London is rounding the final corner on its plans to integrate a green bin compost program city-wide.
The green bin program was one of the most talked about topics during last year’s municipal elections and, after various plans and reports have been brought forward since then, the city is just about set to reveal the full details.
“We’re currently working on a timeline of late fall, early winter,” says Jay Stanford, the Director of Environmental Programs and Solid Waste with the city of London.
“That will be narrowed down in the next 30 days. We’ve been in discussion with our truck manufacturer and we’re starting to receive some positive news on when the remaining vehicles will be available for a rollout here in London.”
While some details have been brought forward by Stanford to the Civic Works Committee during their meeting, he goes on to say that not all of the details are fully finalized quite yet.
(Credit: London Environmental Network) Jay Stanford, Director of Environmental Programs and Solid Waste with the City of London
“We’re still getting asked, what does the rollout program look like? When will the green bin program start? That will all be subject of a report coming to the next CWC in August.”
Staford continues to point out that London on a household and commercial level as well to begin a large-scale green bin program, adding that much of the necessities to support it are already in place.
“The way it has been set up where the liner system, that will be permitted either in paper bags, paper materials, or certified compostable bags, those are available in the marketplace right now.”
While the program is set to get running before the end of this year, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be able to be pushed out immediately, with some portions of the project requiring a bit of time to fully be delivered.
“It’ll take about two months, for example, for that container to be distributed to all London households that are receiving the service curbside primarily as well as details on the multi-residential pilot project. We have to wait just a little bit longer for those to be finalized.”
While many are excited about the rollout of the green bins, the city will need to make sure to make the most of the program once it rolls out.
Stanford says the city will need to hit a target of 15 thousand tons of compost in order to be a viable option for the city.
“In year one, which is probably our most challenging year because it’s the startup of the program, we’ve had a conversation with our compost contract here and there will be some flexibility on that minimal tonnage,” says Stanford.
“As we move into the future, these are tons that are very important that Londoners do their best to comply with. We’ll be making sure information is available to them, so we’re reasonably comfortable that this can be delivered”.
He goes on to say that the 15 thousand ton number is based off of the previous numbers of similar jurisdictions across Ontario and that he believes it isn’t a high standard, but rather a reasonable one for the city.
“I’m confident that Londoners with their appetite for the green bin program will be able to hit these targets, possibly in year one.”
The full details of the program will be given in a report delivered to the CWC next month which is currently scheduled for August 15.
