Food scraps aren’t garbage. They belong in your Green Cart!

We all produce food scraps, whether it's carrot peelings, chicken bones, or forgotten leftovers. But did you know that since January 2015, food scraps have been banned from garbage disposal in Metro Vancouver? Just like other recyclable materials, organic waste, including food scraps, must be kept out of garbage and placed in your Green Cart or backyard composter.

Composting your food scraps doesn’t have to be hard! Here are some easy tips to make the process a part of your everyday routine.

• Separate your scraps. Use a small kitchen container for your food scraps, then empty it into your Green Cart when full. The Township sells kitchen catchers for $5 plus tax, available at the Township’s Civic Facility at 20338 65 Avenue.
• No plastic. Instead of using plastic bags wrap your food waste in newspaper, use a paper bag designed for food waste, or freeze food waste. Plastic bags labeled as compostable, biodegradable, or plant-based do not break down fully at composting facilities.  
• Avoid food grinders. In-sink food grinders aren’t as efficient as green cart programs and can waste water. It’s best to separate food scraps for composting directly at home.
• Store in your freezer. To reduce odors and keep your kitchen container fresh, store food scraps in the freezer until it’s time to dispose of them.
• Set a schedule. Remember to set your Green Cart out on collection day! For collection reminders and service alerts visit tol.ca/calendar.

Explore more tips to reduce your food scraps in the garbage visit Metro Vancouver Tips for Green-Binning.

Find out what belongs in your Green Cart and learn what happens to the contents of your Green Cart after it is collected at tol.ca/curbtocompost.