Since launching in the spring of 2023, the City of Lethbridge says its curbside organics collection program has been a success, with almost six-million kilograms of organic waste diverted from the landfill. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge highlights one-year anniversary of green cart program

Apr 22, 2024 | 12:12 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Since launching one year ago, the curbside organics collection program has proven successful in Lethbridge.

The City of Lethbridge is celebrating Earth Day by highlighting the green cart initiative.

Officials say since launching, almost six-million kilograms of organic waste has been diverted from the landfill, which averages out to about 175 kilograms of organic waste per household.

Additionally, the City has given more than 56,000 kilograms of free compost to residents at five events throughout the past year. Officials note that less than one per cent of residents refused delivery of the green cart. However, about 17 per cent of those who initially refused changed their mind, later requesting a green cart for their home.

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RED MORE: Lethbridge’s curbside organics collection program off to a strong start

The City says the support of the community is contributing to Lethbridge’s waste diversion targets. In 2018, city council created a target that aims to divert 50 per cent of the waste generated in Lethbridge by 2030.

“We know change can be hard to adapt to, especially when it comes to household routines. However, the results we’re seeing show residents support this change, which ultimately benefits our community for years to come,” says James Nicholls, collections manager at the City’s Waste and Environment department.

“What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by sharing some positive statistics about our curbside organics program,” he adds.

WEEKLY COLLECTION STARTS SOON

Nicholls says as the weather begins to warm up, crews will be making the switch to collect materials in green carts on a weekly basis, starting on April 30, 2024.

“Collecting every week during the warmer months allows us to help divert all the yard waste we see as people start their gardening for the year. It also helps to keep the odour or ‘yuck’ factor down in the carts,” he notes.

“Your green cart is never going to smell like a bouquet of flowers but by collecting weekly, it helps to minimize the smell where we can.”

Residents needing an extra reminder for collection day can download the free Lethbridge Loop app. It allows for notifications and reminders of when your cart needs to be put out.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

The City says though the success is a great sight to see, there is room for improvement.

“Our focus is now on finding ways to encourage residents to divert more food scraps into their carts so we can increase our diversion rates from the landfill,” says Mandi Parker, general manager of the Waste and Environment department.

“If you’re worried about the mess and ‘yuck’ factor in your kitchen pail, paper bags can be used to help seal up the mess. There are some available for free at Community Conversation for people to try out,” she adds.

Parker says there are lots of ways households can incorporate curbside organics into their routine.

“Some families have a full-sized organics garbage bin right next to their regular garbage bin in their kitchens. They’re using the big paper yard waste bags to line these indoor organics bins instead of using the small kitchen pail,” she remarks.

“Ultimately, finding something that works for you is what is going to increase food scraps in the green carts and reduce the amount of waste going to our landfill.”

Organics collection is being rolled out to individuals that live in apartments and condominiums. Residents included in this phase are encouraged to contact their property managers to find out when they will receive their opportunity to dispose of their household organics.

READ MORE: Lethbridge green bins divert 4,000 tonnes of organic waste in six months

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