Organics collection to begin in Vermilion this spring

The Town of Vermilion’s Director of Planning and Infrastructure, Derek Young, said organics collection is expected to begin in April, with information to be distributed to residents in February.

“We are very excited as an administration to be offering an organics recycling opportunity to our residents,” said CAO, George Rogers.

“This fulfills a key element of our waste management strategy, and continues to divert more material from our landfill. This is great for our environment, and the future we leave for the next generation.”

In previous years, the town estimated 897 tonnes of organic material to be diverted from landfills each year.

“By weight organics make up more that 60 per cent of the average household garbage currently headed to landfill,” said Young.

“Compost is the heaviest part of the garbage, and shipping to the waste commission is based on weight,” said Mayor, Caroline McAuley.

She said some things people are just so used to throwing in the garbage, but the organics program is more than just food – she is hoping they will be able to accept some easy to break down paper products as well.

Vermilion currently collects yard waste through dumpsters placed through out town, but those dumpsters only accepted yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, and garden waste).

The dumpsters will still be utilized in 2021 but under the new system, the town is anticipating a drop in usage as each resident will have a roll out cart that can accept yard waste. Young said that in addition to yard waste, the green roll out carts will include kitchen waste.

Residents will be receiving a kitchen catcher filled with information packages helping them to learn about and understand the program.

“The info going out right in the containers should be a pretty good way to notify people, but we will also be using social media as well as our website, and Talk of the Town, etc. The contractor will also help find ways to deliver the message on what is compost-able and what isn’t, as well as what schedule will occur with weekly pick-ups beginning in spring and moving to bi-weekly in the winter,” said Young.

“The organics program will also include items like unwaxed pizza boxes, paper towels, egg shells, and banana peels. Vermilion’s organic program will be very similar to other communities that have organics programs operating.”

The Town of Vermilion’s recycling contract recently expired, so they are in the process of transitioning to Integrity Waste Solutions.

“The new five year contract includes both recycle and organics collection,” said Young.

He said Integrity has already begun their residential recycling collection and will begin commercial recycling collection on February 1.