Starting June 7th, 2010, any single or duplex home that currently receives curbside automated yard trimmings collection will be able to participate in Burnaby’s Food Scraps Recycling Program. Collection of food scraps and food-soiled paper products plays an important role in the City’s waste reduction goal. About 50% of a typical residential household’s garbage is food scraps and food-soiled paper products. Composting these materials produces a valuable resource, diverts waste, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions; helping to create a more sustainable region.
Getting started...
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What can I collect? |
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What happens next?
The contents of your yard trimmings container are collected on your regular scheduled collection day and taken to the regional composting facility where high-quality compost is made and sold as a soil admendment which can be used in gardening/farming practices. For information about the regional composting facility visit www.fraserrichmond.ca
Kitchen Container
- Line your kitchen container using paper bags, cardboard, paper towel or newspaper
- Cereal or cracker boxes, mushroom or flour bags work well
- Do not line with plastic or compostable bags, they are not accepted
Follow the instructions below to make a newspaper kitchen container liner:
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1. Fold liner
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2. Insert into kitchen container
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3. Place food scraps into liner
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Yard Trimmings Container
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Tips for Your Yard Container |
Minimize
Insects |
Minimize
Odours |
Keep Container
Clean |
Deter
Animals |
Line bottom of yard container with cardboard or newspaper
(prevents material from sticking to bottom) |
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| Wrap food scraps in newspaper, paper bag or paper towel |
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| Freeze meat scraps in paper bag or cereal box until collection day |
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| Alternate layers of yard waste and food scraps |
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| Sprinkle small amounts of baking soda over food scraps & yard waste |
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| Keep yard container in shady area out of direct sunlight & keep lid closed |
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| Let grass clippings dry before placing in yard container |
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| Wash yard container periodically with mild soap or vinegar/water solution |
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| Note: Do not line container with plastic or compostable bags |
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Follow these steps to wash your yard trimmings container:
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| 1. Use mild soap and water. |
2. Add soap to container and rinse with water from hose. |
3. Dry container upside down on grass or gravel. Do not pour soapy water down outside drains. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the Food Scraps Recycling Program?
As of June 7th, 2010 any single or duplex home that currently receives automated yard trimmings collection can participate in the food scraps program.
I live in a multi-family property, can I participate in program?
The City is currently reviewing implementation of a food scraps recycling program for multi-family properties for 2011.
What kind of food scraps are accepted in the Food Scraps Recycling Program?
Any Yes food and food-soiled paper materials are accepted. Any No  materials, such as oil, grease, plastic or any packaging are not accepted. Refer to the Yes /NO table above for details. If in Doubt, Leave it Out & find Out: (604)-294-7972 or engineering@burnaby.ca.
What can I use as a kitchen collection container?
To store your food scraps in the kitchen you can reuse a large yogurt container, ice cream bucket, jug or any container you have hand (as long as it has a secure lid), or purchase a kitchen food scraps pail from your local retailer. Since you’ll be emptying it in your yard waste container on a regular basis, just make sure it’s something you can easily carry.
What about rodents or insects getting into my yard container?
You are already putting food waste into your garbage container, now you are just putting it into your yard trimmings container. There are steps you can take to reduce odour and attractants in your container. Review the Kitchen and Yard Container Tips above.
Should I line my kitchen and yard container?
You do not need to line your yard container or kitchen container. However using a paper liner can keep your kitchen or yard container clean and reduce odour. If you choose to use a liner, you can use newspaper, paper bags (mushroom bags, flour bags), cardboard (cereal box) or paper towels. Do not use plastic or compostable bags, as they are not accepted. (See above for directions on making a newspaper kitchen liner).
Why am I not allowed to use plastic or compostable bags to line my container?
Plastic or compostable bags contaminate and interrupt the composting process, resulting in unmarketable compost. Using paper towel, paper bags, newspaper or cardboard to line your kitchen or yard trimmings container is better. It absorbs excess moisture, and allows oxygen into the foods scraps. This slows the break down of the material in your containers, and reduces odours. Having paper products mixed with food scraps also benefits the composting process, as it provides a good carbon source.
How often will the City collect the food scraps?
Food scraps will be collected weekly using your yard trimmings container.
What if my yard trimmings container is not full?
That’s okay! Put your yard trimmings container out for collection every week on your regular scheduled collection day even if it is not full, or if you do not have yard waste.
Now that I can put my food scraps in my yard waste container I do not have as much garbage. Can I change the size of my garbage container to a smaller one?
Yes! With the move to food scraps recycling program, the City has anticipated that residents will reduce the amount of garbage they put out for collection. If you need to reduce the size garbage container you have, please call (604)294-7972.
Should I continue to use my backyard composter?
Yes! Home composting is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to dispose of food scraps (fruit and vegetable only), not to mention the ‘black gold’ compost you’ll get as a result. If you have a home composter, please continue to use it, think of the food scraps recycling program as a compliment to what you are already doing, as it includes food items that are not acceptable for backyard composters. If want to start a backyard composter, they are available to residents for $35 at the Still Creek Yard Waste Depot (4800 Still Creek Avenue, west of Douglas).
Resources
Talk to Us
If you have questions, or need more information, please contact us:
Call: 604-294-7972
Email: engineering@burnaby.ca
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