The Valley Solid Waste Commission is investigating small-scale municipal composting of this region’s organic waste. Our Study of Small Scale Municipal Composting Operation for a Rural Setting, prepared by 2cg Waste Management Consulting Services, was completed in March 2003. Copies are available at the region’s libraries.

The study recommends that:

• Valley Solid Waste Commission not own and operate its own composting facility.
• Valley Solid Waste Commission pursue composting its compostable organic waste at a local private sector facility or at regional composting facility(ies) in another waste commission region.
• Wheeled aerated 240-litre carts be utilized for the collection of compostable materials. Other types of containers would be permitted during peak yard waste generation periods such as the collection of autumn leaves.
• Private businesses would use appropriate bins or carts for the sorting of compostable materials.
• Existing waste collection vehicles would be used for the collection of compostable materials. The vehicles would have to be retrofitted with cart tipper and be sealed.Collection of waste and compost materials would be collected bi-weekly on alternating weeks.
  
  The recommendations of the study will play an important role in the direction taken in the implementation of a regional composting program. The various options will need to be examined in order to identify the most viable option for this region. This will require discussion with stakeholders such as the private sector, our host landfill operators and the transfer station operator.