November is when the leaves finally let go, and in North Cowichan they belong in the organics cart, not in a plastic bag at the curb. The municipality’s organics (kitchen and yard waste) page says curbside organics collection happens every week and takes both kitchen scraps and yard waste. That includes the leaves you are raking now, as well as grass clippings and the contents of a kitchen catcher.
What no longer belongs in the cart is plastic, even the bags labelled biodegradable, oxo-degradable or compostable. North Cowichan says those products may not break down in existing commercial composting facilities and can contaminate the finished topsoil. To meet provincial regulations, the municipality and composting facilities in B.C. no longer allow any plastics in organics collection, including bags labelled as certified compostable. Paper is the alternative: paper bags, newspaper, or material left loose in the cart. Paper liners are sold in sizes from a small kitchen catcher up to an 80-litre bag that fits a standard organics cart. Leftover compostable plastic bags, the municipality suggests, can be used for regular household garbage instead.
The same page offers practical advice for keeping the cart from smelling or attracting animals in mild, wet weather. Empty the kitchen catcher often and rinse the cart as needed. Keep lids closed. Line the bottom of the container and cart with newspaper or paper towel to soak up moisture. Freeze meat, fish, poultry or bones and put them in the cart on collection day. A little baking soda, garden lime or vinegar in the cart can help. Leaves and grass clippings also work as a dry layer at the bottom. Store the cart somewhere cool, secure and ventilated, and put it out every week even if it is not full.
Collection days vary by street. North Cowichan tells residents to download the MNC Curbside app, or use the calendar tool on the municipal site, to find a pickup schedule and to sign up for reminders and service alerts. Operations can be reached at 250-746-3106, or after hours at 250-746-5112, and at operations@northcowichan.ca. If you live in Duncan, Ladysmith or Lake Cowichan rather than North Cowichan, check your own municipality’s rules; they are not the same as this cart program.
Good to know
- North Cowichan collects kitchen and yard waste weekly in the organics cart, including leaves.
- No plastic bags — including ones labelled compostable. Use paper, newspaper, or leave material loose.
- Collection calendar and the MNC Curbside app: northcowichan.ca.
Image: Screenshot of the Municipality of North Cowichan organics (kitchen and yard waste) page.
Photo: Municipality of North Cowichan, Screenshot of official source page, via source.
