Composting
  
 

Compost Collection in Mission

Mission's residential curbside collection system includes unlimited amounts of both food and yard waste. Both materials can be set out together in the same container. Compost may be set out in 80-L bins, marked with an orange sticker, paper bags or compostable plastic bags. Orange stickers are available at City Hall and at the Leisure Centre free of charge. In order to reduce animal interference with materials, food waste should always be contained in bins. Bins may be lined with compostable bags, but do not have to be.

If using bags for compost, please ensure that bags are in fact compostable, not just "biodegradable." Compostable bags will have a specific logo. Compost will no longer be collected in regular, clear plastic bags.

Small branches (less than 5 cm in diameter) may be set out in tied bundles not exceeding 1.2 m in length and 20 kg in weight. Please note that soil is not compostable, and will not be collected curbside.

Please note that no bin, bag or bundle may exceed 20 kg in weight.

Rural residents may drop off small yard trimmings, such as grass clippings, moss and leaves, at the Mission Landfill (Minnie's Pit) free of charge. Larger yard waste carries a charge of $55 per tonne.

Acceptable Materials

Yard Waste

For the purposes of curbside collection, yard waste includes:

  • small branches (less than 5 cm in diameter and 1.2 m in length each)
  • leaves
  • weeds and
  • grass clippings.

Residents are encouraged to practice "grasscycling," which involves leaving grass clippings where they may fall. Done right, grasscycling does not cause thatch and returns nutrients and organic matter on the spot. Organic matter helps to retain moisture, reducing watering requirements, and improves disease resistance.

While push mowers are the most environmentally friendly choice, most mowers can be adapted to become "mulching" mowers by placing a proper cover on the bagger outlet.

Food Waste

Food waste includes:

  • all kitchen scraps, including meat, bones & cheese
  • coffee grounds & filters
  • tea bags
  • pizza & donut boxes
  • tissues and napkins

No liquid wastes, please.

Please ensure that compost containing food waste does not attract dogs, cats, birds or other wildlife. Compost is best contained in 80-L bins with lids (do not tie down lids, please) and must be set out by 8 a.m. on collection day only.

Food Kitchen Catcherwastes can be collected in the kitchen in a covered container, such as an ice cream bucket. The District also sells "kitchen catchers" for $8, including taxes, at City Hall and the Leisure Centre. Kitchen catchers feature a snap-shut lid and can be mounted on the side or inside of a cupboard.

During hot weather, it may be a good idea to freeze kitchen scraps until collection day.

Backyard Composters

Backyard composters are another effective alternative for handling certain organic wastes. Compost can be a valuable asset in any yard. Suitable materials for backyard composters include:

  • small yard trimmings
  • leaves
  • grass clippings
  • uncooked food wastes, such as fruit & vegetable peelings
  • coffee grounds & filters
  • tea bags

Backyard ComposterBackyard composters require periodic mixing of the material and need to be kept at a specific moisture content. This can be achieved by adding both "brown" (e.g., dry leaves, sawdust, twigs) and "green" (e.g., grass clippings, vegetable peelings) materials and adding a little water, if required. Materials in a backyard composter should have the moisture content of a wrung out sponge. Please note that meats, bones, grease and cheese are not suitable for composting in backyard composters, due to rodent attraction.

Many local hardware stores and garden centres carry various modesl of backyard composters. Backyard composters are also available to Mission residents at a cost of $46 at the Abbotsford-Mission Recycling Depot at 33670 Valley Road.

Worm Composters

Worm composting is an alternative for those residents who do not have access to a great deal of outdoor space. Worm composters involve inoffensive "red wiggler" worms and can be set up on balconies and, for the less squeamish, even inside apartments. Worm composters must be managed properly in order to prevent fruit fly infestations. For more details on building your own worm composter and proper worm composting procedures, visit City Farmer Urban Agriculture Notes. Worm composters can also be ordered through the Abbotsford-Mission Recycling Program. Phone 604-850-3551, ext. 3 to place your order.