Steinbach has announced plans to expand its compost program next year. 

Spokesperson Eldon Wallman says this is all possible thanks to a provincial grant. Earlier this week, the Manitoba government announced more than $8.7 million for waste diversion initiatives throughout our province. As part of that funding, Steinbach is receiving $30,000 for a composting expansion.

Wallman says the money will allow them to add another location for their community compost depots. This year, the depots ran on Saturdays, from May 14th to October 15th at both Woodlawn School and Stonybrook Middle School. 

At a cost of about $22,000, Wallman says they will build another bin and then also use the funding to pay those who manage the sites, as well as any ongoing costs. 

Wallman says the bin is being built as we speak, and the expectation is that it will go into service next year.

"I don't have a location yet," he says. "We are negotiating with something right now."

Wallman says his hope is that this third bin will be set up in a different area of Steinbach than where the other two bins have historically been located. 

"We're trying to make it as easy as possible, most accessible as possible for the residents to get to," notes Wallman. "I hope we get the one that we're working with here right now because it would be a great spot for people to bring their compost to."

And, similar to the other two locations which use church groups to manage, Wallman says the third site would be along those same lines. 

According to Wallman, the $30,000 grant is actually more than the city had requested. And he thinks that is reassurance that the province recognizes that Steinbach has a good thing going.

"They love our program, it's kind of unique," he explains. "(Other communities) do similar things but not the way we do with the volunteer groups and church groups that help with us. We've got a pretty good setup here."

Wallman says the depots collected 90 metric tonnes this year, which is down slightly from a banner year in 2021.