| Environmental Columns

Composting, even in winter

It’s important to continue using the organic waste collection system during the winter months. But are you worried that the contents of your bin might freeze? Here are a few practical tips:  

  1. Add dry materials: Mix dead and dry leaves, shredded paper or straw with your table scraps to absorb moisture.
  2. Wrap your waste: Wrap your organic materials in paper before placing them in your outdoor bin.
  3. Place your bin under cover: If possible, place your compost bin in an area sheltered from wind and weather. 

By following these tips, you’ll be able to continue composting efficiently even during the coldest months! Organic waste collection brings many benefits to the environment and helps reduce our ecological footprint.  

Eco-Nico: Did you know that organic matter that ends up in landfill sites produces methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2)? 

One person generates around 1,500 pounds of waste per year, the equivalent of one cow. Food waste accounts for about 30% of this total. If everyone composted or took advantage of organics collection, waste reduction would be huge!  

By reducing the amount of waste we landfill, we also reduce our ecological footprint. 

If you’d like to learn more about the art of composting, read our column on the subject: https://www.pointe-claire.ca/en/news/mastering-the-art-of-composting/