Compost Pick up in Ottawa

 source : Green Bin Ottawa

I was happily surprised earlier this week to read on Greater Ottawa that there is a Green Bin Composting Program soon to be implemented in the city. Basically it's a program where the city will be collecting organic waste to turn it into compost. Ever since I posted an article on a residential composter last year, I thought it would be a great idea if cities would pick up compost. Not everyone needs that much compost at home but the city could use it. I'm glad Ottawa is doing it.

 source : Flickr (Green Bin Ottawa)

Green bins are currently being distributed to houses across the city until December and the collection should start in January 2010. The compost will be used by local farmers and city initiatives. During the first phase of this project, the city will pick up organic waste in single residential properties, low-rise multi-unit residential properties with six units or less, rural village and estate residents with curb-side pick up. The next phase, a year later, should include high-rise, multi-unit residential properties.

There are plans to also implement this program for the industrial, commercial and institutional sector. I hope something happens soon because I think this would make a huge and positive  impact on the environment. Some cities like Seattle already started to collect commercial organic waste and many restaurants and businesses are contributing. One restaurant owner said that "since his business started the program [...], about 60 percent of [the] waste is compostable, 30 percent is recyclable, and 10 percent is trash".

In the mean time, if you want to get a head start you can purchase a composter like the one from Narture Mill.

source: Nature Mill

If you are a bit more adventurous you might like Amy Youngs' Digestive Table (a little too much for me, but some might find it amusing) 

source : Amy Young

For more information check out the city of Ottawa.