Stag Special

Real Property Operations Unit (West) – Detachment Shilo and CFHA’s Housing Services Centre Shilo are looking for occupants interested in collecting and composting food waste as part of a new composting program.

Participation in the program is free and voluntary.

Bins for Base residents who are interested will be delivered to you this spring. During the warm weather months there will be curbside pick-up available for all participants.

Items which are acceptable in the compost bin program are: leaves, grass clippings, twigs (less than one centimetre or quarter-inch in diameter), plants, old potting soil, soft plant stems, weeds, small amounts of wood chips/sawdust, fruit scraps (peels, seeds, pits, etc.), vegetable trimmings, compostable bags, egg shells, tea bags/tea leaves, coffee grounds with filters, small amount of shredded paper, pasta, rice, baked goods, plain bread, feathers, seafood shells, food-soiled uncoated paper products, plus aper plates, napkins, etc.

Items not acceptable in the compost bin program are: human or animal (including pet) waste, metals, diapers, meat, fish, and bones, dairy products, cheese, meat or sauces, plastics, fats and oils, large branches, logs (more than quarter inch in diameter).

For those participating in the program here are some compost bin tips:

• Collection of your compost bin takes place regularly throughout the summer, however, you should only put your bin out when it is full.

• By wrapping food scraps in old newspaper you will trap the smells inside the paper, and thus reduce the chance for odours to be noticed by you and your neighbours.

• To reduce odours: Sprinkle small amounts baking soda, powdered garden lime, powdered laundry detergent (no bleach) in your bin.

• Don’t forget to collect organic material from other rooms in your house such as your laundry room and/or bathroom(s). Facial tissue, toilet paper rolls and dryer lint, are just a few of the other items that can go in your compost bin for collection.

• Wash your compost bin with mild detergent or a vinegar/water solution immediately after collection or as required.

• If you notice maggots in your bin you can use the following methods to kill the maggots and fly eggs: pour boiling water on them; sprinkle large amounts of salt on them; use a mild detergent with a fragrance; and clean your bin as soon as it has been emptied

• Store your compost bin outside in a convenient location for you and when not in use always keep the lid closed.

• To help with the dumping process: place some cardboard at the bottom of the bin so that grass and other organic material do not stick; when placing bin out at edge of curb or laneway for collection, dump an ice cream size pail of water around the edge of bin to help loosen material; alternate layers of kitchen waste with dry yard waste; and when you have excess material (leaves and garden waste) allow material to dry before placing in the bin — this will ensure material does not stick to the outside of the bin.

MWM Environmental’s collection schedule will start April 4, with bin pick-up done Tuesday. In April and May, it will be every second Tuesday. With the advent of June, July and August, bin pick-up is every Tuesday. With advent of the fall, starting Sept. 5, bin pick-up will be every second Tuesday.

Visit https://www.mwmenviro.ca/ for more information on bin pick-up.

Based in Souris, MWM Environmental has been the leading waste and recycling service provider in southern Manitoba since 1992. The company has led the way in introducing the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly services to communities all around the province which previously had no such options.

MWM Environmental’s motto has always been “the customer comes first” and its staff prove it every day by going above and beyond.

If you are interested submit your name, address, contact phone number plus e-mail address to cfha-alfc.shilo@forces.gc.ca