Metro Vancouver is expanding their yard waste collection program to include kitchen scraps.  Meanwhile, Edmonton’s sophisticated waste management system already separates all compostable waste that enters the garbage system and turns it into a soil supplement. What about Winnipeg?

Although Winnipeg lags behind other cities, the recent increase in landfill dumping fees may create an opportunity to fund curbside pick of compost.  By continuing to bury organic materials in our landfill, we make the Brady Landfill site one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases in the province. Across Canada, greenhouse gas emissions from the Waste Sector increased by about 2.5 million tonnes, or 13.4%, between 1990 and 2007. Even if Winnipeg does eventually install methane capture technology, the benefits of composting far out weigh those of gas collection.  According to recent research cited by Mother Jones,  “applying compost to cropland sequestered a staggering 10,802 pounds more carbon dioxide per hectare each year than farming with conventional manure fertilizer. That's more than the yearly emissions of a Chevy Impala.”

Here in Winnipeg, it is City Council that will decide the fate of your organic trash. Now more than ever, it is an important time to let councilors know that you support curbside pick up of compost.