The new organic waste projects in the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS), Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), and Town of Oliver will help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs and produce compost for residents, according to NDP MLA Roly Russell.
These projects are part of the CleanBC Organic Infrastructure and Collection Program. They were launched in 2020 and are aimed to help communities develop or expand their ability to divert organic waste from landfills.
The RDOS and OIB will receive $304,460 from the province for a new food and yard waste collection program which will serve 2,600 residential households within Electoral Areas A and C and the OIB. The Town of Oliver will receive $22,000 for a food and yard waste collection program serving an additional 2,600 residents.
“People in the South Okanagan will soon have one more way to actively fight climate change and reduce their waste,” said MLA Russell. “Reducing our emissions is something we have to work on collectively, and I’m excited to see Oliver, the Regional District, and the Osoyoos Indian Band stepping up to do exactly that.
“Composting organic waste extends landfill lifespans, reduces emissions, and creates a useful end product. It’s just one of many issues we have to address, but work like this from regional, Indigenous, and provincial governments gives me hope that we’re on the right path,” he added.
Investing in organic waste diversion is one part of larger landscape in making a meaningful shift. CleanBC is the province’s pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It supports our BC NDP government’s commitment to climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets and build a cleaner, stronger economy for everyone.
For more information on B.C.’s Organics Infrastructure and Collection Program, please visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021ENV0071-002313
