City of Saint John solid waste department offers composting tips for warmer weather

As the weather warms up, the City of Saint John Solid Waste Department is reminding residents of the importance of proper composting practices to keep pests at bay and ensure a clean and healthy environment. Here are some essential tips to help you manage your compost effectively during the spring and summer months:

Tips for Dealing with Pests:

1. Store Garbage Properly: Ensure all garbage is stored in a sealed container to prevent attracting pests.
2. Remove Food Sources: Eliminate potential food sources for pests, including bird feeders, pet food, backyard composters, fallen apples from trees, and garbage.
3. Manage Backyard Compost Piles: Only add fruits and vegetables to your backyard compost piles. Avoid adding fats, meat, fish, bread, or grain products. Bury food scraps in yard waste to minimize attraction.
4. Use Green Carts for Food Scraps: Continue placing food scraps in the supplied green cart. If you notice chew holes, it may indicate rats are accessing the cart.

Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Green Compost Cart:

1. Add Yard Waste: Add plenty of yard waste to the cart or wrap food scraps in newspaper to help absorb odors. If vent holes at the bottom have been chewed through, stuff a rag soaked in bleach or steel wool into the hole to deter pests.
2. Use Lawn/Waste Bag in your Cart: After collection day, add a paper bag usually used for lawn and yard waste to your compost cart. Place food scraps in the bag that is in the cart through the collection cycle. This helps reduce odors and keeps the inside of your cart cleaner and drier.
3. Request Replacement Carts: If your cart is damaged, you can request a replacement at Fundy Recycles.
4. Freeze Smelly Food Scraps: Freeze meat and fish scraps until collection day to reduce odors.
5. Rinse Your Cart: After collection day, rinse your cart with detergent or a small amount of bleach (about five percent) mixed with water to keep it clean and odor-free.

By following these tips, residents can help maintain a pest-free and efficient composting system. For more information, please visit our website or contact the City of Saint John Solid Waste Department.

Let's work together to keep our community clean and green!

Here to help – For inquiries related to municipal services, contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre at (506) 658-4455, email service@saintjohn.ca or visit us in person on the Ground Floor of City Hall, 15 Market Square, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.