The City of Brantford is finally launching a green bin program starting November 1st, 2023, and will be collected on your regular collection day.
Did you know that throwing your perfectly good food scraps and compostable items in the garbage contributes to the creation of methane which is a greenhouse gas that is 25% more potent than carbon dioxide? Composting these items turns it into a valuable soil enhancer and is a wonderful way to fight climate change.
Many people in Brantford do not have the space, time, energy or need for compost in their own back yards. The City of Brantford website states that it will be bringing the organics collected to an offsite processing facility. They will in turn be processed into organic solid matter which will then be turned into compost which will be usable.
Residents of Brantford can pick up not only a Green Bin, but also a Kitchen Container at the Mohawk Street Landfill at 20 Morrison Road, Brantford. Kitchen Containers are kept in your kitchen and usually have a filter to keep bad smells from escaping. These containers make it easy to transport your organics from the kitchen to your green bin without having to bring items out every time you have them.
Although a large area of Brantford is eligible for the Green Bin Program if you are not eligible, you can contact Customer Service at 519-759-4150 or email GreenBinInfo@brantford.ca. You can also participate in the program by taking materials to the Mohawk Street Landfill, located at 20 Morrison Road yourself and dropping it off there.
The City of Brantford Website has everything you need to know about the new Green Bin Program, and you can sign up for up-to-date information as well. You can check it out here: https://www.brantford.ca/en/living-here/green-bin.aspx#Food-Waste
If you do not want to remember this complete list or have it posted in your home, the Recycle Coach app can tell you. It also reminds you of special collection days, like yard waste and Christmas trees as well as when Hazardous Waste Collection is and where. I have also taken quizzes about where items should go and what is and is not recyclable, which was fun. You can Check out the app here: https://recyclecoach.com/cities/canada-on-city-of-brantford/
For those who are on the fence about composting, we have complied with some general knowledge about food waste, composting and why you should put in a little bit of extra effort for our Brantford community.
Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and improve the health of your community. Here are the top 10 reasons to compost:
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Reduce landfill waste: Composting helps to divert organic waste from landfills, where it would contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
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Improve soil health: Compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can improve soil structure and fertility.
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Save money: Composting can reduce the need for expensive fertilizers and other soil amendments.
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Reduce water usage: Compost can help soil retain moisture, reducing the need for watering.
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Encourage beneficial organisms: Compost can help attract beneficial organisms like earthworms, which can help improve soil health.
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Reduce erosion: Compost can help protect soil from erosion by improving soil structure and stabilizing slopes.
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Reduce chemical use: Composting can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment.
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Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Composting can help reduce the amount of methane produced by organic waste in landfills.
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Reduce water pollution: Composting can help prevent nutrient runoff and water pollution by improving soil absorption.
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Promote sustainability: Composting is a sustainable practice that can help reduce our impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable future.
What is Compostable?
Composting is a fantastic way to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. Any organic material that was once living is suitable for composting. This includes fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, yard waste, and even paper products like newspaper and cardboard. However, it is important to avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods to your compost, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process. Additionally, it's best to avoid adding materials that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides, as they can harm the beneficial organisms that help break down the compost.
Other Citys Participating in a Green Bin Program
There are several cities in Ontario, Canada that have implemented Green Bin programs. These programs are designed to encourage residents to divert organic waste from landfills by providing them with a separate bin for food scraps, yard waste, and other compostable materials. Some of the Ontario cities that have Green Bin programs include Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Burlington, London, and Windsor. These programs have been successful in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and promoting sustainable practices in urban areas.
Food waste is a significant issue that affects the environment and economy. Here are some little-known facts about food waste:
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One-third of all food produced in the world is wasted each year, which amounts to 1.3 billion tons of food.
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Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the United States.
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Food waste is not just a problem in developing countries. In fact, developed countries waste more food per capita than developing countries.
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Food waste is not only a waste of food but also a waste of resources that went into producing it, such as water, energy, and land.
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Food waste is not just limited to households and restaurants. Food is wasted at every stage of the supply chain, from production to distribution to retail.
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Food waste is a costly problem. It costs the average Canadian household over $1,300 per year. In turn food waste costs Canadian economy $49 billion a year
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Food waste can be reduced by simple actions such as planning meals, buying only what is needed, and preserving food properly.
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Choose a safe location for your compost bin. Make sure it is not near any structures or walkways and is out of reach of children and pets.
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Wear gloves and a mask when handling compost materials to protect yourself from potential pathogens and allergens.
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Keep your compost pile moist, but not too wet, to prevent fires and odors. Use a moisture meter to ensure the right balance.
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Only add compostable materials to your pile, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, yard waste, and eggshells. Avoid adding meat, dairy, and pet waste, as they can attract pests and create unpleasant smells.
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Turn your compost pile regularly to promote even decomposition and prevent the buildup of harmful gases. Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays between 130-160°F for optimal results.
For More information on Brantford's Green Bin Program Vist their Website - www.brantford.ca/en/living-here/green-bin.aspx
