Green carts roll onto Strathmore streets

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

In an attempt to reduce the amount of landfill and lessen environmental impact, Strathmore has launched its residential curbside organics program by rolling out green carts and kitchen catchers within the community.
Although the program doesn’t officially start until June 4, the Town of Strathmore and Waste Management has already delivered over 4,000 bins to residences with black cart collection over the last week.
The program is part of the overall waste management contract with Waste Management and runs in conjunction with the black cart garbage collection service.
“The green cart program is very easy to use. Residents can put any compost things, household or green yard waste material, into their green cart or kitchen catcher,” said Solomiya Lyaskovska, communication specialist with Waste Management of Canada Corporation. “By participating in the green cart program, the town will reduce waste in the landfill. Also, all of the finished compost becomes fertilizer and is locally used by agriculture or gardens nearby.”
According to Environment Canada, up to 40 per cent of identified organic waste material makes up residential waste, and therefore contributes to the release of greenhouse gases and pollution that can leak into ecosystems.
The Town of Strathmore welcomed the 240 litre (L) black garbage bins earlier in January and is now turning its attention to composting with the 120L green carts and kitchen catchers – an addition that cost the town $225,897.
The program is part of the contract with Waste Management and affects those residents who also receive the black cart collection. Once in possession of the bin, residents are responsible for storing and caring for the items.
Unlike regular backyard composting, the Waste Management class 1 compost site – formerly owned and operated by H&H Huxted Enterprises – reaches temperatures of up to 150 degrees and can therefore turn even bones and leftover food into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The green cart program can accept food scraps such as fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, tea bags and paper towels; yard trimmings such as grass clippings, leaves and flowers; and pet waste.
However, the green carts should not contain any plastic, biodegradable bags, diapers, wipes, sanitary products, food or beverage packaging, painted or treated wood, fruit or vegetable stickers, dryer lint or vacuum dirt, wax paper or butcher’s paper.
Included with the green carts, residents received an updated collection calendar, a list of acceptable materials, instruction of cart placement, ideas for keeping the green cart clean, a new kitchen catcher and compostable bags.
Waste Management will use a split collection truck with two compartments to pick up both the green and black carts on the same day following the regular collection schedule.
Green and black carts will be required to be placed a metre away from each other at the curb beyond the sidewalk on collection day in order to be collected. Waste Management said if not enough room is left between the two items the carts won’t be able to be picked up. Green carts are considered mandatory.
The green cart program will begin on June 4. For residents not receiving black cart collection service but are interested in the green carts, contact Waste Management at 1-877-784-7336 or wccs@wm.com.