Gatineau ends the program

No more free compost!

Gatineau officials decided to end the free compost distribution program during the April 11 municipal council meeting. The decision follows a recommendation by the City’s Environmental Department that states that the project “impacted few citizens and did not generate tangible gains to the program anymore.”

Launched in 2010, the project originally aimed at creating awareness of the City’s composting program. The free distribution of compost, that took place one weekend a year at four different sites throughout the city, was a way of thanking the residents for their participation. Every year, over 2,000 households registered in the activity, but 20% of those who had registered did not show up at the sites for pick-up.

Some citizens, as well as Action Gatineau officials, were opposed to ending the project, arguing that the distribution of free compost encouraged good environmental practices. Richard Bégin, Deschênes District Councillor and strong advocate of the project, says he has received numerous letters from residents in his ward that deplored this decision to end the compost distribution program. According to Mr Bégin, the decision particularly impacts Aylmer residents. “Elsewhere, such as in Hull, priorities are different,” he said.

Nonetheless, the municipal council ultimately voted to end the distribution of free compost program, explaining that the present distribution method was inefficient and costly and that the City did not benefit from it anymore.    (Trans.: CB)