FAQ

In Nova Scotia organics (i.e. food and yard waste) are banned from disposal in landfills. The Halifax region was the first large municipality in Canada to implement a source separate organics program in 1998, including curbside collection of green carts. Over 53,000 tonnes of organics are processed annually at one of two centralized compost facilities and other third party entities.

Our current organics facilities are over 17 years old and with the success of our programs have reached their processing capacity. As well, new compost maturity guidelines were adopted by Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) in 2010, with compliance anticipated by 2019/20 - no firm date has been given by NSE. Our existing facilities cannot meet these guidelines without expansion or replacement.There have been many advances and insights made in the field of compost. The Halifax region now has an opportunity to look at a range of options with a long term outlook of managing our organic waste. No decisions have been made as to what type of system we will engage.

We are seeking your input on what matters most when considering compost systems and operations. This feedback will help form the basis of a Request for Qualifications where industry will submit proposals to help grow Halifax’s organics management system. The goal is to have new strategy/solution operational in 2019/2020.

Composting is the process by which organic material breaks down into a product that can be used to add nutrients and moisture to soil. Many residents manage organic waste on their properties through backyard composting, mulch mowing and grasscycling.

The compost end product is managed by a third party who owns the material. This means the product is not currently available to be returned to residents as is the practice in many other municipalities.

Finding ways to manage organics that maximize resource value and minimize impact on our neighbours is essential. Organics processing facilities generate odours and noise as a result of operating equipment and managing green bin material. This has the potential to negatively affect the local community if not well managed.

The municipality currently operates two compost plants (in Burnside and in Goodwood, Halifax) located within a 10 km radius of the centre of where the majority of organics are generated.

Existing facilities may be used with the new processing solution, the current sites may be used for new infrastructure, or other approved sites may be used. New sites are subject to approval by Nova Scotia Environment and must comply with municipal land use By-Laws.

Facility size will vary depending upon the technology selected. Aerobic composting typically requires a larger facility footprint than a fully mechanical process such as anaerobic digestion. Accommodating a new plant or process on an existing compost facility site or the need to develop a new location will largely depend on the technology selected.

Processing  organics costs the municipality approximately $9 million per year ($170/tonne).  A new system is estimated to cost between $150 - $210 per tonne, depending on the technology and process chosen.

New composting technologies exist but some are unproven. Using unproven technology  increases the financial and operational risk. The Halifax Regional Municipality has been a pioneer and leader in organic waste management. Our future may include selecting commercially proven technology for processing source-separated organics, or less tested and perhaps more innovative solutions that can also meet our needs

It is important that any proposed technology is robust enough to potentially meet future requirements. This can be accomplished through developing a system which exceeds current standards, or ensuring the proposed solution can be convienently upgraded. Stricter compost quality requirements recently introducted in Ontario could forseeably be applied to Nova Scotia over the operating life of the new facility. 

The current capacity of each facility is 25,000 tonnes, but the municipality generates over 53,000 tonnes annually. This means during high-volume periods (spring, fall and Christmas tree removal), material must be re-directed to alternative sites. Future planning will allow for potential tonnage of 60,000 to 75,000 tonnes.

Not necessarily.  One consideration is determining whether expansion can occur at existing sites. This could occur through expanding the current process technology or perhaps adding new technology to co-exist on one of the existing sites and work in tandem with current facilities. Alternatively, an existing facility could be demolished to facilitate a new operation. Other options include a new site and facility or keeping an existing facility operational through renovation.

New site identification, permitting and zone approval and community consultation may be required to ensure the proposed development is consistent with land use in the area. This affects project deadlines, operations and cost. It is likely that this process will take a few years depending on the planning and approval process through various levels of government.