The new roadside waste collection service for organics (food/yard waste), recycling and garbage launches Dec. 5 for residents of single-family homes in Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Albion and Millstream. Learn below what common items often get misplaced – and help our west coast communities sort for success!
Don’t forget to download the free Sort’nGo ACRD app from Google Play or the Apple Store. Ask the waste wizard for help sorting items into carts, setting collection alerts, checking schedules and more.
For details on updated collection schedules and what carts to roll out, visit: bit.ly/sortngo-west-coast-launch.
Most Misunderstood Waste Items
Compostable plastics/bags – Not all compostable products are considered equal! This means they might not break down completely during the composting process and can result in contamination. Keep all plastics, including those labeled compostable/biodegradable, out of the green cart. If you wish to line your cart, please use paper bags or cardboard.
Invasive Weeds –Noxious weeds should be bagged and put into the garbage, not the organics cart. This is because invasives, unlike your regular garden variety weeds, have seeds that will not break down during the composting process, which means they can take root and ruin our compost. A reference for residents can be found at www.bcinvasives.ca.
Pet Waste –Feces of any sort is not permitted in the organics cart and should go into the black garbage cart.
Plastic Produce Stickers –The little stickers found on your apples, bananas, avocados and other produce must be removed prior to putting in your organics cart. These stickers should go in the garbage, as they do not breakdown in the compost systems and typically get through the screening process, causing contamination.
Soiled Paper –Paper items accepted in organics carts include pizza boxes, food soiled newspaper/napkins/tissues, paper egg cartons, and paper bags (please do not include any paper products with waxed or plastic coatings, such as ice cream containers – these can be rinsed and put in the blue recycling carts).
Coffee Filters/Pods – Natural paper-based filters and coffee grinds can go into organics carts but small little plastic Keurig containers don’t belong. Grinds can be emptied into the green cart, but the containers should be rinsed and placed in the blue recycling carts.
Diapers/Personal Hygiene Items – Diapers should be disposed of in the garbage, along with other hygiene items such as baby wipes, makeup wipes, Q-tips, cotton balls, and sanitary napkins.
Painted/Treated Wood – These items shouldn’t be added as yard waste to the green organics cart but natural wood items, including sawdust and wood chips, can be included.
Learn more, sign up for updates and ask questions at: letsconnectacrd.ca/sortngo-west-coast