Calgary has made its new composting requirements official. Starting November 1, 2017, Calgary condominiums will be required to separate out food and yard waste and provide a collection program for this composting.

More specifically, the City of Calgary has the following requirements:

• Provide on-site storage of food and yard waste.
• Make sure there are enough containers to hold food and yard waste between collection days.
• Accept all food (raw and cooked):
  • Plate scrapings
  • Eggshells and dairy products
  • Meat, fish, shellfish and bones
  • Jams, sauces, salad dressing and cooking oil
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Pastries, cookies, cakes and muffins
  • Bread, noodles, rice, bean and grains
  • Nuts, seeds, chips, popcorn and candy
  • Coffee filters and tea bags
• Accept yard waste:
  • Leaves
  • Branches and prunings
  • Plants and weeds
  • Grass clippings
• Arrange for collection of food and yard waste for composting or another means of diversion.

(source: https://www.calgary.ca/UEP/WRS/Pages/Recycling-information/Residential-services/Multifamily-recycling/Multifamily-Organics-for-Residents.aspx)

For some condominiums this will mean adding an extra container into a spacious garage shed, arranging for regular pick up and educating the residents. Some may even have an area for composting units by their community garden. The main inconvenience will be the added expense to the condominium corporation’s budget.

For other, more established condominiums that were not designed with extra space, the process will be far more challenging. The odors and pest issues associated with composting are not pleasant. For smaller condominiums with fewer units, additional waste disposal costs are not insignificant.

Key Things to Consider

• Who will be affected by the odor? Choose the location wisely. Is there a location away from the units?
• What size container do we require for the number of owners?
• How frequently do we require pick up? Do we require more frequent pick ups in the heat of summer?
• Does the contractor switch the bins after collection or clean them?
• What type of container is best for the condominium? Different containers come with different seals and liners.
• How can we encourage the use of the composting containers? Proximity to other waste disposal will increase the use of the composting system.
• What’s the best way to educate the owners to use the composting containers correctly?

Plan Your Roll Out

Good planning will ensure your condominium is successful in creating a working composting system. It is worth taking a few minutes at your next condominium meeting to work with your condominium manager and thoughtfully plan out the changes that will occur before November 1^st, 2017.

(photo courtesy of photos.greenhows)