Compost pickup set for Brandon, Man.

The City of Brandon's curbside compost pickup is set to begin Thursdayfor 500 of its residents.

"In the end it's all about landfill diversion, said Ian Broome, director of Brandon's public works department."The longer we can keep our landfill active and not have to build an new landfill, the better off we are."

Diverting organic waste helps reduce the amount of methane in landfills, which is a potent greenhouse gas linked to climate change.

Terry Lee Carter-Squire said she is excited abouther new compost bin.

"I was going to buy a composter and do it here, but this takes all the work out of it," said Carter-Squire. "So I'm really excited."

The city is supplying participants with a small compost bin for the kitchen area, biodegradable bags and a larger bin to place near the curb.

The 18-month pilot project is the first of its kind in Manitoba.

Residents participating in the program will be able to place leaves, grass cuttings, branches and kitchen scraps in their compost bins.

Nine months later nutrient-rich compost will be available to those who contributed.

Carter-Squire said her gardens need the fresh compost.

"We've done a lot of yard work here, so I've got lots of flowerbeds and gardens that need the compost."

If it's successful, the city could extend the program to all residents in Brandon.

The project is being fundedby the city andthrough a $50,000 grant from the province's Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Fund (WRAPP).

Ottawa began a citywide compost pickup program in January of this year.