The Regional District of Nanaimo is expanding its curbside collection program, allowing residents to dispose of yard and garden material.
The expansion will allow residents in Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach and electoral areas A, B, C, E, F, G and H to fill their organics cart with leaves, grass trimmings, small branches and twigs, effective immediately.
According to a news release from the regional district, the expansion will be a “cost-effective” way for residents to dispose of organic material and it will “improve air quality through reduced greenhouse gas emissions” by minimizing organic waste that ends up in landfills.
“The collection and conversion of organic material into compost supports both a circular economy and helps the RDN get closer to its 90 percent waste diversion goal,” said Vanessa Craig, RDN chairperson.
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The curbside organics program is partly funded by a grant through the Clean B.C. infrastructure and collection program, which allows an increase of only one per cent in the 2023 curbside utility fee.
During the first phase of the program, light yard trimmings include twigs, leaves, and small branches that are less than 1.5 centimetres in diameter and no longer than 60cm are allowed to be composted, and the organics cart must be able to fully close.
Throughout 2023, the regional district plans on monitoring the program and conducting public surveys to help understand what level of service best fits residents’ unique needs.
@Baileymseymour
bailey.seymour@nanimobulletin.com
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