The Carlington Summit

Beginning in October, over 2,400 households in five areas of Ottawa-Carleton will be asked to participate in an Organic Waste Diversion pilot project. This pilot will help determine the viability of diverting organic waste from the regular garbage stream. Residents in the identified areas will be asked to place all organic waste from their homes in specialized containers provided to them for curb side collection. Organic waste includes everything from food, dairy, meat and fish scraps, and garden waste such as leaves, wood chips and plants.

"Residents have responded so enthusiastically to the new blue box program that this pilot will serve as a good indicator of where residents want to go next with waste diversion in Ottawa-Carleton, " said Regional Chair, Peter Clark.

The one-year pilot will help determine the best way for residents to separate organic waste from the regular garbage, by testing various reusable containers and evaluating the frequencies and cost of curb side collection. Furthermore, the pilot will assess residents' responses and determine the volume for organic waste reduction.

"Leaf and yard waste and blue boxes divert about 33% from the landfill. By adding in organic waste we hope to exceed 50% diversion. We are looking for the most cost-effective solutions, all in an effort to extend the life of Ottawa-Carleton's landfill site," said Pat McNally, Director of Solid Waste for Ottawa-Carleton.

Residents in the five neighbourhoods will be invited to attend an open house, where they will receive more detailed information on the program. In Carlington, the experimental project will be conducted in the area bordered by Shillington, Merivale, Carling and Fisher Avenues.

The result of the pilot will be compiled and evaluated in time for development of the 1999 waste collection contract. For more information, contact the Regional Information and Public Affairs Office at 560-1337.