Township of Langley Backyard Composting Study
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Waste
Project value$73,900
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
Composting
Grant amount$30,195
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Township of Langley, BC
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
132,603
Project timeline
2009 - 2011
Project number
10127
Description
The Township of Langley conducted a feasibility study to assess the best way to deliver an enhanced backyard composting program. The eight- to twelve-week study aimed to divert 2.2 kilograms of waste per household per week from municipal landfill sites and was designed to measure the actual amount of waste being diverted; identify the greatest barriers to composting; decrease the amount of fuel used to collect and transport waste; and foster sustainable behaviour. The goal was to update a 10-year-old program by using social marketing techniques to encourage residents to help achieve Metro Vancouver’s zero waste challenge. The study divided participants into three groups. Each group received varied levels of education and guidance in order to determine the effect this would have on participation rates. By weighing and recording the amount of waste entering the compost bin, the study provided valuable data that other municipalities would be able to use to assess and optimize their own waste diversion potential. This study complemented other environmental programs that Langley offered in the community and in area classrooms. The anticipated outcome was a policy change related to the ways that backyard composters were promoted and distributed.
Applicant
Township of Langley, BC