Green Bin Program – Apartment and multi-units
On April 27, 2022, Ottawa City Council approved a mandatory organics diversion program for all multi-residential properties. City staff are working with property owners, managers, and superintendents on a plan to bring green bins to all multi-residential properties.
On May 29, 2024, Council received an update on the implementation of the multi-residential waste diversion strategy which requires multi-residential properties to participate in the Green Bin program in order to receive waste collection services from the City. Multi-residential buildings account for 17 per cent of residential waste collected by the City. Of the multi-residential waste sent to landfill, about 58 per cent could have been recycled or put in the green bin. Providing these properties with the opportunity to divert organic waste helps the City reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while in turn prolonging the life of the Trail Waste Facility Landfill.
The City currently collects waste from approximately 2,300 multi-residential properties, of which about 52 per cent have a Green Bin program. From Q3 2024 to the end of 2028 the City will onboard the remaining properties through a mandatory process. The City will support residents with dedicated education and outreach to help them use a green bin, and work with property managers to address challenges and successfully introduce the program at their properties.
Looking to participate in the Green Bin program now? Contact your property manager for more information or to get started.
Green Bin disposal options
Plastic bags can be used as a bagging option for household organics like pet waste in the green bin. Dog waste and soiled kitty litter must be contained in a sealed, leak-proof bag.
There is no need to purchase plastic or compostable bags. You can reuse common ones around your home:
- bread bags
- milk bags
- grocery and retail bags
The plastic bag option is just one of many that are tailored to our residents’ comfort level and interest. The other options include:
- Paper bags
- Newspaper linings in the kitchen counter container
How are organics in the plastic bags processed?
The organic waste facility has been retrofitted to rip open the plastic bags and separate the organic waste for composting. The plastic bags are then sent to landfill. The paper and compostable bags will begin to break down, along with the food and organic waste, while the material decomposes in the composting tunnels. Any paper and compostable bags that do not break down are screened from the compost. Smaller screened pieces may be recirculated through the process, bigger screened pieces are sent to landfill.
Can compostable or biodegradable bags be used to bag organic waste?
Plastic bags of any kind can be used to bag organic waste in the green bin. However, there is no need to purchase bags for this purpose. You can reuse common ones around your home. Compostable or biodegradable bags have no added benefit because they don’t break down fast enough during processing. Like all other plastic bags, they are separated from the organic waste and sent to the landfill.
Using the Green Bin: It’s in your best interest – environmentally and economically
Using the green bin, along with other recycling efforts, is one of the easiest things people can do to help our environment. Diverting organic waste from landfill lowers the amount methane – which contributes to greenhouse gases. In addition, diverting organic waste extends the life of the landfill – which saves millions of City dollars.