The District of Summerland, in conjunction with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, has a variety of composting units available for purchase.
The various units are designed to handle yard waste, food waste and pet waste. Some operate as worm composters, and one uses a fermenting process.
Prices range from $25 to $117.50. Prepaid purchases must be made by April 17 by completing an order form and paying at the Municipal Hall, 1211 Henry Ave.
Composting units will be available for pickup starting May 14 at the Engineering and Public Works office at 9215 Cedar Ave.
Two of the composting units available take care of cooked food, meats and pet waste, all unsuitable for ordinary composting units.
Most backyard compost bins can help compost yard waste and uncooked fruits and vegetables. They are not designed to breakdown stinky or dangerous waste such as cooked foods, meat or dog feces. These items can create powerful odors, attract pests and potentially spread diseases.
Bokashicycle uses microbial action to convert all food waste or pet waste into nutrient-rich soil in weeks, eliminating pathogens and odours.
The system creates a concentrated liquid fertilizer and a fermented material shown to promote plant growth when buried in gardens. Visit www.bokashicycle.com for details.
The Green Cone takes all kinds of food waste and dog feces, and breaks it down naturally into a liquid that is absorbed into the earth.
After installation, you just dump organic waste in every day. The Green Cone does the rest.
The soil around it is enriched with the nutrients that come from the process. Visit www.greencone.ca for details.
More information is available on the municipal website at summerland.ca and at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen at 250-490-4129.
