Summer tips
Tips for summer with the Green Routine
How to layer your cart 
Layering your organics cart is important. Line the bottom and sides of your cart with newspaper or a soiled pizza box. Then layer your wet organics (such as grass, leaves and food) with dry organics (such as newspaper and cardboard) every 30 cm (12 inches). This will reduce the possibility of wet organics becoming stuck in the cart.
Wrap meat, fish, bones and other smelly foods in newspaper, paper bags or soiled boxes to help prevent smells. Wait until just before your organics collection day to clean out your refrigerator or freezer.
Grass clippings and leaves
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. If the organics become stuck in your cart, use a broom or shovel handle to loosen them. Try grasscycling instead, your lawn will love the extra nutrients!
Controlling pests
Taking steps to prevent pests is best. Spreading detergent or vinegar around the lip of the cart may control insects. Click here for more tips and tricks to keeping bugs away.
Is your cart a metre apart from all other objects?
Placing your cart a metre away from objects like trees, basketball nets, recycling bags and containers and other carts is an important way to ensure that it is picked up each week. The automated truck needs that space to get close enough to the cart and to wrap the arms around it to pick it up safely.
Summer holidays
Remember to ask a friend, neighbor or house-sitter to take your cart and recycling to the curb for you should you be away for your collection day. Regular collection still occurs on statutory holidays in the summer months.
Blustery days
On very windy days, your empty reusable bag you use for paper recycling may blow away. On those windy days, another option is to use a reusable container such as your old garbage can or a "blue recycling box" to set recyclable papers out in on your collection day. If you don't have a lid, you can place your clear plastic blue bag with your container recyclables on top of the paper to help keep the paper from blowing away. Or if you can, hold on to your recycling until next week.
Cart care
Store your cart in a covered or shaded area. If it becomes smelly give it a quick rinse using biodegradable cleaning products. Should your cart become damaged please call Utilities at 780-449-5514 to arrange for a replacement or repair. Carts damaged from abuse may be charged a replacement fee.
Questions?
780-449-5514
greenroutine@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Page ID: 7861