| Environmental Columns

Mastering the Art of Composting

Wondering why composting is so important? Are your actions making a real difference? Here are some explanations:

Reducing Waste and Greenhouse Gases

Composting is all about reducing the amount of materials sent to our already overflowing landfill sites. But that’s not all! Organic matter that ends up in landfill sites produces methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2). Why does this happen? Because these materials need oxygen to decompose properly and produce compost. This is possible in facilities where organic materials are sent, as opposed to landfill sites. So, by taking advantage of organic waste collection, you not only reduce the amount of waste you generate, but also the amount of greenhouse gases.

A Significant Contribution

One person generates around 1,500 pounds of waste per year, the equivalent of one cow. Of this total, 30% are food residues. If everyone composted or took advantage of organics collection, waste reduction would be huge! Every action counts and your contribution can make a significant difference.

So, are you ready to start composting? It’s a small step for you, but a big step for our planet!

A Few Tips for Enjoyable, Efficient Composting

  1. Close your bin tightly.
  2. Drain table scraps.
  3. Wash your bin regularly.
  4. In summer, freeze your table scraps until collection day.

10 Things You Can Compost

In addition to food waste, several other items can be dropped off at the organic waste collection:

  1. Muffin papers
  2. Tissue paper (even used ones)
  3. Tea bags
  4. Coffee filters
  5. Wooden pencils and sharpener shavings
  6. Wooden crayons
  7. Parchment paper (replaces waxed paper, which is not compostable)
  8. Paper towels (even if soiled, unless used with household products)
  9. Brown paper
  10. Pizza boxes (relatively clean)

To determine if you can put your items in the organics bin, ask yourself these three questions:

  • Can you eat it?
  • Is it paper or cardboard with traces of food?
  • Is this a garden residue without soil?

If you answered yes to any of these three questions, your item must be disposed of in the organics bin.

By participating in organic waste collection, your food residues become natural fertilizers for our soils and reduce our environmental footprint. Let’s keep up our collective efforts for a healthy planet.

https://defizerodechet.ca/astuces/devenez-un-pro-du-compostage-astuces-faciles/ (in French only)

https://www.ledevoir.com/environnement/779342/chaque-quebecois-produit-plus-de-1500-livres-de-dechets-par-annee (in French only)

\https://ecoles-eco.ca/wp-content/uploads/10-choses-qui-se-compostent.pdf (in French only)