Winnipeg’s food waste drop-off program triples expected totals in first two months

It’s been an overwhelming success, with over triple the amount of anticipated organic waste dropped off bins in various spots across the city, just two months after the city began their food-waste drop off program. 

“We were anticipating about two bins per week per location and it’s absolutely exceeded our expectations with about six, some even seven bins per site,” said Karrie Blackburn, Sales & Customer Service Lead, Compost Winnipeg.

Blackburn says they already collected 45,000 kilograms of food waste from the bins and are expecting that number to continue to grow with Christmas around the corner.

“We anticipate there’s going to be more volume over the holiday season, just people preparing larger meals. We’re hoping to see more people using the program, we definitely have the space and ability to expand with the demand so if people are still a bit curious and intrigued to try it, I say go for it,” said Blackburn.

The city currently has 15 food waste drop off stations in different areas and with the city-wide Green Cart program still about five years away, Blackburn says they are working on scheduling more collections as well as additional locations.

“We do hope to add a few more locations. Of course, we have to find the balance within it all and of course take into consideration funding, so these are all variables that we’re in talks with the city. We’re working very closely on this project, they’re pleased with how well the program is going so they’re seeing what they can do on their side,” said Blackburn.