Regina Turns Waste to Soil Gold with AI Tech

Regina's green bin program is set to undergo a significant transformation with a new contract awarded to Awasis Organics Ltd. This partnership will see food and yard waste processed into biochar, a soil-enhancing substance with long-term carbon storage capabilities. The new facility, majority-owned by Cowessess Ventures, will be located just east of Regina, on land belonging to Cowessess First Nation.

This innovative approach is projected to sequester substantial amounts of CO2 equivalent, marking it as a potentially impactful climate project for the region. Unlike traditional composting, the biochar process involves heating waste without combustion, which Awasis Organics assures will produce no smell or harmful emissions. This method aims to address concerns previously raised by residents near a proposed composting facility.

The initiative is crucial for Regina's environmental targets, particularly its objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By diverting an estimated 65% of waste from the landfill—the city's largest source of methane gas—Regina expects to significantly reduce its environmental footprint. The city will pay a tonnage fee for the service, with the facility's construction and operation costs covered by Awasis Organics.