ca/organics for more details.

Initial Pilot Program

For more information on our initial pilot project that lead to the decision to adopt a pre-treatment organics program, click here.