Composting turns organic waste into healthy gardens

Oct. 17 - 23 is Waste Reduction Week

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October 20, 2011

Composting is an easy way to reduce the amount of household garbage. As well, it's a great way to improve the health and beauty of your garden or lawn. Did you know Spruce Grove was one of the first communities in Alberta to introduce a curbside organics program back in 2001?

Composting is a natural process through which organic material, such as food scraps or yard waste, is converted into a soil-like product called compost or humus (pronounced “hue-mous”). The process works with the help of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi combined with air and moisture.

When organic materials decompose in landfills, they produce the potent greenhouse gas methane. Composting helps reduce and control the amount of methane released into the atmosphere.

Since 2007, more than 3,800 tonnes of compost materials have been diverted from landfill. The contamination rate of compost put out through City programs is only 1 per cent, compared with a national average of 15 per cent.

Ways to compost

The City offers two options for organics. Both programs run annually from April to November.

Household pick-up program
Eco Centre drop-off

Residents can also set up a composter External in their backyard.

Tips to cut food waste

Food rots. That’s a fact of life. On average, more than one-third of food people buy is wasted. Before we compost, we need to first reduce the amount of food waste in our lives.

Plan your meals. Knowing the menu for the week in advance will allow you to shop only for what you need.
Stick to a shopping list. This will help you avoid impulse buys or purchasing items you may not be able to finish before they expire.
Use your leftovers. Supper leftovers can make a great lunch the next day saving you time and money.
What foods are rotting in your fridge? Think about the foods that seem to spoil more than others and then consider smaller portions, new recipes or purchasing those foods less often.
Control your portions. Make sure your eyes aren’t bigger than your stomach and avoid leaving food waste on your plate.
And when all else fails...compost!

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