There is growing pressure for residents to keep kitchen waste out of the trash.
Several Vernon council members want a curbside compost program initiated either for the city or for the regional district as awhole.
“I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the community. There’s a lot of interest,” said Coun. Dalvir Nahal.
“It’s a positive change for our future.”
The Regional District of North Okanagan recently hired a consultant to review organic management options.
One of the requirements of this project is to examine the feasibility of incorporating a composting
program at the Greater Vernon landfill, including the handling of organics such as food scraps.
However, RDNO says such a program may not be in place for five to 10 years.
“I don’t want a 10-year plan. I’d like to see it done sooner than that,” said Nahal.
Coun. Scott Anderson also supports giving residents a way of getting rid of vegetable and fruit waste through curbsidecollection.
“It’s done in other communities. People want to compost if it’s easy for them to do,” he said.
There could also be financial benefits by composting.
“Composting will reduce the stuff going into our landfill,” said Coun. Catherine Lord, adding that would expand the lifespan ofthe landfill.