Moncton ponders adding compost to trash-sorting program

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

City residents are required to separate their waste into wet and dry materials, with recyclable materials diverting into the dry stream.

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

"I think by adding a third bag we might see a better recyclables — 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 have just two bags — recyclables and 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 current sorting 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.