Freezing Green Carts

Frozen green carts during the winter months can be a pain.

When compost freezes it can stick to the inside of your green cart; when this happens, it can prevent some or all of your compost from being emptied on collection day. Wet materials in the green cart are the main contributor to this, but it can’t always be avoided.

Here are some tips to help your green cart from freezing this winter:

1. Put a layer of newspaper, flyers, or soiled boxboard at the bottom of your green cart, or use a paper bin liner.
2. Layer your compost, alternating wet and dry items. I.e. a layer of food scraps, then a layer of newspaper or leaves.
3. Strain excess liquids from soups and sauces and place solids in the carts.
4. Spray or rub a little cooking oil along the inside of your cart.
5. Always put your green cart out for collection, even if it isn’t full. If cart cannot be emptied, some space may remain for the addition of more material until cart the thaws and is tipped the next time.

Listen to Angela and Jonathan Talkin’ Trash about green carts on CKBW: