Brant County Encourages Barrels And Bins

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 08:16

Brant County is offering advice on how to be more earth-friendly, they suggest backyard composting and using rain barrels.

BRANT COUNTY - Brant County is encouraging its residents to participate in a couple of activities to be more earth-friendly.

The activities include backyard composting and using rain barrels.

The bins will cost just $10 dollars and the rain barrels are $40 dollars each. Both will be available pre-purchase online and at the County's customer service until June 3rd.

Solid Waste/Wastewater Operations Manager at the County of Brant Matt D’Hondt says compost provides important nutrients to your gardens and trees and diverts waste from the landfills.

"Composting is a process that turns kitchen and yard waste into a dark, nutrient-rich soil called humus. The soil that is produced can be used to promote weed and erosion control, protects plant roots from sun/wind damage, conserves water, increases water retention in sandy soils, aids drainage in clay, and reduces soil diseases. By returning nutrients back to the soil, compost reduces the need for expensive chemical fertilizers."

He adds that rain barrels can have a big impact on managing excess rainwater and reduce peak hour demands on the water system, especially when whole communities use them.

“They help prevent water from seeping into basements and provide free water for maintaining lawns and gardens, as well as for other uses, such as washing your vehicle. Rain water is ideal for plants as it is chlorine free compared to most tap water.”

The items must be picked up on June 15 from 8am to 1pm. Purchases can be made online and from the County of Brant Customer Service offices.

The following are a few friendly composting tips:

- Find a suitable spot for your composter. Select a level, sunny area that has good drainage and is convenient to access year round.

- Once your composter is in place, add a base layer of twigs and small branches in the bottom of the composter. This will let air to enter the compost and allow it to drain.

- Add materials in alternating layers. The ideal mix is 1 - 2 parts kitchen scraps (greens) and one part yard waste (browns).

- Mix up your compost regularly to increase air circulation in your compost pile, which needs oxygen in order to break down. The compost pile should be kept moist, like a damp sponge. If your pile looks too dry, add a little bit of water.