INCREASING BACKYARD AND COMMUNITY COMPOSTING PARTICIPATION IN YOUR MUNICIPALITY
Presentation Overview Who is Green Action Centre How many of us compost? Composting options for municipalities Why aren t some people backyard composting? Composter type Ways to increase backyard composting Effective programs (schools, Master Composter)
Non-profit, non-governmental hub for greener living. We encourage practical green solutions for homeowners, workplaces, schools and communities Supported by donations, grants, sponsors, and government
Located in the EcoCentre, 3rd Floor, 303 Portage Ave (Mountain Equipment Coop) Information Line: 925-3777 Outside of Winnipeg: 1-866-394-8880 www.greenactioncentre.ca
WWW. GREENACTI ONCENTRE. CA
Outreach We are also supported by a membership Membership is important and it is free! Stay informed! Help us extend our outreach!
Composting Services Composting information (website, help line) Provide composting advice, referrals Composting workshops Display for events Templates for signage (workplaces, demonstration sites) International Compost Awareness Week Promotion Master Composter Training Program and Volunteer Network
What s the composting rate? What s the household composting rate in Canada? 30% in Manitoba? 23% (one of the lowest), Quebec with 14% highest rates in Canada? PEI 92% NS 71% why this difference? legislation, curbside collection
Composting program options for municipality Small-scale/on-site Backyard composting households composting at home, also includes indoor vermicomposting Community composting shared compost bin among a group or community members - community garden - school, workplace, church etc Large-scale Centralized composting/organics curbside pick-up/drop-off sites
Why do some people don t backyard compost? Lack of How-to Compost Education Lack of Bin No space Concerns about odours, attracting pests No interest No time/too much work Have access to organics curbside collection
Composter Types Dedicated Composter Borderline Composter Unlikely Composter
Dedicated Composter Ecologically minded Wants to minimize waste Will go out of their way to compost Enjoys gardening Wants finished compost
Borderline Composter Currently recycling and feels pressure to do more Prodded by children or others Feels guilty Economically minded Needs it to be convenient
Unlikely Composter Not concerned about amount of garbage they produce May think composting is unpleasant and unsightly Have concerns with germs, cleanliness Passive or follower
Why choose backyard composting education program? Better option for environment no or little outside energy required no CO2 emissions (no transportation of waste) Cheaper Simple Households more in touch with natural organics cycle sees results first-hand Households gets compost they produce
Why choose large-scale composting program? Can collect more (meat, dairy, food scrapings, extra yard waste etc ) Allows composting for: those who don t want to backyard compost apartment dwellers those who have small yards downside: costs more, CO2 emissions, less high quality end product
Which program should you choose? Do both! (If you can afford it curbside collection) Depots might be the solution for small towns and rural areas (those who need to bring garbage themselves to the landfill) Start with depots for leaf and yard waste
Why do some people don t backyard compost? Lack of How-to Compost Education Lack of Bin No space Concerns about odours, attracting pests No interest No time/too much work Have access to organics curbside collection
Ways to increase how-to compost education Provide resources (brochures), website links Offer free composting workshops Education in schools School-wide composting Offer a Master Composter Course
School-wide composting Start good habits young Children influence and teach parents, so might start at home Make a difference in waste going to landfill Cheap and easy to start Need dedicated leaders to oversee program
Master Composter Program Train-the-trainer course Spreads the word on composting Learn the how-to s of composting and outreach skills Dedicate 30 hours of volunteer work Great return for your investment
Ways to get bins out there! Offer free compost bins Offer subsidised bins Compost bin sales Buy from municipal office Discounts at garden centres
Options for no space Community drop-off sites Compost pick-up service (community sites)
Concerns about pest, odours Both are addressed through education Pest-resistant bins Pest-proofing plans (hardware cloth) Sometimes challenge to prevent them (bears, racoons etc) option: vermicomposting
Community composting Just like curbside, it allows composting for: those who don t want to backyard compost apartment dwellers those who have small yards those who have too much yard waste To function, need leaders
Industrial indoor composters Somat Unit
Concluding words Backyard and community composting programs are complimentary to large-scale composting They are economical Not everyone will be on board Education and convenience are key! Contact Green Action Centre The more options the better!
Questions? Thank you!