As yardwork begins in earnest across the Southeast, the City of Steinbach is asking residents not to put grass clippings in a bag at the end of their driveways.

Eldon Wallman, head of solid waste with the City of Steinbach, explains the reason behind this request.

“When organics get into the landfill, it creates nasty greenhouse gases – methane and carbon dioxide – that come off the landfill as stuff is decomposing. One of those culprits are grass clippings. We need to get grass clippings out of the landfill.”

Wallman says many people mistakenly assume gasses emitted from compost are the same as when that compost is mixed with garbage.

“When organics are mixed with garbage, it creates a lethal combination. We'd like to eliminate that. It's such an easy thing we could get rid of, if we’d take care of our grass clippings in a different way.”

Wallman has recently attended two conferences on waste management and confirms that organic waste diversion is a big topic across the country.

“Everywhere, people are trying to reduce greenhouse gases. Between mulching on your yard and doing home composting or just bringing organic waste to one of our depots – those are two really quick fixes.”

To make it a little easier, the City of Steinbach provides community compost depots from spring until fall. Residents can bring their leaves, grass, and garden clippings to be made into compost.

“We have the depots at Woodlawn School and Stony Brook Middle School, Saturdays from 9 ‘til 3,” explains Wallman. “They’re staffed by volunteers from area churches who have graciously helped us out for many years now. They have a lot of fun doing it and we appreciate the good work they do for us.”

All the lawn clippings collected at the compost depots turns into a rich finished soil product that the City gives back to the community, usually available for pickup once it’s ready every spring. Unfortunately, this year, with the significant precipitation we’ve had, the current compost pile is saturated and will take extra time to dry out before it’s usable.

“We expect it to be ready late this summer or early fall. When it’s ready, Of course, we share part of it with our Parks and Rec Department for all the beautification projects in Steinbach,” explains Wallman. “and the remainder will be available for residents."

For now, as folks get their lawnmowers out, Wallman has a suggestion.

“I’d suggest people get actual mulching blades on their lawnmowers and take care of their grass clippings more effectively. It's such a benefit for both your lawn and our landfill. It's a win-win situation!”

For details and updates on City of Steinbach compost depots, visit: www.steinbach.ca/residents/waste-and-recycling-collection/grass-mulching/