By Belize Live News Staff: The Recycle Organics (RO) program, with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), has arrived in Belize to kick off a new home composting initiative. The program aims to distribute 200 composting bins and kits to local communities across the country. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector and enhance Belize’s climate resilience.
The program was officially presented to local authorities and community leaders on August 26 in Belmopan. In addition to distributing composting equipment, the Recycle Organics team will be conducting training sessions and workshops in several communities, including Belmopan, San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Corozal, and San Pedro.
Home composting is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to manage organic waste. By composting at home, families and communities can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, thereby lowering methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, expressed his support for Belize’s efforts to reduce methane emissions and commended the country’s leadership in this area.
The Recycle Organics Program will also assist Belize in implementing its National Solid Waste Management Policy, Strategy, and Plan by providing technical support in collaboration with the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority.
Dr. Kenrick Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, highlighted the importance of collaboration with Canada in combating climate change and expressed his appreciation for the support provided through initiatives like the Recycle Organics Program.
The program also aims to facilitate collaboration among local leaders and municipal officials interested in improving organic waste management and reducing food waste in their communities.
Allison Bender-Corbett, Executive Director of the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP), emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders at the local and municipal levels to implement organic waste management projects effectively.
The Recycle Organics Program is part of a global effort to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. It focuses on policies and projects to promote the sustainable expansion of organic waste treatment technologies, particularly in developing countries and Small Island Developing States vulnerable to climate change impacts.
