Pre-treated Organics Program

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

A residential organics diversion program is in its final stages of program 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.

Early Adopters

City residents from all neighbourhoods can sign up to be early adopters, see "Who is eligible?" in the FAQs section for more information on candidacy. As an early adopter, you will receive your appliance before the neighbourhood rollout.

To be added to the early adopter's list, sign up here.

Once you've registered, you'll receive an email confirming your inclusion on the early adopter's list. Residents will be contacted in phases to pick up their appliances, and educational training, please be patient as we launch this first-of-its-kind program to our community.

Pilot Neighbourhood

Fairview has been officially selected as the pilot neighbourhood for the research component of this program. Residents in this neighbourhood will be contacted to participate in the program. Fairview is defined by waste collection area, Friday is Fairview's collection day. To see a map, click here.

Residents from both the Early Adopters list and the Pilot Neighbourhood will be contacted in phases, please be patient as we launch this first-of-its-kind program into our community.

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.