Most garbage that goes out for pickup is pretty much out of sight, out of mind. But there is one bright exception.
In the case of compostable materials deposited in the green bin, well, we can easily put that in a category apart from garbage anyway – more so a resource.
This week marks a high point for residents in Pictou County in a program that encourages people to carefully separate when getting rid of waste. All those organics – waste food from the kitchen, vegetable peels, meat and bone scraps, grass clippings, leaves and other bits raked up in the yard – anyone who doesn’t compost at home can put all those materials in the green bin. And as part of that full circle of Pictou County Solid Waste composting all that stuff, residents are invited to visit the Mount William facility this week and pick up two free bags of the finished product.
It’s amazing what nature can do with those organics, turn it into a valuable soil amendment, materials that in years prior to the program for the greater part might have been hauled to the dump or landfill. The finished compost is a great addition to flowerbeds, lawns or gardens, high in organic content to help amend clays or lighter soils and containing nutrients.
Just think of how many tonnes of waste are diverted from landfills: in a single collection day… in a year… across the province, since similar programs are offered in most municipalities.
As a thank you to people for participating, Pictou County Solid Waste is offering two free bags to residents at the Mt. William facility, and additional bags can be purchased. It’s an annual event, and attracts plenty of eager recipients.
As told to The News this week by Susan MacDonald, regional co-ordinator at the facility, the compost is all lab tested, and they can provide people with an analysis of the contents.
The program has changed a bit over the years to add other allowable green bin materials. Recent items have been included, clean, unpainted drywall and cat litter – representing another saving in costly landfill capacity.
The compost giveaway is indeed a high point in the program where residents are concerned. But it also works as a good demonstration of how a good, usable product comes from materials we discard.
It’s always worthwhile to take stock of other items suited for compost pickup. Rather than setting a match to a pile of dead leaves or raked-up grass, that could be put out. In fact, a spring leaf cleanup is being offered on regular pickup days, May 28-June 8. Use bags that are clear, orange or compostable.
The complimentary compost might also inspire residents who have the yard area to try composting at home – leaves, grass, fruit and vegetable trimmings, materials that won’t attract pests. A little research will show it’s a simple process that can provide a steady stream of this product.
