Mayor Chris Goertzen and Solid Waste Department Head Eldon Wallman, display one of Steinbach's first Earth Machine compost bins.
Mayor Chris Goertzen is one of the first residents in Steinbach to own an Earth Machine compost bin.
“Composting is a great way for our citizens to improve the soil in their vegetable and flower gardens, and it will also help prolong the life of the city landfill by up to thirty percent,” said Mayor Goertzen. “The City foresees that composting will become a habit for our residents as much as recycling has become a part of our regular routine.”
The City of Steinbach is offering these bins to Steinbach and area residents at a subsidized rate of $28 (tax included) on Saturday, April 25 at the TG Smith Centre / Steinbach Curling Club parking lot. Similar bins cost upwards of $60 at home and garden or hardware stores.
“Composting is something every resident can participate in – not only will it help improve the environment around us but it will save citizens and the City of Steinbach added expenses,” said Mayor Goertzen.
The City has been working together with Norseman Plastics in Ontario, Ecotainer Sales in B.C., four local master composters, and the Seine Rat River Conservation District to make this project a reality.
“We are pleased to provide Steinbach and other regional residents with this opportunity to purchase a quality compost bin at a great price,” said Eldon Wallman, Solid Waste Department Head for the City.
“Around 40% of landfill waste is compostable yard and kitchen waste, and we can change that by composting more both at home and at the landfill.” Wallman notes that those unable to compost at home can still be environmentally responsible by separating their compostable materials and bringing them to the landfill’s compost pile.
“I’ve been composting for years, and it never ceases to surprise me how kitchen and garden waste products so beautifully break down into the best fertilizer my garden can get,” said Karen Loewen, SAGC President and local Master Composter.
“My plants are definitely healthier because of the compost, and healthy plants are better able to resist disease and harmful insects. Banana peels and grass clippings do not belong in the landfill.”
The City, together with the local master composters and Steinbach and Area Garden Club (SAGC), will be conducting a number of free composting workshops in April and May. Call 346-6231 or e-mail areitsma@steinbach.ca for more info. Last August, the City received a grant totaling $14,700 from the Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Fund (WRAPP) to help subsidize costs associated with the promotion of composting and the compost bin sale.
Please check www.steinbach.ca for further details on the upcoming bin sale. May 3-9, 2009 is International Compost Awareness Week. Check out www.resourceconservation.mb.ca for more info.
