Craik Community Composting Project

Goals:

The goal of the project is to divert as much waste away from the landfill as possible by composting the organic waste. As part of the funding from EcoAction, there will also be one hazardous waste collection events, and two electronic waste collection event over the 21 month period of the grant (October 2009 to June 2011).

The Project:

Organic waste will be collected and composted. Collection will occur at a central bin, located by the Town of Craik maintenance building, next to the recycle bins. Residents of Craik will be supplied with pails that they can collect their organic waste in, and then drop it off in the bin at their convenience. For those residents who are unable to drop off, a pick up service will be offered on a weekly basis.

Call Crystal at 734-7737 to receive a free pail, 12 compostable bag liners and instructions on what can and cannot be composted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): (questions will be added as they come up)

What will and will not be accepted at the bins? Here is a list of acceptable items (pdf).

Are compostable bags required? Yes, please use compostable bags. Plastic bags are not accepted. For information on the Biosak compostable, here is a pdf that explains the proper use of these bags.

How much do the compostable bags cost? The first 12 will be supplied free by the program, and then if you choose to continue using them, they will be $1.40 for 10 bags. The bags will be available to purchase at the Town Office. If you would rather wash the pail out, that is fine too.

When will you be coming to my house to drop off the pails and info? We have knocked on all doors in Craik twice. Contact me (Crystal 734-7737) if you would like to scheduale a time that would be convenient to drop off a pail at your house.

Can I get an extra pail? Yes. Call Crystal to arrange for another pail.

Are bones accepted? Yes, all food items are accepted.

Can I bring yard waste like leaves and grass clippings? Yes you can! Starting in July 2010, all yard and garden waste, including leaves, grass clippings, potato leaves, corn stalks, rhubarb leaves, etc. Please use the right-hand bin for yard waste, and the left hand one for kitchen waste. Also please remember to avoid using plastic bags - just dump it into the bin.

How do I get on the home pick-up list? People who cannot get to the central bin will be offered home pick up. This includes seniors and people with mobility issues. To ask about getting on the list, contact Crystal.

I see the Waste Management truck coming and taking the waste away...aren't they just taking it to the landfill? No, they are taking it to the north Titan site, where it will stay until Titan is ready to put it through the screw-press and turning it into compost.

How much waste has been collected so far? To date (up to June 30, 2010), 1710kg of organic material has been diverted from the landfill! Congratulations, Craik.

Funding and partners:

EcoAction - Funding for this project is from Environment Canada, through the EcoAction community funding program. Most of the expences for this project are for project co-ordinators to coordinate the project, measure its success and to make recomendations for continuing this project on a long term basis.

Titan Clean Energy Projects - Titan will be collecting the organic waste from the central bin, composting it using a high pressure screw press, and returning the finished compost to the project to be used in community green spaces.

Town of Craik - The Town of Craik is supporting this project by supplying the fuel for Titan's garbage truck, as well as space for a demonstration plot for organic lawn care (at the community greenhouse site). The Town supplied space in their maintenance building for project coordinators to paint the composting pails.

Palliser Regional Library (Craik branch) - The Palliser regional library is supplying office space for the duration of the project for the two project coordinators.

Waste Management - Waste Management is supplying the central bin for the project. Waste management will also be transferring the bin contents to the Titan site.

CSLP - Besides supplying website promotion of the project, the CSLP members supplies important moral support and encouragement. The CSLP is the supporting organization for the project.

Craik 4-H Sustainability Club - As part of this 4-H club, members will be doing volunteering to work on the community green spaces using the finished compost.

Naomi Hunter - Naomi has volunteered to do the home pick-up of organic waste for the duration of the project.

Crystal Stinson - Crystal, along with Naomi, are cordinating the project.

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