Tips for your green cart
Layering organics | Seasonal collection | Backyard composting | Yard waste
Organics for collection
Using your green catcher (small covered pail)
A covered green catcher is supplied to every household. You can use this to collect organics, and empty them into the cart as needed.
Tips on using the green catcher
- Line the green catcher with paper towel or newspaper to help absorb any liquids. Although it is not required, you may want to line the green catcher with a compostable bag.
- After mealtime, scrape the scraps into your green catcher. If you used paper plates or napkins, throw them in too! NO Styrofoam or plastic - they cannot be composted.
- Wrap very wet or smelly scraps in newspaper, paper towels or soiled boxboard (cereal or cracker boxes).
- Fasten the lid to reduce odours.
- To clean the green catcher, rinse with warm water and a biodegradable detergent.
An option: compostable bags
Instead of being placed directly in the cart, organics can be put in compostable bags like the sample provided with your information package. Compostable bags are made from a food by-product such as corn starch and can break down easily. If you use a bag, it is important to use only compostable bags, not plastic bags or biodegradable bags. Check for compostable bags at grocery stores and hardware stores, and check the label to make sure they are compostable.
Layering organics in the cart
Organics can be placed loose directly in the cart. You may want to layer dry and wet materials. This will help wet or smelly organics dry out and start the composting process. To layer organics:
- Place a layer of newspaper or other fibre on the bottom
- Then alternate layers: wet waste (kitchen waste or grass clippings), then dry waste (soiled newspapers or leaves).
Layering wet and dry materials will reduce the potential for odour.
- Store the organics cart in a shaded or covered area.
- Sprinkle a small amount of powdered garden lime, baking soda or powdered laundry detergent (without bleach) at the bottom of the organics cart.
- Layer wet and dry organic materials in the cart.
- Wrap wet or smelly organics in newspaper, paper bags or soiled boxes.
- Spreading detergent around the lip of the cart may control insects.
Tips for spring and fall collection
- Remember to layer your cart. This will reduce the possibility of wet organics becoming stuck in the cart.
- Grass clippings and leaves - avoid packing them in.
- Large amounts of grass clippings and leaves can become stuck in the cart. Clippings and leaves, especially when moist, can stick together to become a solid lump making it difficult to empty. Instead put grass clippings and leaves in clear plastic bags and take advantage of extra yard waste pick up. If it can't wait, take clippings and leaves to the Streambank Avenue Recycling Station in Sherwood Park.
- If organics do become stuck in your cart, use a broom or shovel handle to loosen them.
- Remember to put your cart out on collection day even if it isn't full.
Tips for winter collection
- Layer the bottom and sides of the cart with newspaper or a soiled pizza box to prevent contents from freezing to the grate.
- Wrap wet organics in soiled boxes (example: cereal or shoe box) to help prevent them from freezing to the cart.
Backyard composting
Residents who have backyard composters are encouraged to continue to use them. You can still use the organics cart for many items that cannot be composted in backyard units.
Organic cart and composter difference
- Grass clippings, leaves and other plant material may be placed in your organics cart.
- Brush, hedge and shrub trimmings, roots, stumps, sod and similar materials that do not fit in the cart can be taken to the Streambank Avenue Recycling Station in Sherwood Park.
- Twice a year Strathcona County will offer extra collection of organics to accommodate increased volumes from yard clean up. Yard waste may be placed in clear bags on these dates only. Check your Collection Schedule for dates.
- Grasscycling is another option. Simply leave grass clippings on the lawn where they provide valuable nutrients.
Questions?
780-449-5514
greenroutine@strathcona.ca
Last updated: Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Page ID: 2225