Q: What do you do when winter comes?
A: The same thing we're doing now, except of course that in the wintertime, the process of decomposition takes much more time. Basically, the compost we collect in the wintertime will be stored until springtime for processing, but as far as collection goes, we just keep on going.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: You started the project on a bicycle. Why the truck?
A: Yes, we started the collection run with a bike trailer, and we found that our prototype worked extremely well. At this stage of the game, we need greater hauling capacity, so the truck becomes necessary.
The bike trailer is still a crucial part of our plan, and we hope to use it in combination with the truck sometime in the near future. In the meantime, our goal is to convert a diesel-powered truck to run on recycled vegetable oil from restaurants around the city. This will help us continue to reduce our carbon output, and assure the long-term sustainability of the project.
Q: You say the bags are compostable? What does that mean?
A: The bags are made from cornstarch, and are meant to decompose, under ideal conditions, within 30-45 days. We recently tested the bags with the Eco-Quartier, and are very happy to continue using these bags in combination with the buckets.
Q: 20 dollars per month sounds expensive to me. Are you sure the service needs to cost so much?
A: There are a few things to be considered here. As much as we'd like to make the service as inexpensive as possible, there are many costs involved in the project. In order to perform the task properly and on a large enough scale, a great amount of research and development are required, not to mention the labour.
Although we are not a not-for-profit organization, this is still largely a community project, and depends on participants' support of the program in order to grow.
It is worth noting that at this stage, we are focussing on diverting organic waste from landfills, processing it with a minimum of carbon emissions, and creating nutrient-rich compost to return to the earth. We do not currently sell any of the finished compost, however, we do make it available to participants in the program at the end of the cycle.
As our operations develop and composting becomes part of the city's waste removal program, chances are that it will become more and more affordable. In the meantime, it's a small price to pay in order to get the ball rolling, and to know that we're doing our part.
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Q: I'm interested in the service. Do you do collection in my neighbourhood?
A: So far, if you live in St. Henri, the Plateau, or N.D.G., you can get started right away. Get in touch with us, and we'll get you a bucket.
If you're interested in the service, but you don't live in one of these neighbourhoods, send us an email with your address, etc, and we will let you know exactly when we have a run started in your area.
Q: I understand the importance of composting, but I don't think I'll have a whole lot each week. Can I share my container with my neighbour?
A: Absolutely - we encourage it even. If you have a number of neighbours who are interested, and suddenly you need an extra bucket, let us know. We'll charge a little bit extra, according to the circumstances, but certainly not double.
