On Sunday, like many people, I spent some time cleaning in my yard - raking up grass, leaves and dead flower stems.
I filled two large brown paper bags with the stuff and took them to the Quinn Street transfer station.
I tossed one bag in the bin and was about to toss the other when the employee on duty said I couldn't put them in the bin. He said no bags allowed. I pointed out that these are paper bags which are sold for yard waste. He said they aren't biodegradable.
I showed him the large printing on the bag which said:
Paper Yard Waste Bag, Biodegradable, Compostable, etc.
He then very grudgingly allowed me to toss the second bag. He clearly had no idea what biodegradable is.
Now I wonder how many others on this busy Sunday were turned away?
Why do people dump in vacant lots instead of going to a proper station? Why wasn't this person trained as to what can be composted?
REAPS says I can even put paper in my compost bin.
Am I supposed to dump my grass clippings and leaves loose in the back seat of my car to take them to the bin?
This Sunday is clean-up week.
Do I want to take part?
After this, I am not sure.
Shirley Olund
Prince George
