With no more kitchen scraps allowed in the garbage as of January 1, what’s a person to do? Well, the Capital Regional District, which administers the blue box recycling program and the Hartland Landfill, said it is up to individuals to deal with their scraps. There are options for residents and these include either composting, or purchasing the services of a private company.
In Sooke, Sooke Disposal is offering pink totes on wheels for those who sign up for their kitchen scrap pick up service. The kicker is that $2 of the monthly fee goes to charity. One dollar goes to the Sooke Food Bank and $1 goes to the Canadian Cancer Society.
“We’ve always actually contributed to organizations and stuff,” said SDL spokesperson Kathy Howlett. “Mike’s been a long time supporter of them.”
Howlett said because so many friend and family have died from cancer, they wanted to support the cause.
The service is $7.95/month and that includes either weekly or bi-weekly pick up, depending on where subscribers live. It would be bi-weekly in places like Otter Point or along the further reaches of West Coast Road.
The 32-gallon totes lock and are on wheels for easy curbside delivery.
There are restrictions of course in what can be put in the totes, and these are the same as what the CRD bans from the landfill.
The other option Sooke and area residents have is with Alpine Disposal and Recycling.
For customers who already have residential garbage pick up the price is $4.95 per month. Alpine provides the containers for both inside the home and the larger tote which they pick up. So those clients would have two containers, one for items for the landfill, the other for kitchen scraps.
For those who do not have regular garbage pickup the price is $10.95 per week, $8.95 bi-weekly and $7.95 monthly. Alpine provides the containers. Along with the container, customers will receive an educational pamphlet with information on the CRD’s kitchen scrap ban and how to separate organics from your household garbage.
Accepted Materials
Fruit & vegetable scraps
Food leftovers, plate scrapings
Meat, fish, giblets & bones
Dairy products, butter, mayonnaise
Eggshells
Bread, cereal, grains
Pasta, pizza
Baked goods, candies
Soiled paper towels & tissues
Soiled paper food packaging
Used paper cups & plates
Flour & sugar bags
Coffee filters & grounds
Tea bags
Solidified fats and grease Baking ingredients, herbs, spices
Houseplants, cut & dried flowers
Nuts, pits, seeds & shells
Not Accepted
Plastic Bags
Yard & garden waste
Milk, cream and ice cream cartons
Plastic wrap,
Styrofoam
Plastic containers & cutlery
Foil wrap, pouches & pie plates
Metal cans or glass jars
Cereal & cracker box liners, waxed paper
Chip & cookie bags
Pet food bags & other lined ba
Butter wrapper
Make-up remover pads, cotton swaps & balls
‘Dental floss, rubber bands
Bandages & gauze
Soiled diapers, baby wipesSanitary hygiene products, condoms
Dryer sheets & lint
Cigarettes & butts
Vacuum contents & bags
Pet feces or litter
Helpful Tips
Use only certified Compostable bags.
Use old newspaper to wrap wet food waste.
Use paper towels to wipe fat and grease off cookware. Do not pour fat and grease down the drain.
Store meat and fish waste in a paper bag in your freezer until collection day – especially in the summer.
Empty your kitchen container frequently. Periodically rinse with a mild detergent.
Close green tote lid tightly after use. Store tote in a shady ventilated area.
Continue to use your backyard compost bin.
