Open to: All BCIA Registrants and the Public (A BCIA account is required to register for this event)

Looking to learn more about sustainable waste solutions tailored to rural and small-town communities? Join us for a dynamic Lunch and Learn with Oliver Berger, a passionate composting advocate with over a decade of experience in community waste diversion and organics management.

In this engaging session, Oliver will explore practical and scalable food waste diversion solutions that he's successfully implemented in his hometown of Williams Lake, BC. From community gardens and backyard compost bins to regional organics pickup programs and education campaigns, Oliver brings a wealth of knowledge rooted in lived experience and hands-on environmental stewardship.

You'll learn how small towns can turn their organic “waste” into an opportunity—for healthier soil, reduced landfill use, and stronger local food systems. Whether you’re a municipal planner, agrologist, educator, farmer, or curious citizen, this presentation will leave you inspired and equipped with ideas to take action in your own community.

🕒 The event will include:

• 30 minutes of presentation, where Oliver shares key insights, lessons learned, and real-world examples.

• 30 minutes of open Q&A and discussion—ask your composting questions and share your own community experiences!

Meet the Speaker:

Oliver Berger

Waste Wise Educator | Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society

Founder | Cariboo Compost

Oliver has been a leader in rural composting and waste education for over a decade. Based in Williams Lake, BC, he’s built a strong reputation for innovative, grassroots approaches to organics diversion, environmental outreach, and practical composting systems that work at the community level. Through his work with the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society and his own company, Cariboo Compost, Oliver supports a wide range of initiatives—from backyard bin setups to regional composting strategies and school outreach programs.

A familiar face at community events and workshops, Oliver is known for making composting approachable, engaging, and effective. His work focuses on reducing landfill impact, building local soil health, and empowering small communities to take sustainability into their own hands.