What is the Green Cart Program?
A. The Green Cart Program allows residents to divert their organic waste from the landfill on a voluntary basis. Participants in the program receive a third cart with a green lid.
Why should I participate in the Green Cart Program?
- Processing a waste material to create a new usable and valuable end product that can be used within City operations and/or returned to residents of the City of Brandon for their use.
- It is estimated that 30% to 50% of the residential waste stream is organic in nature so removing this material will save valuable landfill space which is very costly to replace.
- The finished product is a soil amendment that helps improve soil quality by adding nutrients back into the soil.
- Organic decomposition is one of the leading causes of producing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, so by diverting this waste from the landfill you will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- For every tonne that is diverted, residents of Brandon are saving $89 (2021) in landfill tipping fees.
How many households are currently participating in the Green Cart Program?
A. As of the end of the 2020 collection period there were approximately 8,500 participating households.
How much organic waste was diverted as a result of the Green Cart Program?
A. In 2020, the Green Cart Program was successful in diverting close to 2,200 tonnes (almost 5 million pounds) of food scraps and yard waste.
What is the potential growth for the Green Cart Program?
A. The City currently services approximately 16,300 single family dwelling units and smaller multi-family properties so the potential for increasing our diversion rate is great if more household register for the program. At full participation, based on an average diversion rate of 260 kgs, over 4,000 tonnes of organic waste would be removed from the landfill on an annual basis.
When is my Green Cart collected?
A: Collection of your Green Cart follows your recycling and refuse schedule, however, is only a seasonal service. The final Green Cart pick up is tentatively scheduled for the first week of November, weather permitting, and will begin again in April of the next year.
Green Cart Collection Resumed April 18th, 2023
Can I put my pet's poop in the cart?
A. Absolutely not. All animal waste should be double bagged and placed in your refuse/black cart.
How are my yard trimmings collected?
A. Yard trimmings are collected in your Green Cart, along with your food scraps, on a weekly basis during the scheduled collection period which April to November. Trimmings exclude branches over ¼” in diameter.
What if one 95 gallon cart isn't enough for my weekly green waste?
A. You do have the option to order an additional 95-gallon Green Cart, however, your yard/property must exceed 15,000sf in order to qualify. Please contact us for further information.
Is there a way to help keep my Green Cart clean?
A. Absolutely! Please check the Green Cart Guide to determine the most effective ways to keep your Green Cart clean and free of odours.
What do I do with my Green Cart when I move?
A. If you are moving within the City of Brandon, you can take the Green Cart to your new residence if you are continuing to receive refuse and recycling collection from the City. Call to report that you have moved. If you are no longer receiving service from the City or you are unsure, please contact us to have the cart picked up.
What do I do with my excess material?
A. If you have more material than fits in your cart you have a few options. They are as follows:
- Save material for the next week’s collection day.
- Take any excess material to one of the yard waste depots located throughout the City.
- Take material directly to the Eastview Landfill.
- Try backyard composting.
What if I continuously have more material than my cart can handle?
A. As with the answer above, you can take any excess material to the yard waste depots, visit the Eastview Landfill site, or try backyard composting. Another alternative offered for the Green Cart Program is ordering a second cart if you qualify.