Earth Day marks two years of curbside organics

The City of Lethbridge is recognizing the community’s role in the continued success of the curbside organics program as it wraps up its second year. 

“What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by sharing some positive statistics about our curbside organics program,” says James Nicholls, Collections Manager, Waste & Environment department. “We've had residential curbside organics collection for two years and the data is trending in the right direction. We want to thank residents for keeping up their curbside enthusiasm and finding ways to incorporate waste diversion in their daily routines.”

Two years of food and yard waste diversion

• Nearly 13 million kilograms of organic waste have been diverted from the landfill thanks to curbside green carts – an average of approximately 382 kilograms of organic waste per household. 
• The City has given more than 56,000 kilograms of free Coulee Compost to residents at a number of giveaway events. 
• Around 24,500 kilograms of Coulee Compost have been used in City parks, gardens, cemeteries and greenspaces. 

These promising statistics contribute toward meeting the City’s waste diversion target, set by City Council, 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,” says Nicholls. “However, the results we’ve seen are encouraging, and waste diversion will benefit our community for years to come.” 

Room for improvement 

“We’re really pleased with how the program has been adopted by the community in its first two years, and there are always opportunities to do better,” says Mandi Parker, General Manager, Waste & Environment department. “Our focus is on continuing to increase the amount of food scraps going into green carts and minimizing the number of non-organics that sometimes sneak their way in.” 

“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,” says Parker. “We’ve seen lots of creative ways households have incorporated 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. Ultimately, establishing a routine that works for you is going to increase food scraps in the green carts and reduce organics going to our landfill.” 

Celebrate Earth Day with free compost at Legacy Park 

The City of Lethbridge is hosting a free Coulee Compost giveaway during Earth Day at Legacy Park on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

“We’re excited to partner with Environment Lethbridge and celebrate Earth Day with the community,” says Mark Svenson, Environment Manager, Waste & Environment department. “It’s going to be a fun-filled day of activities and environmental education. Residents can bring their own receptacle and get some free compost while supplies last." 

Residents can learn more about the event here. 

Coulee Compost is also available to purchase year-round from the Waste & Recycling Centre.

Weekly collection starts in May

With warmer weather here to stay, weekly green cart collection will resume in May. 

“Residents who have green carts can expect to see their cart collected every week starting the week of May 5,” says Nicholls. “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.” 

Residents can download the free Lethbridge Loop app to their smartphones to get reminders about their waste, recycling and organics cart collection days.  

For Public Inquiries: 
Call or chat with 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.