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How to deal with kitchen scraps

Sooke residents have a couple of options for scraps

With no more kitchen scraps allowed in the garbage as of January 1, what’s a person to do? Well, the Capital Regional District, which administers the blue box recycling program and the Hartland Landfill, said it is up to individuals to deal with their scraps. There are options for residents and these include either composting, or purchasing the services of a private company.

In Sooke, Sooke Disposal is offering pink totes on wheels for those who sign up for their kitchen scrap pick up service. The kicker is that $2 of the monthly fee goes to charity. One dollar goes to the Sooke Food Bank and $1 goes to the Canadian Cancer Society.

“We’ve always actually contributed to organizations and stuff,” said SDL spokesperson Kathy Howlett. “Mike’s been a long time supporter of them.”

Howlett said because so many friend  and family have died from cancer, they wanted to support the cause.

The service is $7.95/month and that includes either weekly or bi-weekly pick up, depending on where subscribers live. It would be bi-weekly in places like Otter Point or along the further reaches of West Coast Road.

The 32-gallon totes lock and are on wheels for easy curbside delivery.

There are restrictions of course in what can be put in the totes, and these are the same as what the CRD bans from the landfill.

The other option Sooke and area residents have is with Alpine Disposal and Recycling.

For customers who already have residential garbage pick up the price is $4.95 per month. Alpine provides the containers for both inside the home and the larger tote which they pick up. So those clients would have two containers, one for items for the landfill, the other for kitchen scraps.

For those who do not have regular garbage pickup the price is $10.95 per week, $8.95 bi-weekly and $7.95 monthly. Alpine provides the containers. Along with the container, customers will receive an educational pamphlet with information on the CRD’s kitchen scrap ban and how to separate organics from your household garbage.

Accepted Materials

Fruit & vegetable scraps

Food leftovers, plate scrapings

Meat, fish, giblets & bones

Dairy products, butter, mayonnaise

Eggshells

Bread, cereal, grains

Pasta, pizza

Baked goods, candies

Soiled paper towels & tissues

Soiled paper food packaging

Used paper cups & plates

Flour & sugar bags

Coffee filters & grounds

Tea bags

Solidified fats  and grease Baking ingredients, herbs, spices

Houseplants, cut & dried flowers

Nuts, pits, seeds & shells

Not Accepted

Plastic Bags

Yard & garden waste

Milk, cream and ice cream cartons

Plastic wrap,

Styrofoam

Plastic containers & cutlery

Foil wrap, pouches & pie plates

Metal cans or glass jars

Cereal & cracker box liners, waxed paper

Chip & cookie bags

Pet food bags & other lined ba

Butter wrapper

Make-up remover pads, cotton swaps & balls

‘Dental floss, rubber bands

Bandages & gauze

Soiled diapers, baby wipesSanitary hygiene products, condoms

Dryer sheets & lint

Cigarettes & butts

Vacuum contents & bags

Pet feces or litter

Helpful Tips

Use only certified Compostable bags.

Use old newspaper to wrap wet food waste.

Use paper towels to wipe fat and grease off cookware. Do not pour fat and grease down the drain.

Store meat and fish waste in a paper bag in your freezer until collection day – especially in the summer.

Empty your kitchen container frequently. Periodically rinse with a mild detergent.

Close green tote lid tightly after use. Store tote in a shady ventilated area.

Continue to use your backyard compost bin.