The City of Port Coquitlam is launching the first of its two new free compost giveaways, using the material collected through the green cart program this weekend at the Public Works Yard on Saturday, April 6.
Port Coquitlam residents are asked to bring their own shovel and pails to the Compost Giveaway event to dig their own compost. The compost is available to pick up from the Public Works Yard at 1737 Broadway Street (access off Cameron Avenue) on Saturday April 6 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (or while supplies last)
Port Coquitlam promotes composting as part of its waste-reduction efforts. The compost is made from organic waste collected in the City's green cart program and thanks to resident participation in the City's curbside collection program, the City has diverted approximately 6,288 tonnes of yard and food waste in 2023.
Compost provides a nutrient-rich alternative to chemical fertilizers. Using compost in gardens and landscaping helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promotes healthy soil, plants, and food.
Compost is the single most important ingredient for a healthy and productive soil:
- Provides essential organic matter for healthy soil and plant vitality
- Aids nutrient retention and reduces fertilizer cost
- Enhances soil structure and decreases erosion
- Aids water retention for better drought resilience
- Naturally suppresses plant diseases
The Compost is available for residents only and not available for commercial businesses. The second free compost will be held on May 25 at the Public Works Open House event.
What Can Go into a Green Cart?
Port Coquitlam residents currently divert about 66% of their waste from the landfill. If residents continue to sort waste properly, about 75% of what is typically thrown away can go into the green and blue carts, to a recycling depot or to a take-back program.
Green Cart materials eventually end up in a garden as compost and is important to separate waste correctly. Contaminants like plastic bags - even ones labelled compostable or biodegradable - interfere with the composting process and bring micro-plastics into one's yard.
Visit our green cart program webpage at portcoquitlam.ca/greencart or download the PoCo Sort and Report App for a handy Waste Wizard search engine and tips on separating waste correctly.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]