The City of Nelson is receiving a $395,700 grant from the federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for its food waste recycling program.
The funds announced Monday will be used in the $1.06-million pilot project that will see 1,100 FoodCyclers delivered to the Fairview area and 500 for residents who signed up as early adopters.
The countertop appliance grinds and dehydrates waste, reducing its volume and weight by around 90 per cent, that can be then used for compost.
“Canadian innovation is helping us to address many challenges, including reducing food waste. The Government of Canada is pleased to fund this expansion of a successful and innovative pilot program on residential compost in Nelson,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, federal minister of natural resources, in a statement.
“Congratulations to all of those involved, and thank you for your commitment to sustainability.”
The announcement added a successful pilot would make Nelson one of the first Canadian municipalities to start such a program with the appliance.
“We are proud to spearhead this pioneering waste diversion program, supported by FCM and the Government of Canada, in alignment with our city’s Climate Action Plan, Nelson Next,” said Mayor Janice Morrison.
“By piloting this project, we aim to achieve greater circularity and emissions reduction and serve as an inspiration for other municipalities seeking sustainable solutions.”
The program is an effort to divert food waste from local landfills. The Regional District of Central Kootenay has said compostable waste makes up 40 per cent of total household waste.
Nelson previously sent FoodCyclers to 151 households in 2020, but has not yet said when it will deliver the latest batch.
The total cost of the program is $1,061,440, the majority of which has been funded by grants from Columbia Basin Climate Resilience Program ($198,750), the provincial Local Government Climate Action Program ($114,000), Environment and Climate Change Canada ($25,000), and now the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
The remaining $327,990 will come from the city’s funds held in reserve for recycling and or equipment.
READ MORE: Nelson to launch countertop food waste treatment pilot in spring
