Backyard Composting Surprises

We very recently finished an interesting backyard composting project in the Township of Langley in British Columbia. In the project we:
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1. researched composting behaviours, barriers, benefits and incentives through surveys and focus groups;
2. developed a CBSM strategy to breakdown the behaviours;
3. designed a pilot project and tested it;and,
4. compiled and analyzed results.

We were very fortunate to be working with some great staff in public works at the Township of Langley. They are a small but innovative group, very open-minded and creative. It was a real pleasure to work with them; their passion for the environment is obvious.

“Most homes in Langley have disposal units built into their kitchen sinks.”

The project was particularly interesting because of the unique situation we were facing in promoting backyard composting. There were 2 apparent barriers to backyard composting of which we were aware right from the start:

1. Most homes in Langley have disposal units built into their kitchen sinks. That presents a very convenient method of getting rid of kitchen organics – much more convenient than backyard composting.
2. Langley was participating in a Yard Waste Collection pilot project. Curbside collection of organics is again much more convenient than backyard composting.

One might look at this situation and think that promoting backyard composting would be very difficult with such convenient options to householders. However, having researched behaviours, barriers and benefits in different communities across the country over almost 20 years, we learned long ago not to rely on assumptions. So, we conducted surveys and focus groups. And the results were very surprising.

Tomorrow I will share some of the surprising research findings, and over the next few days, the very interesting results of piloting different CBSM promotion techniques in the pilot project. They include some very interesting results, and a very unique twist to backyard composting barriers.

Stay tuned!