Field Test for Organic Waste Collection and Municipal Composting in St-Pierre-Jolys and De Salaberry

The Rural Municipality of De Salaberry and the Village of St-Pierre-Jolys wish to set up a municipal organic waste collection and composting service. For this purpose, they will conduct a field test to validate the project viability in rural municipalities and to determine what type of collection system and procedures will maximize the quality and quantity of the compost produced. De Salaberry and St-Pierre-Jolys have consulted other groups that carried out similar projects and examined the requirements for providing a viable and reproducible composting service. The field test will take place over the entire area of the two municipalities, and the service may be extended to other regional municipalities if the system proves viable. The participating municipalities will collect about 414 tonnes of organic material in the field test, achieving a diversion rate of 50 per cent of residual materials. The field test will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions; bring down operating and maintenance costs by extending the landfill site’s useful life; maintain existing jobs and create new positions; and supply high-quality compost to the municipalities and residents. The project’s success will not only encourage neighbouring municipalities to sign on, but will serve as an example for other rural municipalities in Manitoba and Western Canada interested in reproducing the model. (As per February 10, 2016 announcement)