Montreal has taken a major step towards sustainability with the opening of its first compost plant. The facility, located in the Saint-Laurent borough, is expected to process up to 60,000 tonnes of organic waste per year.
The compost plant, which cost $175 million to build, is a joint project between the City of Montreal and the Société de gestion des matières résiduelles (SGMR). It is part of the city’s larger plan to reduce waste and reach its goal of becoming a zero-waste city by 2030.
According to Mayor Valérie Plante, the compost plant is a crucial part of Montreal’s efforts to combat climate change and reduce its carbon footprint. “Organic waste makes up about 40% of our garbage, and by composting it, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills,” she stated at the plant’s opening ceremony.
The composting process at the plant involves mixing organic waste with wood chips and leaves, which helps to aerate the mixture and speed up decomposition. The resulting compost will then be used as a natural fertilizer for parks, gardens, and agricultural fields.
Not only will the compost plant help to reduce waste, but it will also create jobs and boost the local economy. The facility is expected to employ 30 people and generate revenue through the sale of compost.
The plant’s opening comes at a crucial time, as Montreal has been facing challenges with its waste management system. In 2019, the city’s landfill sites were nearing capacity, and the cost of exporting waste to other provinces was becoming increasingly expensive.
With the new compost plant, Montreal will be able to process its organic waste locally, reducing the need for waste transportation and saving money in the long run.
The city is also encouraging residents to do their part by separating their organic waste from regular garbage. The compost plant will accept food waste, paper products, and yard waste, which will all be turned into nutrient-rich compost.
The opening of Montreal’s first compost plant is a significant milestone in the city’s journey towards sustainability. It is a testament to the city’s commitment to reducing waste and creating a greener future for its residents. With this new facility, Montreal is setting an example for other cities to follow in the fight against climate change.
