I have followed with great interest the comments and ongoing drama regarding the CRD plan to divert kitchen and other organic waste for recycling. I have always maintained a backyard compost myself so I was horrified to learn that meat, poultry, bones, dairy products, solidified fats and grease were to be included (not separate) for pick up and disposal in the CRD bins supplied to the public.
My first thought was how do they expect to process these items without attracting ghastly infestations of rodents and flies to the compost site? My next thought was what about the stink of such decomposing matter? Well, as we all know, those are now the very concerns of the neighbours of Foundation Organics.
A separate composting system needs to be implemented to handle the items mentioned above. This material should be placed in ditches that are at least 18” deep then moistened prior to covering with organic material. The breakdown is slower than with regular composting, but the odour factor and concern over flies and rodents is eradicated.
Inadequate time for decomposition results in the fermentation process which produces alcohol, rendering the material toxic to plant roots and should not be applied in your garden.
Were these the recommendations that the CRD proposed in their bylaws, regarding compost facility regulations and approved operating plan?
The recent announcement concerning the suspension of Foundation Organics’ license and the plan to transport 4,474 tons of food waste to an alternate site for disposal this month, only moves the problem to someone else’s backyard.
The Victoria Compost Education Centre provides extremely helpful tips about separating various kitchen wastes and other organic matter for recycling if only someone would call them.
Chris Brown
Sidney