Moncton ponders adding compost to trash-sorting program

Monctonresidents may soon be separating their garbage into three separate groups as officials are considering adding compost to the mix.

City residentsare required to separate their waste into wetand drymaterials, with recyclable materials diverting into the drystream.

Roland LeBlanc, aRecycleSENB solid waste director, says the commission is considering adding a third bag to the systemfor material that can be composted.

"I think by adding a third bag we might see a betterrecyclables better organics and less waste going to landfill which ultimately is the goal here," said Pierre Landry, who helped establish the current system of recycling and garbage collection that was introduced in 1999.

"When the program was launched we tried to havejusttwo bags recyclablesand your organics bag and I think we've learned from experience that that might be a oversimplification."

Under the proposed system, there would be separate bags used for recyclable material, compostable material, and garbage.

The currentsorting program has caused confusion at times.

An analysis of collected garbage in 2013 found at least 50 per cent of residents weren't sorting their garbage properly, prompting the commission to launch a public education campaign threaten to impose a $100 fee on persistent offenders.

"Right now, there is a blue bag and a green bag what goes in what it's confusing," said resident Kazi Hoque.

"Right now, two bags are there it's very confusing so introducing three bags, I'm not sure how much it would benefit the people," said Hoque.

"But make sure the communication is done properly, that's all I can ask."

RecycleSENB is also considering providing recycling and compost service to apartment buildings and businesses.

Before any changes can take place, the proposals would have to be presented to the municipalities in the region and be voted on by the commission's members.