Spring is here, everything is bursting into bloom, the birdies are tweeting and the warm weather is stirring things inside our composters.

Don’t worry, there’s no smell: our composters are well maintained and are regularly aerated by the participants and my team of volunteers. Basically, they smell like… a forest after the rain… moist humus. I love that scent.

Did you know that our community composters function all year long, even in winter?

Of course, things slow down in winter, micro-organisms and insects are “asleep”, but the freeze-thaw cycle breaks down food waste into small pieces, which greatly speeds up the decomposition process once the weather warms up. And the day comes when it’s time to harvest the compost.

Roll up your sleeves and start screening!

Why do we need to screen the compost?

First, to remove impurities such as elastic bands from the stems of herbs, or those little stickers on banana skins and fruits peels. Second, to remove anything that has not broken down, such as peach pits or nut shells. Éco-quartier provides the screening materials, but we need 5 people to do the job properly.   If you are interested in composting and want to learn a new skill, get in touch with us to find out more and/or to get involved.

For more information, please contact Clara Charest-Marcotte 3RV and Cleanliness project leader 3rv.eqpm@saesem.org | 514 933-1069