Province Hosts New Zealand Composter

The largest biowaste management company in New Zealand is in Halifax to learn how Nova Scotia has become a world leader in solid waste diversion.

David Perkins, chief executive officer of the Living Earth Co., says he chose to come to Nova Scotia because of the province’s reputation as the leader in composting and recycling systems in North America and the world.

As part of his two-day tour, Mr. Perkins met with Environment and Labour Minister David Morse today.

Mr. Morse said our provincial waste experts are pleased to teach others how to tackle this worldwide problem.

“We have a reputation around the world for meeting our goals when it comes to solid-waste resource management,” he said. “It’s a big challenge, but we have developed a workable strategy. Now it’s important to share that strategy and our business know-how with the world.”

Mr. Perkins said he was particularly interested in the success of our program dealing with kitchen waste.

In the past two months, Nova Scotia’s achievement in diverting 50 per cent of solid waste from our landfills has led to worldwide attention.

Department officials have been proud to host delegations from Ireland and Hong Kong. Both countries plan to emulate the province’s recycling and composting systems.

Recognized as among of most progressive recyclers anywhere, Nova Scotians and municipalities have also been highlighted on the CNN Web site, seen by more than 20 million people.

Mr. Perkins is visiting composting facilities on Tuesday and Wednesday this week in East River, Lunenburg County; in Dartmouth; and in Otter Lake, near Halifax.

Nova Scotia is the first and only province to achieve the goal of 50 per cent solid-waste diversion goal. One hundred per cent of Nova Scotia residents have access to curbside recycling and 72 per cent have access to curbside collection of organic materials for composting.