On Wednesday, June 11, the Township of Harrington announced a new composting initiative for residents. The initiative aims to reduce both the township’s waste management expenses and its impact on the environment.

Over the past few weeks, the township installed 13 compost containers at various voluntary drop-off sites throughout the territory.

Submitted infographic of the accepted organic materials part of the Harrington composting initiative.

The compost bins are recommended even for residents who already compost at home. Materials that are unsuitable for home composting can be disposed of at these locations and include animal-based waste, weeds that have gone to seed, ashes, and greasy materials.

Harrington is also offering one free kitchen compost bin for each resident to help them get started with the composting initiative. Residents who did not receive a kitchen compost bin at their doorstep are encouraged to call the township at 819-687-2122.

As part of the composting initiative, Harrington offered composting home starter kits to residents. Submitted photo.

Mayor Gabrielle Parr noted that many residents already have compost at home, but the program is aimed at those who cannot.

“We are privileged to have amongst our population a considerable number of residents who handle their own composting,” she said. “For those who are unable to, we have begun a project to encourage the reduction of organic waste dumped in our garbage bins.”

Parr explained that this would result in cost savings for the municipality, “The costs associated with these composting bins are charged at a lower rate than regular household garbage, which in turn reduces the total cost associated with material management in the region. Not only is this a benefit vis-à-vis the environment, but also our budget.”

Township staff reminded residents to empty bins regularly at the nearest drop-off site and to avoid plastic bags, as these can contaminate the compost.

Compost can be dropped off at the following sites:

  • Harrington Town Hall
  • Lac Fawn, chemin du Gros Rocher
  • Harrington Golden Age Centre
  • Harrington Valley Community Centre

Additional sites can be found at the following intersections:

  • chemin de la Rivière Maskinongé and chemin des Chevreuils
  • chemin Radisson and chemin des Cèdres
  • chemin Lac des Esclaves and chemin White Acres
  • chemin Cammac and chemin des Bouleaux Blancs
  • chemin Lac Harrington Est and chemin du Gros Rocher
  • chemin Johnson and chemin des Iroquois
  • chemin de la Baie Campbell and chemin Maryhill
  • chemin White and chemin Circle
  • chemin du Lac Beaven and chemin Thomson