The City of Nelson has officially launched its pre-treated organics program, making Nelson the first municipality in the country to pilot such a program.
In June, the project received a $395,000 investment from the federal government to help expand the pilot and help facilitate community education efforts.
The city chose Fairview to test the program and will now begin supplying all households with a FoodCycler.
The FoodCyler is an in-home organic waste diversion appliance that transforms household food waste into an odorless, dry soil amendment rich in nutrients. The city’s website states that the diverted waste amendment should significantly help reduce the volume of food waste in local landfills.
The project has been in the works since 2020 and has already provided hundreds of appliances to residents who signed up as early adopters of the program.
A media release from the city said that they are excited to launch the program which hopes to transform how residents manage food waste by providing numerous benefits that include cost savings, reduced landfill waste, decreased wildlife encounters and keeping the environment clean and healthy for future generations.
“We are thrilled that the pre-Treated organics program has been introduced to the Fairview neighbourhood,” says Mayor Janice Morrison. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainability and provides our residents with a powerful tool that will make a meaningful difference in reducing waste and significantly lowering our footprint.”
For residents wanting to learn more about the program and the Foodcycler appliance, the city is hosting an event to celebrate the launch of the program on Oct. 4 at the Prestige Lakeside Resort from 7-8 p.m.
At the event residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the program’s long-term goals, explore the FoodCycler appliance and its technology, and hear from local leaders and project partners who will explain the importance of the program for the community’s future.