By Jim Timlick
Photos by Darcy Finley
>> MANITOBANS GENERATE A LOT OF WASTE. In fact,
it's estimated we generate more than 900,000 tonnes of waste annually, with
organic matter representing about 40% of that total.
A Winnipeg-based social enterprise is working to reduce our residential
footprint. Compost Winnipeg was created in 2016 as an arm of the Green
Action Centre (GAC), a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that
provides environmental education and solutions for homeowners, workplaces
and schools.
As part of its service, Compost Winnipeg offers weekly curbside pick-up of
compostable materials from single-family homes, as well as some multi-family
dwellings.
Families can sign up online at compostwinnipeg.ca and choose a monthly
($35 a month) or annual subscription ($360 per year).
"It's basically just like your regular garbage collection," says Compost Winnipeg
general manager Robin Bryan. "It's very easy and simple to do and that's why we
think it makes sense for a growing number of people."
Growing is the operative word. Since its inception, Compost Winnipeg has
grown from a handful of customers and a single collection truck to nearly 600
residential customers and a fleet of five collection vehicles — and it's attracting
dozens of new subscribers each month. It's estimated the service already diverts
upwards of three metric tonnes of organic waste from Winnipeg's Brady Road
landfill site on a daily basis.
Subscribers buy an initial starter kit that includes a five-gallon collection bucket
with lid and two compostable bags. The service collects up to 10 kilograms of
organic waste each week, replacing the full bag with a fresh compostable bag
for the following week.
Bryan is not surprised by the rising interest in the service among Winnipeggers.
Cont'd on page 134
It's easy being green
with Compost Winnipeg
IT'S VERY EASY AND SIMPLE TO DO AND
THAT'S WHY WE THINK IT MAKES SENSE
FOR A GROWING NUMBER OF PEOPLE.
Parade of Homes FALL 2021 133
