Covid 19 - waste FAQs

• 1. With everyone staying at home, will you be increasing to weekly black cart pickup?

  Permanent link to With everyone staying at home, will you be increasing to weekly black cart pickup?

  With everyone staying at home, will you be increasing to weekly black cart pickup?

  We are not planning on altering our curbside collection schedule at this time, but we are closely monitoring the situation. 

   

• 2. What do I do if I see someone dumping their waste in rural areas?

  Permanent link to What do I do if I see someone dumping their waste in rural areas?

  What do I do if I see someone dumping their waste in rural areas?

  If you see someone dumping waste you can call RCMP and Enforcement Services at 780-449-0170 to report it.   

  Waste Management Bylaw 39-2014 imposes a fine for people caught dumping waste.   

• 1. Why do I need to separate recycling and organics?

  Permanent link to Why do I need to separate recycling and organics?

  Why do I need to separate recycling and organics?

  Sorting materials is a major step in reducing the amount of material Strathcona County sends to the landfill. The Green Routine has the potential to divert up to 89 per cent of waste.

  Waste now has to travel further away, meaning higher transportation costs. By moving to a system that recycles and composts a large amount of waste, we are able to minimize rate increases as transportation costs rise.

  By having you separate organics, waste, and recycling we are able to reduce our waste collection service fees, saving money for customers and the county.

• 2. Where are the sorted materials sent to?

  Permanent link to Where are the sorted materials sent to?

  Where are the sorted materials sent to?

  Households are asked to sort their waste into three streams because the contents go to three different places.

  • Organics materials are sent to a regional organics processing plant. The organics will decompose and, in time, become nutrient-rich soil that will be used in landscaping and land reclamation projects.
  • Recyclables are sent to a local material recovery facility. Recyclables are broken down to make new material or products. For example, some plastics are used to make fleece and paper is used to make new paper products, such as egg cartons.
  • Waste is sent to the Roseridge landfill. 

• 3. Why can't I just use my garburator for organic materials?

  Permanent link to Why can't I just use my garburator for organic materials?

  Why can't I just use my garburator for organic materials?

  We do not recommend using your garburator.

  • Kitchen scraps disposed using a garburator end up at the wastewater treatment plant where they are removed and sent to the landfill because the material is no longer suitable for composting. This not only increases the amount of materials being sent to the landfill but also increases wastewater treatment costs.
  • Over time organic material will collect in the pipes and lead to sewer backups.
  • Garburators use extra water, so you will be paying for the extra water you use to flush the organic material down the sink and the extra wastewater that is leaving your house.

• 4. What can I do to prevent odours coming from my waste bins?

  Permanent link to What can I do to prevent odours coming from my waste bins?

  What can I do to prevent odours coming from my waste bins?

  Here are some tips for preventing odours:

  • Store your carts in a shaded or covered area
  • Layer your organics in the cart. Place a layer of paper or newspaper on the bottom, then alternate layers between wet waste and dry waste.
  • Add a small amount of baking soda, salt, vinegar or powdered detergent (without bleach) around the lips, vents and at the bottom of the cart
  • Wrap wet or smelly organics in newspaper, paper bags or soiled boxes
  • Use a compostable bag for organics. Make sure the bag is compostable (not biodegradable or plastic)
  • Rinse your cart regularly during summer months
  • Put your organics cart out on its proper collection day even if you only have a small amount
  • Rinse recyclable containers
  • Use a regular black garbage bag in the waste cart

• 5. My grass clippings don't fit into my organics cart. What do I do with them?

  Permanent link to My grass clippings don't fit into my organics cart. What do I do with them?

  My grass clippings don't fit into my organics cart. What do I do with them?

  There are several options for managing your grass clippings:

  • Your best option is to grasscycle or mulch. Grasscycling is a natural and easy process that saves time and money. Simply leave the clippings on your lawn as you mow. They will quickly decompose, usually within three days, and act as a natural fertilizer to the soil. They will also help retain moisture in your lawn, so you don't have to water as often.
  • Another option is to put grass clippings into a backyard composter. Dry clippings briefly before adding them to the compost pile. Alternate layers of grass clippings with leaves or other organic materials. 
  • You may also bring clippings to the Broadview Enviroservice Station.

• 6. What kind of bags should I use for the different materials?

  Permanent link to What kind of bags should I use for the different materials?

  What kind of bags should I use for the different materials?

  The only bag required for the program is the blue bag used for recycling.

  Optional bags include:

  You can put waste materials into regular green or black garbage bags.

  Organics can also be placed into compostable bags, which are made out of a vegetable-based product that breaks down during the composting process. Plastic or biodegradable bags are not accepted as they do not break down and will contaminate the composting process. Contaminants increase processing costs.

  You can find these bags at most grocery or home improvement stores.

• 7. My family already uses a backyard composter. Should I stop using it?

  Permanent link to My family already uses a backyard composter. Should I stop using it?

  My family already uses a backyard composter. Should I stop using it?

  We encourage you to continue your backyard composting. However, it is important to know that the green organics cart can take many materials that cannot be handled by the typical backyard composter including:

  • baked goods and bread
  • cheese and dairy products
  • fish and fish remains
  • grease
  • meat products and bones
  • oily, fatty foods
  • sauces and spreads
  • soiled paper
  • toothpicks and popsicle sticks
  • paper napkins, plates and cups
  • pasta
  • soiled tissue
  • hair
  • rice
  • soiled pizza boxes

  These materials will not properly compost in a backyard pile and some can even attract unwanted pests.