With the large new composting facility in Campbell River opening up this fall, about 30 per cent of organic waste is expected to be diverted from the regional landfill.  However, Cortes Island residents should not expect that their organic waste will be shipped to this new facility, according to Vivian Schau, Senior Manager for Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM).

Schau explained that they will be exploring how an organic waste pick up service can be integrated into Cortes Island's regular garbage curbside pick up and have the material remain on the island for composting. Shipping organic waste to the new composting facility in Campbell River is not an option for Cortes and other rural residents in the service area she said.

CSWM will also be exploring how all residents can reduce food wastage. Schau stressed the "startling" fact that in Canada alone, 30 per cent of the food that we distribute for human consumption is wasted, which equates to over about $100 billion annually. In the coming year, the CSWM plans to get the education out there around minimizing food wastage she said.

The Campbell River landfill closed last fall and garbage for all of the CSWM Service Area is now shipped to the Cumberland landfill. The CSWM serves the Comox Valley to Sayward, and east to the Salish Sea.

Listen to the interview with Vivian Schau: