Woodstock residents are being offered an opportunity to be friendlier to the environment by using a device that quickly breaks down food scraps and other organic waste.
The apparatus, which looks like an inverted green cone, uses a mixture of sunlight and naturally occurring bacteria to break down the material that is placed inside it. Microorganisms digest the contents, with the end result being a small amount of residue. According to Alex Piggott, who is Woodstock’s works superintendent, they can process about four kilograms of kitchen scraps each week, and nearly ninety percent of this will be absorbed into the soil as water.
Oxford County has purchased a number of these cones for $80 each, and is subsidizing the cost of them to homeowners in the area who can buy them for $40. This includes a pail that can be kept under the sink and taken out to the digester as needed. A variety of marketing services can be used to promote initiatives like this to the public.
The end goal is to divert food waste from the landfill. Most organic waste, including vegetable and meat scraps, oil, bones, grease, dairy and certain shellfish items and even pet waste can be placed in the green cones. They work quickly require little upkeep, and are virtually free of odor.
Further details about this new option for residents of Woodstock can be found on Oxford County’s website.
