Encourage use of biodegradable bags (From page 1) pags didn't break down proper- y "This product is specifically made for composting," said Wayne Maddever. "Starch bio- degrades and the plastic chemi- cally degrades," he said. .Maddever is the manager of business development for St. Lawrence Starch Company Ltd. The company produces starch additives that promote plastic breakdown, and will be moni- toring the composting project. "Durham is leading the way in Canada in large scale com- posting," Mr. Maddever said. "We look forward to monitoring this project." "A tremendous chunk of what is going into landfill sites is a waste," Mr. Maddever add- ed. Studies show that up to 18 per cent of all garbage entering regional dumps is "yard waste." Mr. Herrema said compost- ing will divert the leaves from the dumps, and will create a reuseable resource in the form of fertilizer. He does admit that the program will take some work on everyone's part. "It's going to take a little ef- fort to collect the leaves," Mr. Herrema said. "They just don't fly (into the bags) by them- selves... It's going to take a little elbow grease." Representatives from the St. Lawrence Starch Company and the University of Guelph will monitor and manage the com- post project for one year. By next October the compost should be ready for residents to pick up and use on their lawns and gardens. Whitby residents participat- edin a pilot compost project last year. They will be able to pick up loads of compost starting Oct. 21 from the Durham Recy- cling Centre. "It's a very valuable commod- ity," said Ken Donnelly, region- al solid waste operations man- Police are investigating rash of thefts in Scugog Durham Regional Police are investigating a rash of thefts in the Scugog Township area. Two boats were entered at the West Shore Marina and am/ fm cassette recorders were sto- len. The incidents occurred dur- ing the night hours Oct. 13-14. That same night a battery charger was stolen from the driveway of a villa Streec resi- dence. . Several thefts occurred over- - hight Oct. 14-15. - Thirteen litres of oil and 12 1i- tres of antifreeze was stolen from the Swamp Garage gas station. Police report that the stolen goods had been left out- side near the gas pumps by mis- take. Estimated value of the goods is $80. A vehicle parked at a Simcoe Diapers by MEE MEE Inc ( *100% Cotton Diapers *Form Fitting A *Environmentally Safe *One Size Fits All *Variety of Colours \ & Prints J RUTH ANN DABOUS L 985-4260 py INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED 193 QUEEN ST, PORT PERRY, ONT. LOB 1NO (416) 985-7308 ALL LINES OF GENERAL INSURANCE Egnaea) NATIONAL \ [ TRUST A Division of National Victoria and Grey Trustco 1v4* 1 Year Annual Interest 10% % 5 Year Annual Rates Subject to Change without Notice EMMERSON | St. N. residence was entered.. Cash and a car stereo, totalling $400 was stolen. A boat prop, valued at $600, was stolen from a Summit Drive residence in Caesarea. A $300 Norco Spitfire bicycle was stolen from a Borelia Cres- cent home. Forty pumpkins were stolen from infront of the Nestleton General Store. Police are investigating the thefts. No arrests have been made. | ager. "I don't think we'll be able tosupply the demand." He said the compost is a bet- ter than potash and other chem- ical fertilizers because it is or- ganic. The southern municipalities in Durham are also participat- Regional Chairman Gary Herrema in biodegradable plastic bags. W Starch Company and Bob Lorimar GIBBARD SALE Gibbard, manufacturers of fine Livingroom, Diningroom and Bedroom Furniture in Solid Mahogany or Solid Cherry, is now on sale at ... McALLISTERS | 9 Pc. DININGROOM SUITE in Solid Cherry "$6995. PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, October 17, 1989 -- 3 ing in a leaf composting pro- gram but are not using the bio- degradable plastic bags. Instead, residents in Picker- ing, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Newcastle will continue to put their leaves in normal house- hold garbage bags, but will at- McALLISTERS Traditional Interiors 70 ROSSLAND RD. W., OSHAWA 576-6465 Mon., Tues., Wed. 10 to 6; Thurs., Fri. 10 to 9; Sat. 10 to 5 tach special twist ties on the bags for identification. The bagged leaves will be picked up separately from household waste collection. The leaves will then be taken to a composting facility in Oshawa or Whitby. (left) demonstrates how easy it Is to store fall leaves ith Mr. Herrema Is Wayne Maddever of St. Lawrence of PCL Packaging, distributers of the bags.