Improving Organic Waste Diversion through a Field Test of Greenbin-Derived Compost in the Region of Peel
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Waste
Project value$650,600
Project Type
Pilot Project
Sub Sector
Composting
Grant amount$131,150
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Region of Peel, ON
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
1,451,022
Project timeline
2012 - 2015
Project number
12117
Description
The Region of Peel, located west of Toronto with a population of 1.3 million, will test the viability of using residential green bin compost in the agricultural market, resulting in an expected increase in the total municipal waste diversion rate from 45 per cent to 64 per cent. Over several years, the project team will work with 14 farms throughout Ontario to study the outcome of applying locally-sourced compost at various rates to crops such as wheat, corn and soybeans, either as an alternative or in addition to traditional fertilizer, and develop recommendations to enhance the region's organics recycling diversion program. By creating market demand for compost in agriculture, the region could expand their compost collection program to the multi-residential and institutional sectors, providing an increased return on the investment of their organics facilities. It would also increase the lifespan of the landfill, and with expansion of the industry, provide new jobs for the local economy. (Project description from original funding application)
Applicant
Region of Peel, ON