Summary

• Four communities are receiving funding for organics waste infrastructure and curbside collection
• Projects will serve almost 11,000 people and reduce emissions by an estimated 655 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually
• Funding is part of a $14-million provincial investment through the CleanBC Organics Funding Program

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Four communities have been awarded funding for new or expanded waste-processing infrastructure and curbside collection, as part of a $14-million investment by the Province.

“The CleanBC Organics Funding Program empowers communities,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “It allows communities to build an organics system that works for them – a system that diverts waste, creates clean, healthy ecosystems and keeps organics in circulation and out of landfills.”

The CleanBC Organics Funding Program is designed to keep organic waste out of landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Organic content represents 40% of the waste sent to B.C. landfills, where it breaks down and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. When organics are composted, they are transformed into nutrient-rich soil that supports healthy ecosystems.

Four projects funded for a total of more than $2 million

• Kispiox Band Council was awarded $737,400 for new organic waste-processing infrastructure and curbside collection.
• The City of Revelstoke was awarded almost $647,000 for curbside collection.
• Tl’etinqox Government was awarded almost $630,000 for new organic waste-processing infrastructure and curbside collection.
• The Village of New Denver was awarded $8,760 to expand community composting capacity for New Denver and Silverton.

“People in the Kootenays and across the province are passionate about reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central. “This funding means that New Denver and Silverton will be able to expand composting capabilities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit residents in one of B.C.'s most beautiful rural areas.”

All eligible projects were awarded funding in this round and are expected to start this spring. Two of the four projects, Kispiox and Tl’etinqox Organic Waste Management Systems, are Indigenous-led and support the Province’s commitment to reconciliation.

Collectively, all four projects will serve almost 11,000 people in British Columbia and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 655 tonnes of CO2 equivalent every year, which is approximately equal to taking 219 cars off B.C. roads.

“The City of Revelstoke thanks the Province for supporting the implementation of a modernised curbside collection system for Revelstoke residents beginning in spring 2027,” said Gary Sulz, mayor of Revelstoke. “With the grant funding, the city will purchase bear-resistant dedicated organics waste carts compatible with the automated lift mechanism on two new collection trucks. Residents will learn more about our important waste-diversion initiatives and upcoming changes in the coming months.”

First-round projects up and running soon

Two of the three projects from the first round of funding will be fully operational this year. Combined, all three are expected to reduce emissions by almost 4,200 tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030.

“Being stewards of the land, Skidegate Band Council (SBC) is governed by Haida Law and takes direction from its community,” said Robert Williams, band administrator. “Our membership, through our comprehensive community plan, has directed us to follow the Haida principle of Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid (Everything depends on everything else). Inherent in this principle is a recognition that we must look after our environment because it sustains us. It is who we are. With the help of the Province’s CleanBC — Organics Funding, we have been able to exercise this important principle. The funding has allowed SBC to develop a composting facility, which complements our recycling program, and helps the community further reduce its impact on our environment. For this, we are thankful because of the positive impact it’s had in allowing us to fulfil our green initiatives, while concomitantly being responsive to our members.”

Led by Nisga’a Village of New Aiyansh, Skidegate Band Council and Tla’amin Nation, first-round Organics Funding Program projects will serve more than 6,000 people in British Columbia.

The CleanBC Organics Funding Program is part of government’s plan to lower climate-changing emissions. Alongside initiatives such as the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund, the Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation and B.C.’s Extended Producer Responsibility system, the Organics Funding Program supports the Province’s efforts to divert waste from B.C. landfills and boost the circular economy.

Quick Facts:

• B.C. has a waste-disposal target to lower the municipal solid-waste disposal rate to 350 kilograms per person annually.
• In 2023, people in British Columbia disposed of an average of slightly more than 480 kilograms of municipal solid waste per person, a reduction of 88 kilograms per person since 2012.
• The Province funds organics infrastructure through the CleanBC Organics Infrastructure and Collection Program, and through the Organics Infrastructure Program in partnership with the federal government.

Learn More:

• To learn more about the CleanBC Organics Funding Program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/food-and-organic-waste/organic-waste-diversion/cleanbc-organics-funding-program
• To learn more about CleanBC, visit: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/about-cleanbc/
• To learn more about the CleanBC Organics Infrastructure and Collection Program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/food-and-organic-waste/organic-waste-diversion/cleanbc-organic-infrastructure-and-collection-program
• To learn more about the Organics Infrastructure Program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/food-and-organic-waste/organic-waste-diversion/organics-infrastructure-program
• To learn more about B.C.’s Organic Matter Recycling Regulation, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/food-and-organic-waste/regulations-guidelines