In 2014, Green Action Centre began to explore the idea of starting a social enterprise to further its waste reduction and climate action mandates, and to raise revenue for educational programs. It became clear that Winnipeg lacked options for organic waste collection and that 40% of Winnipeg’s waste was organic and could be composted. As a result, organic waste collection was selected as the business model with the greatest potential to advance the environmental and financial goals of Green Action Centre.
Compost Winnipeg was launched in 2016 and has grown from a small operation with an e-bike and trailer, to an eight truck collection fleet. Each month, Compost Winnipeg diverts 120 Tonnes of organic waste, which prevents the release of 108 Tonnes of CO2e from Winnipeg’s landfills. The revenue generated allows us to be financially self-sustaining and make significant financial contributions to the Green Action Centre. By engaging with residents, businesses and institutions, Compost Winnipeg helps to grow awareness for organic waste diversion across the city. In 2023, we celebrated a major victory when the City Council voted to implement a city-wide residential green cart program by 2030, capping off years of advocacy.
To further our environmental goals, Compost Winnipeg plans to add more residents and businesses to our service, which increases diversion, and provides opportunities for education, participation and employment.
Operating since 1985, Green Action Centre promotes greener living through environmental education and encouraging practical green solutions for homeowners, workplaces, schools and communities.
OUR VISION
Compost Winnipeg will grow a healthy environmental future by transforming community waste into a community resource.
Organic Waste Diverted
Since 2016
6,312
TONNES
OUR TEAM
Meet the team that hustles every day to provide an outstanding client experience. With a diverse range of backgrounds, our staff works together as a cohesive, supportive team to overcome the daily challenges of organic waste collection.
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AMANDA WOLFE
General Manager
BIOXAMANDA WOLFE
Amanda has a wide range of experience leading environmental projects, from water treatment to waste reduction to public engagement. She has a degree in applied science from the University of British Columbia and is a registered Professional Engineer. She moved from Vancouver to Winnipeg in 2006, and was quickly won over by the friendly people and sense of community.
Amanda has a strong belief in environmental and social sustainability, which led her to Compost Winnipeg. She is excited about the opportunities ahead for Compost Winnipeg, as the value of social enterprises and social equity gain recognition, and the diversion of organic material from the landfill increases in importance.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her partner and kids, reading, biking, walking, and listening to podcasts.
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KARRIE BLACKBURN
Sales & Customer Service Lead
BIOXKARRIE BLACKBURN
Along with 10,000 other Winnipeggers, Karrie attended the Climate Strike in September 2019. The spectacle of supporters for #FridaysForFuture was inspiring but didn’t feel like enough. Karrie began looking at her own life habits to take immediate and deliberate action to fight climate change. Composting was the most impactful choice. Karrie, being a firm believer in leading by example, took it a step further and joined the crew of like-minded, action-taking, passionate beings at Compost Winnipeg as a courier and advocate. Since joining the team in November 2019, her zeal and drive for change continues to grow and inspire. You may also recognize Karrie as the Hoopist & founder of Kurrent Motion Hoops and former president of the Winnipeg Circus Club.
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JOEL FRIESEN
Operations Supervisor
BIOXJOEL FRIESEN
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TRACY THOMAS
Administrative/Accounts Assistant
BIOXTRACY THOMAS
Tracy moved back to her hometown, Winnipeg, after spending the last 20 years in Edmonton, AB. For 18 of those years, she filled a variety of roles in a non-profit organization. She is an avid composter and loves to garden. Tracy is excited to work with the Compost Winnipeg team to help reduce waste in Winnipeg.
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PERRY BLACKBURN
Compost Courier
BIOXPERRY BLACKBURN
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GARRETT LEBLANC
Compost Courier
BIOXGARRETT LEBLANC
Growing up in St. Boniface, Garrett spent a lot of time outdoors around his neighbourhood and along the monkey trails off the Red and Seine Rivers. He has taken those experiences and has widened those outdoor adventures with his partner Dana around Manitoba’s wilderness today. He enjoys long sauna sessions, has sneaky frisbee throwing skills, likes to shoot hoops, and has also been known to dabble in karaoke on the occasion. For self-care, Garrett practices mind-body routines such as Qi Gong and Tai Chi to feel grounded and to develop calm and relaxation within. He has been composting and driving for years now, so bringing the two together became a natural progression. Garrett appreciates being able to make such a direct impact on a daily basis by working at Compost Winnipeg and feels fortunate to be a part of a larger community aligned with his lifestyle choices.
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CODY FINLEY
Maintenance Lead
BIOXCODY FINLEY
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MANISHA NETHETI
Office Coordinator
BIOXMANISHA NETHETI
Manisha is a former IT professional with experience in testing and using a variety of software applications and possesses a bachelor's degree in Electronics and communication engineering from Andhra University, India.
After moving to Winnipeg in 2021, her fascination to blend with the culture has led her to Compost Winnipeg.
Being a nature lover, Manisha emphasizes that mother earth and all its resources be protected and retained, for the generations to come and strongly believes that being a part of Compost Winnipeg makes it possible to contribute her part and also learn more ways to protect the environment. Manisha is excited about her new journey with a social enterprise which gives her a great sense of satisfaction.
Manisha spends personal time with her husband, child, and friends, shopping, watching movies, painting, jewelry making, and exploring the city. -
MAX HRYTSENKO
Compost Courier
BIOXMAX HRYTSENKO
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OLEG GRYTSENKO
Compost Courier
BIOXOLEG GRYTSENKO
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BY PHONE:
204-232-0025
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SERVICE@COMPOSTWINNIPEG.CA