DIDSBURY - The municipality is encouraging residents to backyard compost this year through a recently launched rebate program.
Council authorized the new, one-time 2022 rebate program for backyard composters within Didsbury during a July council meeting.
The program launched July 20.
On June 14, administration presented information to council outlining concern with the town’s compost and branch collection site, including the deposit of unacceptable debris at the public works maintenance yard.
In response council approved the closure of the site.
On June 28, council heard that a number of residents had expressed concern about the closure, and in particular related to the need to dispose of grass clippings and leaves during this time of year.
Council referred the matter to the performance evaluation committee to explore potential service level options for council. The committee considered the matter early in July and recommended solutions including:
• that council authorize a one-time $50 rebate program for backyard composters to be offered by the Town of Didsbury, for composters purchased at local Didsbury businesses only, funded by the solid waste collection reserve; and
• that council authorize a summer fee discount to be offered to those residents wanting additional green bin or bins. For the remainder of 2022, residents may add additional green bins for a one-time administration fee of $15 a bin, and a monthly collection fee of $3 per additional bin.
Council passed two motions approving the two recommended actions.