The Town of Okotoks and Environment Canada are still working to promote the eco-friendly usage of compost.

Last weekend residents were presented with the opportunity to haul home compost for free from the Okotoks Recycling Centre and there's still some leftover.

Paul Lyons, waste services manager, says composting greatly reduces the effect food waste has on landfills.

"Food waste produces leachate and if that leaks into our groundwater then it will create contamination so getting food waste out of the landfill is priority for the Town," Lyons says.

Lyons says food waste contributes to methane production, which is 21 times more potent compared to carbon dioxide as an ozone depleting substance.

A large amount of garbage contains items that could be composted.

"Residential waste is composed of anywhere between 40 to 62 percent organic matter that we could compost," he says. "By composting what we're doing is we're reducing our waste to the landfill and we're reducing the impact on the landfill."

Lyons says many people use compost on their gardens. Benefits from using compost in yard care includes helping soil to hold moisture, discouraging weeds, adding nutrients, and reducing the need for toxic chemicals.

The free compost is still available to be picked up from the Okotoks Recycling Centre on a first come, first served basis. All residents need to do is bring a shovel, pail, and a way to bring it home.

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