Biodegradable bags not the answer

A question regarding their use was recently directed to Waste Check, the solid waste authority for the region.

“These bags begin to dissolve as soon as they get warm. I have tried them and they actually do “melt”. Why are they accepted for use all over North America to use in compost bins but NOT in Yarmouth,” wrote the “curious composter.”

Amy Hillyard is Waste Check’s waste reduction coordinator.

“Our compost facility doesn’t accept them because they don’t break down for the process we have here,” she said

“Composting processes vary across the Province. All of them don’t process compost the same way. There may be small pockets in Nova Scotia that accept them, but only the certified products. They have to have a certain logo on them.

“What happens is they act like a plastic bag, they get caught up in the shears,” she added.

Green cart tips from Waste Check include:

Keep cart sheltered and/or secure, drain off excess liquids, wrap food waste in paper, place paper or boxboard on the bottom grate of the cart after collection to prevent organics from sticking to the bottom, and if maggots appear sprinkle crushed garden lime to kill them. Bring the cart back from the roadside as soon as possible after collection.