Curbside compost pickup moves closer to public consultations

Curbside compost collection moved closer to public consultations at Winnipeg City Hall on Wednesday.

The city's executive policy committee endorsed a motion to develop a public consultation planfor organic waste programs in Winnipeg.

The motion presented suggests a consultation process that would include meeting with a newly created climate change working group to explore funding partnerships as well asmeeting with Winnipeg area school boards about possible organics collection.

The motion was movedto city council for consideration.

Councilors grapple with funding options

In March, Coun.Ross Eadie passed a motionto squash consultations on curbside compost collection, saying the service would create a burden on low-income Winnipeggers.

Eadie said a funding model that would charge Winnipeggers$50 to $100 on their water bills for the service was unaffordable.

Coun.Jeff Browaty told EPC Wednesayhe would not support organics collection with the current funding model butwas interested in exploring a suggested "pay as you throw" approach.

Representatives from the Green Action Centre were on hand, urging executive policy committee to get moving on diverting waste from the Brady Landfill, which is Manitoba's second largest greenhouse gas emitter.

The City of Brandon introduced organic waste collection in 2010.