Bay Roberts council wastes no time digesting composter idea

By Mark Squibb

Councillors around the Bay Roberts council table say a countertop composter subsidy is an idea worth discussing further.

Council this week fielded a request from a resident asking council whether the Town could subsidize the cost of food recyclers for residents.

The machine sits on your countertop and is used to recycle food scraps into compost. Like any appliance, costs vary — a recycler can run anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or beyond.

Mayor Walter Yetman noted that in years past the Town subsidized composting bins, offering them to residents at a reduced cost. But he cautioned such decisions need to be budgeted in advance.

“If you’re going to reduce costs, that’s a budget item for sure,” said the mayor, who suggested the idea be reviewed ahead of next year’s budget. “It is a great idea. Compost that goes into our waste has a lot of weight — it’s probably the heaviest material that goes into our waste stream. And if we can divert any waste, it would be great.”

Councillor Dean Franey suggested that if council is to consider the matter further, it would be helpful to speak with communities that have already subsidized the appliances. He added that if enough people composted, the Town would likely see a decrease in tipping fees at the Robin Hood Bay Landfill. 

Councillor Silas Badcock, who happened to celebrate a birthday on Monday, moved that council discuss the matter further at the committee level, and after a brief discussion, a motion to do that carried unanimously.

“To offer them at a cheaper price is an incentive for people to get them, and use them, and divert waste,” concluded Yetman. “It’s something to look into.”