Knowing 80 percent (or more) of waste sitting in SWAMP could've been recycled or composted, the City of Winkler has formed a task force to reduce garbage heading to the landfill.

"It costs us now," Chair Andrew Froese says. "And it costs us later as our landfill can only be around for so many years as it fills up."

Froese notes business waste is also on the agenda, looking to potentially replicate the success of a SWAMP pilot project with Morden Co-op.

From August to December 2016, the Co-op Food Store in Morden had all departments including grocery, produce, deli, meat and bakery participating in composting.

In the end 14,320 kg of compost was diverted; a 60 percent reduction of waste going to the landfill.

The Waste Reduction Task Force hopes to create a more cost effective, accessible garbage, recycling and composting program to divert more garbage from SWAMP's landfill

He says the key will be making recycling, and especially composting, convenient for residents and businesses.

"Everyone understands throwing out your garbage has consequences, and the amount recycling we do in Winkler is fantastic," Froese says. "But the next step is composting."

He notes there is composting available in Winkler, though the program is not well known.

While the task force is still in its infancy, they're currently looking at waste programs used in surrounding municipalities to create a plan that best suits the city's specific needs.

Another suggestion the group is considering is adding a by-law mandating recycling and composting, but only after improved avenues for recycling and composting are made available to businesses. It would be especially important for grocery stores and restaurants that deal with high volumes of organic waste.

Tipping fees for businesses may also be increased to encourage recycling and composting.

In terms of residential waste, a suggestion was made to reduce the two garbage bag limit down to one, but adding larger bins for compost and recyclables.

"These are all just dreams for now," Froese says, but adds there's potential for long-term savings in term of landfill sustainability.

The current lifespan of the SWAMP landfill is 80 years.

"If we can change that to 120, 150 years, that right there is financial benefit," he says.

Moving forward, the task force will be surveying businesses regarding their current waste and recycling practices.