How Can I prevent odours and unwanted pests?
To reduce foul smells and unwanted critters, there must be a balanced mixture of organic waste. “Brown” (A.K.A dry materials) are high in carbon and act as a filter or absorb unpleasant odours (ie: paper towel, newprint, woodchips).“Green” (A.K.A. wet materials) are nitrogen-abundant and carbon neutral. Meaning that if you let them sit for a few days, they will begin to create odours (ie: meat, dairy, fruit).
- Layer Brown and Green materials or add moisture wicking fiber (paper towel or grass clippings) with your organic waste.
- Freeze or place foul smelling foods into an air-tight container. Place these items into your cart the day of your pickup.
- Keep your cart in a shaded, cool, or well-ventilated area.
- Rinse out your cart occasionally with vinegar or baking soda to remove odours naturally.
Cart or Cube without Depackaging Service
Why is organics recycling important?
When organics break down at a landfill they create greenhouse gas emissions, leading to ozone depletion. By composting, we not save space and decrease waste going to landfill, but we also lower GHG emissions.
Can I put all items labelled “Biodegradable” into my cart? “Compostable” in the cube?
No, any products labelled biodegradable are not allowed in our system. Biodegradable products are usually made from plant-based materials. However, the reality is these products break down into microscopic pieces without ever full decomposing. Compostable products naturally break down, therefore some “compostable” labelled products are acceptable, however, you must be 100% sure before you discard these into your organics cube.
Our system is designed using standards from the Cedar Grove facility in Washington. The reality is any company can make claims about their products without proper testing or labelling standards. If you are unsure if your product will compost in our system, a rule of thumb is, “Know before you throw.”
Will all the organics contents of my cart be composted?
Yes. However, loads will be landfilled if your cart or cube contains a significant amount of contaminants or unacceptable items. Please ensure you follow the picture guide to ensure your materials will be turned into supreme compost.
What will happen to my organic waste?
Loraas will collect, haul, and process your organic waste. Our end goal is to divert this material away from the landfill and turn it into a usable form. Your organic waste will be turned into high-grade compost that naturally enhances and adds beneficial nutrients back into the soil.
Cube with Depackaging Service
Why are organics programs important?
When organics break down at a landfill they create greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), leading to ozone depletion. By composting, we not save space and decrease waste going to landfill, but we also lower GHG emissions.
Can I put all items labelled Biodegradable into my cube?
No, any products labelled biodegradable are not allowed in our system. Biodegradable products are usually made from plant-based materials. However, the reality is these products break down into microscopic pieces without ever full decomposing.
Can I toss products labelled Compostable in my cube?
Yes and no. Our system is designed using standards from the Cedar Grove facility in Washington. The reality is any company can make claims about their products without proper testing or labelling standards. If you are unsure if your “compostable” labelled product will compost in our system, a rule of thumb is, “Know before you throw.” Please use the picture guide, give us a call, or look it up yourself on our accepted materials search page.
Will all the contents of my cube be composted?
During the processing of your organic waste, we will be using a THOR depackaging system. This system composts 97% of the organic contents within your cube. However, packaging, containers (even compostable), or loads with large amounts of contamination are non-recoverable and will be landfilled. Please follow the picture guide on the reverse of this brochure to ensure your materials will be turned into supreme compost.
What will happen to my organic waste?
Your organic waste will be collected, hauled, and processed by Loraas on a weekly basis. Our end goal is to divert this material away from the landfill and turn it into a usable form. Your organic waste will be turned into high-grade compost that naturally enhances and adds beneficial nutrients back into the soil.