Compost pickup coming to half a million Montreal homes by 2019

The City of Montreal is investing $275 million in composting with a plan to collect fromtwo thirds of Montrealby 2019.

It's good news for the many Montrealers who've been waiting for greener options for years.

The downside:anyonelivingin an apartment buildingwith more than nine units won't be eligible for the program.

• RDP-Point-aux-Trembles composting plant approval worries businesses

• Montreal to standardize once a week garbage pickup in all boroughs

Mayor Denis Coderre said the plan is to havecompost pickupat 536,000 Montreal homes in the next four years.

He made the announcement atcity hall on Tuesday.

"We must all change our reflex of throwing it in the garbage bin," he said.

"There's no Plan B for the planet. We need to act now."

Until now the city has relied on private companies to process compost.

• Can you compost it? Take the quiz