Organics Collection

Share Organics Collection on Facebook Share Organics Collection on Twitter Share Organics Collection on Linkedin Email Organics Collection link

GET YOUR ORGANICS ON!

We know that many of you have questions about the new organics collection service. This is the place to ask them.

Check out the FAQs on the right side of the page. If you don't see the answer there, ask it in the questions section at the bottom of the page.





The Great Compost-ition Challenge!


Do you want to win tickets to PRISMA or day passes to the Complex? Just enter the Compost-ition Challenge!
It's so easy to enter.

Get some newspaper/compostable paper
Make a do-it-yourself organics waste bag
Take a photo or video of it
Send it to us by May 15, 2024 at info@powellriver.ca or use the hashtag #compostitionchallenge
Win a prize!

See below for some do-it-yourself tips?








Your cart can only take so much






Remember...




Bag it!

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is about the Bag to Earth kitchen food waste bags. We included samples with your new green bin. The bags are compostable and leak resistant, with a100 per cent paper cellulose liner.

Bag to Earth bags can be purchased in Powell River at:

  • Aaron Service and Supply
  • Walmart
  • Rona
  • Save-on-Foods
  • Ordering online


Do-it-yourself!

You can also do-it-yourself by making a bag from newspaper! Councillor Almeida shows you how in 6 easy steps!




The Importance of Proper Placement


We often find that when collection is missed it's because of where the cart was placed.

Proper placement is at least one metre between each cart, bin or bag that you're using and and a three meter clearance above. Our drivers will not get out to lift a cart by hand if it is not spaced correctly. They will continue to the next house.

Other likely reasons for missed collection are:

  • Your cart was put out late after the truck has already gone through your area. Please remember to have your cart at the curb before 7:30 am on your collection day. Not the night before.
  • the cart was placed too close to a vehicle or other object for the truck to maneuver.
  • The cart was placed backwards against the curb.



Da Bears

Organic materials are like a dinner bell for bears. Your cart is not lockable, bear resistant or bear proof, no cart is, but there are ways to keep them and other wildlife from sticking their nose where it doesn't belong.

You can help reduce wildlife conflict by, first, getting your cart to the curb at the right time of day. If it's left out overnight, you'll likely wake up to a mess on your street and the ire of your neighbours!

Keep it clean! Rinse your cart between collection days, Once in a while, clean with warm water and vinegar solution.

Other ways to keep bears away:

  • Scheduling will help. Having organics collected weekly keeps the waste from sitting too long and getting stinky.
  • Freeze materials before you put them in the cart.
  • Line your cart with paper to absorb liquids.
  • Layer food scraps with yard waste to conceal odors.
  • Wrap items in paper to absorb moisture.








What goes where?


The introduction of organics to our curbside collection service changes how we sort! [Figure 3] To make it easy for everyone, there are two cool tools - the Waste Wizard online and the qathet Waste Wise App available for on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

OrganicsRecycleGarbageRecycle depot
dairyplastic party cupssaran wrapplastic bags
meat and fish bones, egg shellstin foilbiodegradable bagsbattery
coffee grounds and filterscoffee podsmeat absorbent padsfoam containers
vegetable peelspaper productspet wasteflexible plastics
plate scrapscontainerspaper towels used for cleaningglass
food soiled paper toweltin cansdisposable gloves, masks and diaperslight bulbs, paint and oils




Did you know?

December 2021 Waste Audit


A waste audit done in December 2021 shows that a large portion - 42 per cent by weight - of the city’s waste is organic material that can be recycled into compost.


Climate Change Mitigation

Overall, by adding organics to our collection service, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) will decrease, service levels will increase

The environmental impact of diverting organics from landfill is significant. The biggest benefit of composting comes from lowering GHGs – primarily from keeping methane-generating organics out of landfills.

qathet Regional District is working towards completing the Resource Recovery Centre to include a local processing site for organic materials. When it's operational, we could be saving more by lowering both transportation costs and GHG emissions.



This engagement is in keeping with the City’s commitment to the principles of openness, transparency and accountability.

GET YOUR ORGANICS ON!

We know that many of you have questions about the new organics collection service. This is the place to ask them.

Check out the FAQs on the right side of the page. If you don't see the answer there, ask it in the questions section at the bottom of the page.





The Great Compost-ition Challenge!


Do you want to win tickets to PRISMA or day passes to the Complex? Just enter the Compost-ition Challenge!
It's so easy to enter.

Get some newspaper/compostable paper
Make a do-it-yourself organics waste bag
Take a photo or video of it
Send it to us by May 15, 2024 at info@powellriver.ca or use the hashtag #compostitionchallenge
Win a prize!

See below for some do-it-yourself tips?








Your cart can only take so much






Remember...




Bag it!

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is about the Bag to Earth kitchen food waste bags. We included samples with your new green bin. The bags are compostable and leak resistant, with a100 per cent paper cellulose liner.

Bag to Earth bags can be purchased in Powell River at:

  • Aaron Service and Supply
  • Walmart
  • Rona
  • Save-on-Foods
  • Ordering online


Do-it-yourself!

You can also do-it-yourself by making a bag from newspaper! Councillor Almeida shows you how in 6 easy steps!




The Importance of Proper Placement


We often find that when collection is missed it's because of where the cart was placed.

Proper placement is at least one metre between each cart, bin or bag that you're using and and a three meter clearance above. Our drivers will not get out to lift a cart by hand if it is not spaced correctly. They will continue to the next house.

Other likely reasons for missed collection are:

  • Your cart was put out late after the truck has already gone through your area. Please remember to have your cart at the curb before 7:30 am on your collection day. Not the night before.
  • the cart was placed too close to a vehicle or other object for the truck to maneuver.
  • The cart was placed backwards against the curb.



Da Bears

Organic materials are like a dinner bell for bears. Your cart is not lockable, bear resistant or bear proof, no cart is, but there are ways to keep them and other wildlife from sticking their nose where it doesn't belong.

You can help reduce wildlife conflict by, first, getting your cart to the curb at the right time of day. If it's left out overnight, you'll likely wake up to a mess on your street and the ire of your neighbours!

Keep it clean! Rinse your cart between collection days, Once in a while, clean with warm water and vinegar solution.

Other ways to keep bears away:

  • Scheduling will help. Having organics collected weekly keeps the waste from sitting too long and getting stinky.
  • Freeze materials before you put them in the cart.
  • Line your cart with paper to absorb liquids.
  • Layer food scraps with yard waste to conceal odors.
  • Wrap items in paper to absorb moisture.








What goes where?


The introduction of organics to our curbside collection service changes how we sort! [Figure 3] To make it easy for everyone, there are two cool tools - the Waste Wizard online and the qathet Waste Wise App available for on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

OrganicsRecycleGarbageRecycle depot
dairyplastic party cupssaran wrapplastic bags
meat and fish bones, egg shellstin foilbiodegradable bagsbattery
coffee grounds and filterscoffee podsmeat absorbent padsfoam containers
vegetable peelspaper productspet wasteflexible plastics
plate scrapscontainerspaper towels used for cleaningglass
food soiled paper toweltin cansdisposable gloves, masks and diaperslight bulbs, paint and oils




Did you know?

December 2021 Waste Audit


A waste audit done in December 2021 shows that a large portion - 42 per cent by weight - of the city’s waste is organic material that can be recycled into compost.


Climate Change Mitigation

Overall, by adding organics to our collection service, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) will decrease, service levels will increase

The environmental impact of diverting organics from landfill is significant. The biggest benefit of composting comes from lowering GHGs – primarily from keeping methane-generating organics out of landfills.

qathet Regional District is working towards completing the Resource Recovery Centre to include a local processing site for organic materials. When it's operational, we could be saving more by lowering both transportation costs and GHG emissions.



This engagement is in keeping with the City’s commitment to the principles of openness, transparency and accountability.

Questions

   Ask and we will answer!

   Did you check the FAQs? The answer you're looking for might be there. If not, ask it here!

   We try to answer your questions within 24 hours.

   You do not have to register for Participate Powell River in order to submit a question.  

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share I can't put compost in my freezer, nor do I have a locked storage area outside. What will be done about the roving bear problem? I would love to see more then a standard cop out answer of -remove attractants. Of course everything is an attractant, we live and enjoy life on the coast- yet sustainability is so important! I can't compost in my yard without bears ripping it apart, I don't have much hope the green bin will be any better unless the city takes steps to support gardening, farming and living sustainably. I would love to keep chickens, but again generational habituated bears are a menace. To truly reduce attractants is to erase our lives here and return the land to forest. Enough is enough! Also, the only approved bags are incredibly expensive, I imagine many families will not be able to sustain that cost and a lack of forsight. on Facebook Share I can't put compost in my freezer, nor do I have a locked storage area outside. What will be done about the roving bear problem? I would love to see more then a standard cop out answer of -remove attractants. Of course everything is an attractant, we live and enjoy life on the coast- yet sustainability is so important! I can't compost in my yard without bears ripping it apart, I don't have much hope the green bin will be any better unless the city takes steps to support gardening, farming and living sustainably. I would love to keep chickens, but again generational habituated bears are a menace. To truly reduce attractants is to erase our lives here and return the land to forest. Enough is enough! Also, the only approved bags are incredibly expensive, I imagine many families will not be able to sustain that cost and a lack of forsight. on Twitter Share I can't put compost in my freezer, nor do I have a locked storage area outside. What will be done about the roving bear problem? I would love to see more then a standard cop out answer of -remove attractants. Of course everything is an attractant, we live and enjoy life on the coast- yet sustainability is so important! I can't compost in my yard without bears ripping it apart, I don't have much hope the green bin will be any better unless the city takes steps to support gardening, farming and living sustainably. I would love to keep chickens, but again generational habituated bears are a menace. To truly reduce attractants is to erase our lives here and return the land to forest. Enough is enough! Also, the only approved bags are incredibly expensive, I imagine many families will not be able to sustain that cost and a lack of forsight. on Linkedin Email I can't put compost in my freezer, nor do I have a locked storage area outside. What will be done about the roving bear problem? I would love to see more then a standard cop out answer of -remove attractants. Of course everything is an attractant, we live and enjoy life on the coast- yet sustainability is so important! I can't compost in my yard without bears ripping it apart, I don't have much hope the green bin will be any better unless the city takes steps to support gardening, farming and living sustainably. I would love to keep chickens, but again generational habituated bears are a menace. To truly reduce attractants is to erase our lives here and return the land to forest. Enough is enough! Also, the only approved bags are incredibly expensive, I imagine many families will not be able to sustain that cost and a lack of forsight. link

    I can't put compost in my freezer, nor do I have a locked storage area outside. What will be done about the roving bear problem? I would love to see more then a standard cop out answer of -remove attractants. Of course everything is an attractant, we live and enjoy life on the coast- yet sustainability is so important! I can't compost in my yard without bears ripping it apart, I don't have much hope the green bin will be any better unless the city takes steps to support gardening, farming and living sustainably. I would love to keep chickens, but again generational habituated bears are a menace. To truly reduce attractants is to erase our lives here and return the land to forest. Enough is enough! Also, the only approved bags are incredibly expensive, I imagine many families will not be able to sustain that cost and a lack of forsight.

    Christina B asked about 2 months ago

    Thank-you for your comment. It has been forwarded to the appropriate department.

  • Share Are you rolling out curbside recycling cans like the garbage and organic scans? I think it would be much easier on the guys in the trucks on Facebook Share Are you rolling out curbside recycling cans like the garbage and organic scans? I think it would be much easier on the guys in the trucks on Twitter Share Are you rolling out curbside recycling cans like the garbage and organic scans? I think it would be much easier on the guys in the trucks on Linkedin Email Are you rolling out curbside recycling cans like the garbage and organic scans? I think it would be much easier on the guys in the trucks link

    Are you rolling out curbside recycling cans like the garbage and organic scans? I think it would be much easier on the guys in the trucks

    Kathleen asked 21 days ago

    There are no new projects planned for automated recycling collection, at this time. However, we are reviewing how recycling is collected. Stay tuned for future updates in this area.

  • Share Can the paper grocery bags that QF uses to bag groceries be used as compost bags? on Facebook Share Can the paper grocery bags that QF uses to bag groceries be used as compost bags? on Twitter Share Can the paper grocery bags that QF uses to bag groceries be used as compost bags? on Linkedin Email Can the paper grocery bags that QF uses to bag groceries be used as compost bags? link

    Can the paper grocery bags that QF uses to bag groceries be used as compost bags?

    Bilbo asked 21 days ago

    Yes!

  • Share Are the compostable bags that were provided for kitchen waste to be used right before putting them into the bin (ie transfer the waste that has been collected all week into them then and then put into bin) or will I be using the bag all week to put the kitchen waste into and then adding the bag to the bin before pick up? I am asking because it says that they are liquid resistant and I'm wondering if wet coffee grounds etc. that have been added all week would leak through as the week goes on. on Facebook Share Are the compostable bags that were provided for kitchen waste to be used right before putting them into the bin (ie transfer the waste that has been collected all week into them then and then put into bin) or will I be using the bag all week to put the kitchen waste into and then adding the bag to the bin before pick up? I am asking because it says that they are liquid resistant and I'm wondering if wet coffee grounds etc. that have been added all week would leak through as the week goes on. on Twitter Share Are the compostable bags that were provided for kitchen waste to be used right before putting them into the bin (ie transfer the waste that has been collected all week into them then and then put into bin) or will I be using the bag all week to put the kitchen waste into and then adding the bag to the bin before pick up? I am asking because it says that they are liquid resistant and I'm wondering if wet coffee grounds etc. that have been added all week would leak through as the week goes on. on Linkedin Email Are the compostable bags that were provided for kitchen waste to be used right before putting them into the bin (ie transfer the waste that has been collected all week into them then and then put into bin) or will I be using the bag all week to put the kitchen waste into and then adding the bag to the bin before pick up? I am asking because it says that they are liquid resistant and I'm wondering if wet coffee grounds etc. that have been added all week would leak through as the week goes on. link

    Are the compostable bags that were provided for kitchen waste to be used right before putting them into the bin (ie transfer the waste that has been collected all week into them then and then put into bin) or will I be using the bag all week to put the kitchen waste into and then adding the bag to the bin before pick up? I am asking because it says that they are liquid resistant and I'm wondering if wet coffee grounds etc. that have been added all week would leak through as the week goes on.

    Susan Rice asked about 2 months ago

    The bags included are a sample of what you could use in your home. They are surprisingly good with wet items. These bags are accepted in the program as well as “BPI certified compostable” bags.  

  • Share How do we obtain more ‘Bag to Earth’ bags, are they free? on Facebook Share How do we obtain more ‘Bag to Earth’ bags, are they free? on Twitter Share How do we obtain more ‘Bag to Earth’ bags, are they free? on Linkedin Email How do we obtain more ‘Bag to Earth’ bags, are they free? link

    How do we obtain more ‘Bag to Earth’ bags, are they free?

    JennSalisbury asked about 2 months ago

    No, they are not free. Bag to Earth bags are available at grocery stores, Aaron Service and Supplies, most big-box stores, including Walmart, Rona and Costco, and by ordering online

  • Share What exactly is the lining of the paper bags? As far as I can tell it is most likely Acetate, which is a plant based plastic. Plant based plastics are still plastic, containing the same chemicals, and contributing to the growing micro plastic issue. Why is the city recommending this product? on Facebook Share What exactly is the lining of the paper bags? As far as I can tell it is most likely Acetate, which is a plant based plastic. Plant based plastics are still plastic, containing the same chemicals, and contributing to the growing micro plastic issue. Why is the city recommending this product? on Twitter Share What exactly is the lining of the paper bags? As far as I can tell it is most likely Acetate, which is a plant based plastic. Plant based plastics are still plastic, containing the same chemicals, and contributing to the growing micro plastic issue. Why is the city recommending this product? on Linkedin Email What exactly is the lining of the paper bags? As far as I can tell it is most likely Acetate, which is a plant based plastic. Plant based plastics are still plastic, containing the same chemicals, and contributing to the growing micro plastic issue. Why is the city recommending this product? link

    What exactly is the lining of the paper bags? As far as I can tell it is most likely Acetate, which is a plant based plastic. Plant based plastics are still plastic, containing the same chemicals, and contributing to the growing micro plastic issue. Why is the city recommending this product?

    Alan McCallum asked about 2 months ago

    Bag to Earth brand bags are 100 per cent plastic free. made from renewable and sustainable resources. All the raw materials that are used – including ink and glue – are compostable. 

    The City provided a sample of this product as it is one method accepted by Salish Soils, which is where our collected compost is taken. 

    You can also do-it-yourself by making a bag out of newspaper!

  • Share Will I be able to wrap my 'wet' peelings and other organics in newspaper and put them in the new bins? I have be doing that since the recycle center at Rona opened. on Facebook Share Will I be able to wrap my 'wet' peelings and other organics in newspaper and put them in the new bins? I have be doing that since the recycle center at Rona opened. on Twitter Share Will I be able to wrap my 'wet' peelings and other organics in newspaper and put them in the new bins? I have be doing that since the recycle center at Rona opened. on Linkedin Email Will I be able to wrap my 'wet' peelings and other organics in newspaper and put them in the new bins? I have be doing that since the recycle center at Rona opened. link

    Will I be able to wrap my 'wet' peelings and other organics in newspaper and put them in the new bins? I have be doing that since the recycle center at Rona opened.

    Diane McKendrick asked about 2 months ago

    Yes. Wrapping peels or wet materials is a good way to absorb moisture and helps reduce smell. You can use newspaper, paper towel or shredding.

  • Share Thank you for including the 10 organic collection paper bags included with our new green bin. Where can we get more of these? Thank you. on Facebook Share Thank you for including the 10 organic collection paper bags included with our new green bin. Where can we get more of these? Thank you. on Twitter Share Thank you for including the 10 organic collection paper bags included with our new green bin. Where can we get more of these? Thank you. on Linkedin Email Thank you for including the 10 organic collection paper bags included with our new green bin. Where can we get more of these? Thank you. link

    Thank you for including the 10 organic collection paper bags included with our new green bin. Where can we get more of these? Thank you.

    cindystahl asked about 1 month ago

    Bag to Earth bags are available at grocery stores, Aaron Service and Supplies, most big-box stores, including Walmart, Rona and Costco, and by ordering online.

  • Share where do we get the paper compost bags on Facebook Share where do we get the paper compost bags on Twitter Share where do we get the paper compost bags on Linkedin Email where do we get the paper compost bags link

    where do we get the paper compost bags

    Carol asked about 1 month ago

    Bag to Earth bags are available at grocery stores, Aaron Service and Supplies, most big-box stores, including Walmart, Rona and Costco, and by ordering online.

  • Share How do I figure out what route I am on? New to Powell River on Facebook Share How do I figure out what route I am on? New to Powell River on Twitter Share How do I figure out what route I am on? New to Powell River on Linkedin Email How do I figure out what route I am on? New to Powell River link

    How do I figure out what route I am on? New to Powell River

    Matt asked about 1 month ago

    Please refer to the route map.

Page last updated: 01 May 2024, 04:30 PM