Guide to Waste Reduction

COMPOSTING PROGRAMME

WHAT IS COMPOSTING?

Environmentally conscious people everywhere are discovering composting as a rewarding way of beautifying their property while reducing pressures on overtaxed landfill sites. By utilizing a backyard composter you are joining the millions of North Americans who know their conservation efforts will make a difference. Composting is a natural process in which microorganisms break down kitchen and yard waste into humus - a rich, dark, material that enriches soil, boosts fertility and retards soil erosion.


WHY COMPOST?

We live on a small planet populated by billions of people. Backyard composting is an easy, effective method of reducing the tons of waste material dumped in landfill sites each year. Composting transforms waste into an environmentally valuable commodity. It is a natural, chemical- free fertilizer for lawns and gardens that costs nothing to produce and offers a bounty limited only by the size of your garden.


WHAT CAN BE COMPOSTED?

Organic and kitchen wastes, fruit and vegetable peelings, egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds, leaves, plants, weeds, grass clippings and wood ashes are all food for the composter. Leaves are slower to decompose than other organic waste. Mixing them with kitchen waste or mulching them will accelerate the process.


WHAT CAN’T BE USED?

Dairy products, meat, cooking oils, bones and fatty foods attract pests and are, therefore not recommended as composting materials. Pet waste should be strictly avoided, as it may contain organisms which adversely affect humans. Inorganic materials such as plastic, metal, rubber, glass, stone, chemicals or greases will not compost.


RECYCLING PROGRAMME

WHY IS RECYCLING SO IMPORTANT?

Recycling our waste products produces many benefits for our community and the environment. Through our efforts, we can reduce the amount of solid waste that requires disposal at the sanitary landfill. Recycling saves energy and reduces the air and water pollution associated with the manufacturing process.


THE OROMOCTO RECYCLING DEPOT!

Three depots are located within the Town for your convenience.  Click here to find the one closest to you.

PLEASE NOTE!

Items accepted for recycling change frequently and are dependent upon markets which are often a considerable distance away in Quebec and Ontario. Every effort is made through Public Notices in the Oromocto Post Gazette to keep citizens aware.

We need your help to make our recycling programme a success. Together, we can make a difference.

* PROBLEMS, QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS MAY BE
ADDRESSED TO THE RECYCLING HOTLINE AT 357-4400 *


IN SUMMARY

YOU CAN COMPOST:

* Organic & kitchen wastes
* Fruit & vegetable peelings
* Egg shells
* Tea bags
* Coffee grounds
* Leaves (slow to compost & mix with greens)
* Plants & weeds
* Grass clippings
* Wood ashes



YOU CAN RECYCLE:

* Corrugated cardboard
* Office paper
* Newspapers (flyers, advertisements, etc.)
* Plastic shopping bags (remove cash register tapes)
* Magazines and glossy paper (brochures, pamphlets, etc.)
* Catalogues
* Paperback books
* Telephone books
* Refundable beverage containers
* Metal Cans
* Boxboard - Cereal etc.
* No milk cartons or waxed cardboard
* No glass, waxed cardboard, non-recyclable plastic