Composting in Steinbach continues to gain momentum as the city explores ways to expand the program, including the possibility of curbside collection in the future. Mayor Earl Funk says a recent report from Solid Waste Manager Eldon Wallman shows how far the program has come and how much potential it still has.
Composting keeping waste out of landfill
Funk says composting has become an important part of extending the life of the local landfill while giving residents a useful product in return.
The city’s three Community Compost Depots closed for the year in October, with 92 metric tons of compost collected, in line with previous years. Compost can still be dropped off at the landfill to be added to the piles that are being turned regularly during the winter months with hopes of fresh compost ready for the public in spring.
“We like to compost,” said Funk. “What I like about the composting is that it keeps the greenhouse gases, it keeps the organics out of the landfill.”
He says removing organics from the waste stream helps maximize the lifespan of the landfill, making better use of city land.
“And the compost, after it’s ready and it’s been sifted, is offered out to the residents for free so it could go back into the soil, can go back into the gardens, back on the yards, and it produces nutrients for our city.”
Curbside compost still part of long-term plans
While there is no timeline yet for curbside compost pickup, Funk says it is one of the city’s long-term goals.
“As we heard in the report, plans to increase it, plans to one day have curbside compost pickup, I think these are all exciting things and I think this is a great direction for our city to go.”
When the service is eventually introduced, Funk says it will run year-round.
“Every house would have a bin, and then that bin would be put out on the compost pickup day.”
He notes that the current compost site is operating at maximum capacity, meaning a larger location would be required before curbside service can begin.
City receives provincial rebate, approves new recycling contract
The City of Steinbach has also received confirmation of a provincial recycling rebate. The province notified the City that Steinbach qualified for a rebate of $47,903.61 for the period of January 1 to June 30, 2025.
City Council has approved a new three-year recycling collection contract with Bristal Hauling. Under the agreement, the City will pay fixed monthly rates for residential collection based on container size.
Province may take over recycling
The city is also watching provincial discussions around taking over residential recycling programs.
“And if that happens, that does free up (blue) bins that we already own that are already in every home in Steinbach. Like Eldon said, you just unbolt the blue lid and put on a black lid and now it’s ready for pickup, for garbage.”
Funk says this could help Steinbach transition its bin system more efficiently as waste services evolve.
Composting efforts decades in the making
The mayor recently reflected on how Steinbach’s approach to composting has changed over the last 25 years.
“Eldon Walman has done such a great job as the solid waste manager and just what he’s done with the landfill all by itself.”
He noted that Wallman has overseen upgrades that transformed the site into a Class A landfill with options for composting, metal drop-off, mattress recycling, and used oil disposal.
Funk says as Steinbach continues to grow, waste services will continue to expand alongside it, supported by long-term planning at the landfill.