We are excited to introduce a new initiative making it easier and more affordable for Nelson businesses to manage their organic waste. The ICI Organics Bin Pilot Program, a collaboration between the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), aims to help businesses separate food waste, reduce landfill costs, and contribute to sustainability efforts.

Over the last few months, the Chamber’s Business Climate Advisor, Grace Henecka, has been working closely with Matt Morrison, RDCK Organics Coordinator, and local waste haulers to bring this new program to the Nelson area business community.

What is the Program About?

A contracted hauler will provide an organics bin to participating businesses and collect it once a week, transporting it to the Grohman Narrows transfer station. From there, the organic waste will be sent to the composting facility in Salmo, where it will be turned into compost.

Program Benefits and Incentives

• Lower Tipping Fees
  The RDCK has implemented a one-year organics tipping fee subsidy. Businesses will now pay $55 per tonne for organic waste disposal, compared to $166 per tonne for mixed waste—a 65% reduction.
• Lower Waste Costs
  By separating food waste, businesses can reduce overall waste disposal fees and improve waste efficiency. Liberty Foods in Fruitvale, who have been piloting this program since October 2024, have managed to reduce their garbage pickups from two to one per week, resulting in $4,000 annual cost savings. Read more about Liberty Food’s Program here.
• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  Keeping organic waste out of landfills helps reduce methane emissions, a major contributor to climate change.