Understanding Your Local Recycling Program

« Back to Home

5 Ways Municipal Composting Programs May Affect You

Posted on

One of the main recycling trends that homeowners should be aware of in 2016 and the coming years is an increase in municipal composting programs. In 2012, 95% of sustenance waste was dumped in landfills. Many cities are deciding to tackle this issue by implementing compost programs that will allow residences and businesses to send their organic waste to a composting facility as opposed to a landfill. While composting programs may not be mandatory in your area yet, it is likely that they are becoming available. If you choose to participate in one, here are some of the changes that you can expect when handling your waste. 

More Sorting 

If you already sort your recyclable items from your non-recyclables, it will likely be simple to add compost sorting to your daily habits. There are many items that can be composted, but most homeowners will be concerned with kitchen waste and yard clippings. These will need to be kept separate from the rest of your trash and recyclables. Many people choose to have a small kitchen bin for food scraps that they dump outside in their compost pickup bin once a day. Others choose to keep a large food scrap bin in their kitchen that they only have to dump outside once or twice a week. 

There are still very few companies available to compost human waste. If you have switched to a composting toilet, it is important to find a company in your area that can properly compost your human waste, and you should keep your human waste separate from your general compost. 

An Additional Bin 

In addition to a recycling bin and a trash bin, you will need to order a compost bin from your waste disposal company. After awhile, you may notice that you require a significantly smaller trash bin due to the food scraps and other compost material being separated into a compost bin. Your compost bin should have a secure lid. You may wish to opt for a locking bin if there are stray animals or raccoon in your neighborhood that would be interested in your food scraps. 

Additional Bin Cleaning 

Many compost companies will request that you place your compost directly in the compost bin, without using a liner. This may mean that you need to spray out your compost bin every time your compost is collected to prevent a build up of material and unpleasant scents. 

Access to Freshly Composted Material 

One of the benefits of composting, besides reducing trash in landfills, is the rich, organic compost that results from the process. Compost is helpful in most gardens and yards. Many programs that collect compost from your home will either give you a certain amount of free compost each year or will sell the processed compost back to you at a low price. If you have a garden or a yard, discuss purchasing compost directly from your waste disposal company rather than purchasing it from a garden store. 

Additional Waste Collection Days 

In most areas, compost is collected once a week, similarly to trash and recyclables. However, if you have a large amount of compost material and are concerned about the scent of your bin, you may be able to arrange for additional compost pickup days. Either way, it is important that you know when your compost will be picked up so you can place your bin by the curb before the collection vehicle goes by your home. 

Large-scale composting programs will likely have positive environmental impacts. However, it may take a little while for homeowners to get used to their role in composting their organic waste. By knowing how a compost program will affect your everyday life, you will be better prepared to start composting when a program becomes available in your area. 

For more information about current waste management options in your area, contact a local company lie B-P Trucking Inc


Share