Photo: Contributed

Just a few months into Vernon’s new curbside organics collection program, residents have responded to the call to divert waste from the landfill.

The City of Vernon says in the first four months of the program, from May 2 to Aug. 31, more than 1,360 tonnes of kitchen and yard waste was diverted from the landfill and sent to be turned into reusable compost material.

“All we can say is, wow. Look at what we’ve done together,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “Just last year, council endorsed Vernon’s Climate Action Plan and we started taking meaningful actions throughout the community to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Residents have jumped on board, and now we’re seeing the results.”

Between May and August, the city saw an average reduction of 27 per cent in the amount of waste going to the local landfill from Vernon households, when compared to the same time period over the previous five years.

“This is not an insignificant number,” said Ian Adkins, roads, drainage and airport manager.

“By diverting organic waste, not only are we reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, but we’re also extending the lifespan of our local landfill which in turn provides a considerable financial benefit to our community.”

The vision of Vernon’s Climate Action Plan is to be a leader in climate action, with no net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to be resilient to the changing climate. The city has committed to implementing the actions outlined in the plan and to work with residents, businesses and visitors to learn how everyone can take steps to reduce the impact on the environment and become more resilient to ongoing changes.

“On behalf of city council, I’d like to thank Vernon’s residents for your early participation in the curbside organics collection program,” said Cumming. “The city is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and responding to the impacts of climate change by taking strategic, practical and sustainable actions. It’s clear that you are, too.”