NEWSCLOSE

Backyard Composting Programs

Backyard composting offers a simple way to divert waste from the landfill. Organic waste is one of the heaviest sources of waste in household garbage and one of the most harmful when sent to a landfill as it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Composting is nature’s way of recycling organic waste by breaking material down naturally, mimicking the earth’s natural processes.

To curb waste destined for the landfill, the City of Mount Pearl has launched two composting streams! This year, residents can obtain a compost bin from the city in two ways; by participation in the Backyard Composting Pilot Program or by signing up for the Compost Bin Purchase Program. See below for details!

Backyard Composting Programs for 2022 are now closed. Please check back for opportunities in 2023!

Backyard Composting Pilot Program

Why participate?

  • Help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
  • Receive a compost bin, collector bin, and scales for free (with rebate at the end of the program)!
  • Help the city assess the feasibility of offering more organic food waste management programs.

Details

  • As a pilot project, the city will recruit a limited number of residents to participate in the 2022 program.
  • With limited space, residents may be entered into a lottery to participate.
  • The data collection period for the pilot project will run from June to August 2022 (inclusive).
  • Once selected, participants will be provided with the following:
    • Composter (two types available)
    • Counter collection bin
    • Weigh scale
    • Log sheet to track the amount of waste diverted
    • Quick reference resources from MMSB
  • New in 2022: At the end of the program, participants who complete the program survey and submit their waste diversion data will be reimbursed their program fee!

Requirements

  • Sign up below – deadline to signup is Sunday, May 15th, 2022.
  • Participants must attend a virtual “Learn to Compost” session hosted by MMSB and the City of Mount Pearl on Wednesday, May 25th from 7pm to 8pm.
  • Participants must pay one of the following program fees, based on which compost bin they choose:
    • Standard Backyard Composter = $25
    • Tumbler Composter = $50
    • Click here to view a summary of each type of compost bin.
  • Participants must pick up their compost bin from the H. Neil Windsor Municipal Building (Depot) at 59 Clyde Avenue in Mount Pearl at one of the following times:
    • Thursday, May 26th (8am to 3pm)
    • Friday, May 27th (8am to 3pm)
    • Monday, May 30th (8am to 3pm)
  • Participants must commit to tracking the amount of waste diverted using the log sheets, scales, and collector bins provided.
  • Participants must commit to completing a survey at the end of the program and submitting their waste collection data.
  • Participants must reside in Mount Pearl.

How to do I sign up to participate in the 2022 Backyard Composting Pilot Program?

The deadline to sign up is Sunday, May 15th, 2022. Please note, due to the limited number of positions available, you are not guaranteed a place in the project. Participants will be selected by a random draw. Successful applicants will be contacted directly no later than Wednesday, May 18th, 2022. Please note, residents who sign up for the backyard composting pilot program and are not selected will automatically be entered for the opportunity to purchase a compost bin, as outlined below.

Compost Bin Purchase Program

Not interested in participating in the pilot program, but still looking to purchase a compost bin? The city will be selling a limited number of compost bins outright.

Requirements

To purchase a compost bin only, residents must:

  • Sign up below – deadline to signup is Sunday, May 15th, 2022.
  • Attend a virtual “Learn to Compost” session hosted by MMSB and the City of Mount Pearl, which takes place on Wednesday, May 25th from 7pm to 8pm.
  • Pay one of the following amounts, based on which compost bin they choose:
    • Standard Backyard Composter = $25
    • Tumbler Composter = $50
    • Click here to view a summary of each type of compost bin.
  • Residents must pick up their compost bin from the H. Neil Windsor Municipal Building (Depot) at 59 Clyde Avenue in Mount Pearl at one of the following times:
    • Thursday, May 26th (8am to 3pm)
    • Friday, May 27th (8am to 3pm)
    • Monday, May 30th (8am to 3pm)

How to do I sign up to purchase a compost bin only?

The deadline to sign up is Sunday, May 15th, 2022. Please note, due to the limited number of bins available, you are not guaranteed an opportunity to purchase a bin. Residents will be selected by a random draw. Successful applicants will be contacted directly no later than Wednesday, May 18th, 2022.

Questions?

If you have any questions about either the backyard composting pilot program or the bin purchase program, please contact Brandon Mullins, Marketing Coordinator, at bmullins@mountpearl.ca.