The Government of Yukon is taking another important step towards a modern and sustainable solid waste management system across the territory. Effective July 5, 2023, users of the Carcross, Tagish, Deep Creek and Marsh Lake solid waste facilities can compost their organic waste.
The development and delivery of local composting programs was recommended in the 2018 Ministerial Committee on Solid Waste report. Additionally, these programs are an important part of ensuring the Yukon meets its greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Removing organic waste from garbage is an easy way of reducing our carbon footprint. Composting household organics cuts down the production of methane gas in landfills and reduces carbon dioxide in the atmosphere caused from hauling waste to Whitehorse.
The move to organic composting services at the four waste facilities follows the success of the 2021 Community Operations and Programs compost pilot project at the Mount Lorne solid waste facility.
The introduction of organic composting services at four Yukon waste facilities represents significant progress towards establishing a sustainable solid waste management system across the territory. Our government is committed to creating opportunities that enable Yukoners to adopt sustainable and environmentally-conscious lifestyle choices. By actively participating in composting organic waste, residents can effectively reduce methane gas production in landfills and contribute to minimizing carbon dioxide emissions associated with waste transportation.
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Consistent with Our Clean Future, the Yukon government is moving toward reducing carbon emissions through organics composting and reducing hauling of waste.
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The composting initiative will use an aerated compost system, which blows air through organic materials to ensure higher temperatures and proper decomposition of organics. This also helps reduce the attraction of scavenging animals.
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The aerated system was developed by local innovator Garret Gillespie of Boreal Compost Enterprises.
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This composting program is part of the Government of Yukon’s commitment to offering modern and reliable solid waste services across the territory.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
John Tonin
Communications, Community Services
867-334-5816
John.Tonin@yukon.ca