NORTH OKANAGAN – New Democrat MLA says new organic waste projects in Lumby and Vernon will help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs and produce compost for residents.

“Everyone in our province can take actions to reduce their carbon footprint and help tackle climate change,” said MLA Sandhu. “In Lumby and Vernon, this will now be even easier. By collecting and processing food waste, we can collectively reduce our emissions and have more locally-available compost for our farmers and our own gardens.

These new projects are part of the the BC NDP government’s CleanBC Organic Infrastructure and Collection Program. Lumby will receive $17,144 from the province for a food waste collection program serving 750 residential homes. In Vernon, $936,720 from the province will collect food and yard waste from over 14,000 residential homes.

Launched in 2020, the program is providing up to $25.9 million, over three years, to communities to develop or expand their ability to divert organic waste from landfills. Through cost-sharing arrangements, the funding recipients are contributing at least one-third of eligible project costs.

Investing in organic waste diversion is one part of a much bigger picture. 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.

Learn More:

For more information on B.C.’s Organics Infrastructure and Collection Program, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021ENV0071-002313

To learn more about CleanBC, visit: www.cleanbc.gov.bc.ca