freshfiles A series of practical farm management guides compiled by the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association

A G R I TO U R I S MWaste Management

905-841-9278 OntarioFarmFresh.com info@ontariofarmfresh.comOntario Farm Fresh Marketing Association (OFFMA) | 2002 Vandorf Sideroad | Aurora Ontario L4G 7B9 CANADA

TEL. 905-841-9278 | FAX 905-726-3369| E-MAIL info@ontariofarmfresh.com

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Garbage & RecyclingO P T I O N

ReceptacleGARBAGE Bin

ReceptacleRECYCLING Bin

GARBAGEStorage Container

RECYCLINGStorage Container

Garbage & WasteCompactor

Self-madeComposter

Standard Composter

Mixing Composter

P R O S

Ensures all waste is placed in correct bin, preventing litter Adequate size for small to medium operations

Reduces waste entering landfills Adequate size for small to medium operations

Tightly closing lid prevents animal interference and creating litter Facilities can store multiple bags of waste until pick-up or disposal to landfill

Tightly closing lid prevents animal interference and creating litter Facilities can store multiple bags of recycling until pick-up or disposal to landfill

Reduces waste by 4:1 ratio Available in several sizes to fit needs of many facilities

Affordable Reuses materials otherwise destined for landfills Beneficial soil, nutrient-rich after decomposition Several options available. For a complete list of self-made composters, see: greenactioncentre.ca/content/compost-bin-options/

Convenient to use and set up Affordable for small operation Multiple bins can be purchased Size enables storage anywhere on-site Can often be obtained free at awareness events or recycling trade-in programs

Mixes and aerates compost easily Promotes faster decomposition

Does not prevent recycling from being placed in incorrect bin

Improper items entering recycling can lead to expensive sorting costs

Can be costly to rent or buy

Can be costly to rent or buy

Can be expensive to own May only be economical for larger operations

Improper seal could result in foul odours Negative impression on guests If bin is too large, turning (promotes decomposition) will be difficult

Containers are unappealing and may release odours, giving guests a negative impression Cost is greater than do-it-yourself option

Higher cost than standard composter Not widely available

C O N S

A series of practical farm management guides compiled by the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association

905-841-9278 OntarioFarmFresh.com info@ontariofarmfresh.com

~ Material provided by Steven Clarke & Sarah Morrison

2012 Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association

A G R I TO U R I S MWaste Management page 2

Human Waste (restroom facilities)O P T I O N P R O S

Can be unhygienic and unsightly if improperly maintained Guests typically prefer a real washroom Can cause foul odour Not ideal for large numbers of visitors Can be expensive for long-term rental

Structural & septic costs can be expensive Maintenance expenses: e.g. cleaning staff, cleaning supplies, etc. Environmental & government restrictions for septic system installation, operation & maintenance Risks to health and environment if not properly maintained

Once holding tank is full, it must be emptied by a professional Specific maintenance and use requirements (e.g. no paper permitted in toilet) Can be costly to install and maintain Must meet environmental requirements Not suitable for high traffic on a regular basis (better for seasonal use)

Must be cleaned and maintained regularly May be unsightly Situated outdoors, therefore not ideal for guests use in poor weather Guests typically prefer indoor hand-washing facilities attached to a water supply

Regular refill required Can be costly Excessive water use is wasteful

C O N S

StandardPortable Restroom(Portapotty)

Restroom withHand-washing attachedto municipal septic

Restroom withHand-washing attachedto holding tank

PortableHand-WashingStation

Hand-SanitizationStands

If rented, the rental service provider will deal with all maintenance responsibilities Relatively low cost compared to building washrooms Easy to rent during high-season events and add to existing washroom facilities for guests convenience

Guests always prefer indoor washroom facilities: greater comfort, more satisfactory farm visit Typically viewed as being the most sanitary option If properly maintained, septic systems eliminate odours Beneficial to the environment, lower ecological impact

Guests more likely to prefer this to portable toilets More hygienic than portable toilets Ideal for seasonal events

No water or sewer connection required Paired with portable toilets, convenient for guests Rental option during high-traffic seasons Efficiently diverts traffic from washroom facilities for those who only need to wash their hands Often can be rented with portable toilets, thus responsibility rests with the rental service

Quick and convenient for guests Conserves water Efficiently diverts traffic from washroom facilities for those who only need to wash their hands Minimal maintenance required Ideal when offering a variety of on-farm activities, from tasting food to having contact with animals