The City of Winnipeg and Compost Winnipeg have come together to open up 15 food waste drop-off stations in the middle of the month.
The hope of opening these stations around the city is to reduce the carbon footprint as well as keep food out of landfills. The food waste drop offs will open starting on October 15.
"For every tonne of food waste diverted, we remove two tonnes of CO2 emissions," said Mayor Scott Gillingham in a press release. "That’s why this initiative is so important. By partnering with Compost Winnipeg, we’re giving residents a convenient and immediate way to make a real difference while we gear up for the launch of the green cart program."
The stations will accept all food scraps, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, meat, fish, bones, solid fats, baked goods, grains, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, pet food, as well as food-soiled paper products. However, there are items they cannot accept, including coffee cups, glass, metal, and compostable food containers, cups, straws, and utensils.
A full list of the drop-off stations can be found here.
"We are excited to partner with the City to help Winnipeggers keep food waste out of the landfill," said Amanda Wolfe, General Manager of Compost Winnipeg. "We know having a station close to home is key, so we will look for opportunities to add more drop off stations to make it easier for everyone to use."
These stations will be used all the way up until 2030 when a curbside food waste collection program is set to begin.
"Food waste diversion is such an easy way for us lessen our impact on the landfill," said City Councillor Evan Duncan, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Water, Waste and the Environment. "If you’re not already composting, try something different. Take advantage of these new food waste drop off stations and help continue our efforts in reducing the impacts of climate change."