Questions & Answers Concerning the Organics Green Cart
Questions & Answers Q. How will this program affect my recycling & regular waste collection services?
Your blue bag collection program will continue as usual. Your regular waste will now be collected every two weeks. One week the contents of your cart will be collected and the next week regular waste is collected. Regular waste and carts are NEVER collected at the same time. Check the collection schedule that accompanies this brochure to find out what week your regular waste is collected.
Q. Won't keeping my organics around for two weeks create an odour problem?
The carts have been designed to minimize the release of odours by allowing air to circulate through the material. To minimize moisture you can place rolled up soiled paper over the grate inside the cart,wrap meat and other wet food scraps or ensure you have both dry and soiled paper and box board with your wet food scraps in the cart which helps to absorb moisture and hence prevents any odours.
Q. Should I forget about my backyard composter?
Absolutely not. We hope that you will continue to compost whatever you can in your own backyard. However, the curbside cart program will take what your backyard composter cannot, such as meat and dairy products and larger quantities of yard waste. The program enhances, rather than replaces, your backyard composter.
Q.Where will I store my cart & how will I get it to the curb?
The carts have been designed to be stored outside on your property. They are equipped with wheels and have been designed to handle easily, even in winter. You should not have any problems. top
Q.Where else has this been done and why are we participating?
In Timberlea, Upper Sackville, Halifax and Dartmouth 2,000 residents have been successfully using carts since 1996. As well the Towns of Lunenburg, Truro, Bridgewater, Mahone Bay and County of Lunenburg have already introduced this collection system to their citizens. This program is part of an overall citizen's waste management strategy for HRM to make a difference in protecting our environment and diverting valuable resources from our waste stream.
Q.What week is my material collected?
Collection of organics & regular waste is on an every two weeks basis. This means that one week you will place your cart at the curb for emptying while the next week only regular waste is collected. The carts and regular waste are NEVER collected at the same time. Check your collection schedule for your collection week for each type of material.
Organics Green Cart Identification
Your organics green cart has been assigned a serial number which is registered to your property and civic address. In the event that you move or sell your property, the carts must remain with the property. Any replacements due to missing carts, theft or fire are the responsibility of the current property owner. The cart is warranted against manufacturer's defects for a period of 10 years and has been designed to be durable and generally maintenance free. The serial number is found imprinted on your cart. top
