Ideas & tips

Tips for collecting compostable materials

Find YOUR OWN method to get the most out of your organic materials collection. There is more than one way to manage your brown bin. Just like recycling, everyone develops their own strategies depending on the residue, their motivation, their practices, the space available, the household’s ability to manage the materials as well as their ability to adapt to new tasks. Just remember that plastic bags, even compostable ones, are not allowed in your bin.

Here are some tricks and tips that will help you take control of the brown bin and make your life easier.

 Wrap your materials 

  1. You can wrap your materials in brown grocery bags, newspapers, flyers or cardboard. Often doubling or tripling the thickness prevents any leaking liquid.
  2. Make your own paper pouches by using flyers or newspapers. The folding technique is very simple.  See the video by clicking right here.
  3. Wrap your leftovers in newspaper by using the wrapper technique See the video by clicking here to view an example of how it is done, in Gaspésie.

 Freeze your Materials 

The best trick for using the brown bin properly without any discomfort: Put any stinking residu (meat, fish, dairy products and other animal-based materials) in the freezer while waiting for the collection day. The refrigerator is another alternative if you don’t have enough space in your freezer for similar results. Peelings of fruits and vegetables, bread, coffee and other materials that does not produce any bad odors can be accumulated without any inconvenience in your mini bin under the kitchen sink. Of course, it is important to regularly empty it in the brown bin.

 Brown paper bags 

Brown paper bags are accepted in the brown bin:

  • Paper bags for collecting leaves
  • Compostable paper bags only

Bag to Earth paper bags are accepted.
Glad compostable bags are NOT accepted
.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR USING THE BROWN BIN IN WINTER:

  • Wrap your organic materials in a paper bag, cardboard, unwaxed newspaper or paper towels
  • Place a piece of cardboard or newspaper at the bottom of the bin, or use a large bag yard waste paper
  • Avoid putting liquids in your brown bin
  • Leave your bin in the sun to melt off materials
  • Check that the lid of your brown bin is not frozen before collection
  • Do not wait too long before emptying your bin and make sure your bin is not too heavy

Checklist and tips for compostable materials collection

The waste that pollutes the least is the waste that is not produced! Did you know?

Did you know that the best way to reduce your waste is to avoid producing it? To help you change your daily habits, here are some simple and concrete tips!

  1. TIP # 1: AVOID FOOD WASTE. Did you know that 70% of food residues are wasted when they could be eaten?
  2. TIP # 2: COOK WITH BASIC FOODS. How much unnecessary packaging do you throw away each week? It’s time to start counting them!
  3. TIP # 3: CHOOSE A REUSABLE MUG. Did you know that in Canada alone, citizens consume an average of 2 billion cups of coffee each year?
  4. TIP # 4: USE MULTI-PURPOSE PRODUCTS. For almost every disposable product, there is its equivalent that can be reused many times over. So why throw away when you can reuse?
  5. TIP # 5: PROMOTE THE PURCHASE OF BULK PRODUCTS. Looking for an easy way to save money every month while cutting your waste in half? This is the solution!
  6. TIP # 6: USE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE BAGS. Each year, more than 8.8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans. Knowing that a single bag takes several hundred years to deteriorate, the pollution generated is immense!
  7. TIP # 7: REFUSE DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS. Did you know that a single straw takes 200 to 400 years to decompose?
  8. TIP # 8: PREPARE A “ZERO WASTE” LUNCH BOX. Did you know that in Quebec, packaging represents approximately 50% of the contents of the recycling bin? Get into the habit of preparing your own meals for school or work – it’s a cheaper, greener and healthier choice.
  9. TIP # 9: REFUSE POSTAL ADVERTISING. Do you ever drop your Publisac in the recycling bin without even having a look at it? Avoid unnecessary paper consumption!
  10. TIP # 10: BORROW OR RENT THE TOOLS. Why bother with things you only use occasionally?
  11. TIP # 11: PROMOTE BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS. It is estimated that a Canadian family consumes between 20 and 40 liters of cleaning products annually that can have serious consequences on health and the environment. Rediscover natural products to clean your home!
  12. TIP # 12: PREPARE, RESTORE, RE-USE AND RECYCLE. Are you planning to renovate your home? Incorporate this circular thought process into each of your daily actions, especially when renovating!

10 tips to improve your consumption habits

  1. Think before consuming to meet a need, you probably have everything at home to meet it. Do I really need it?
  2. Consider giving a second life to all packaging, the pleasure of revaluation is priceless!
  3. The best waste is what we don’t create. Learn to say no when you are offered something you don’t really need. Thank you … but no thanks!
  4. Sort your trash. For example, plastic bags collected in one go to recycling, aluminum and plastic wrap also go to recycling, soiled cardboard boxes and shredded paper go to compost. Reducing waste is something to be proud of!
  5. Buy in bulk. At your grocery store, add a new item every week that you could buy without packaging. Just about everything may be bought in bulk, think about it!
  6. Create practical objects from your packaging. For example, cut out a juice container to make a shovel. Make instead of buying, you will be doubly winning!
  7. Consider buying second-hand clothes and objects. Whether on the internet or in a thrift store, you will be delighted by all the savings!
  8. Reduce food waste. Learn how to store food differently and reduce your waste by more than 50%. For example, keep the base of green onions in water, they can grow back several times!
  9. Learn to make your own cleaning products yourself. From just 6 ingredients create all-purpose detergent, oven degreaser, black soap for the floor, etc. Be curious, look for recipes for a sparkling house!
  10. Be greener during festivities, whether by packaging, potluck meals or second-hand gifts. Preach by example, wrap your gifts in a pretty fabric decorated with a beautiful string and be zero waste!

Watch the explanatory video The 10 tips to improve your consumption habits of the Municipality of the Canton d’Orford.