Owen Sound expects the new Green Bin Program to reduce landfill waste.
Supervisor of Environmental Services Heidi Jennen said residents will receive a green bin and kitchen catcher in mid-May, with weekly organic waste collection beginning in early June. While garbage pickup remains bi-weekly, green bins will be collected every week on the same day as regular waste collection.
Jennen explained that the program addresses the city's priority of improving waste diversion and reducing landfill waste.
"The Green Bin program helps reduce landfill waste by capturing organic material, like food scraps that would end up in the garbage," Jennen explained. "Instead of being buried in a landfill where it just creates methane, this material is turned into compost that can be used for our garden's soil."
She added that the bins will divert several items away from the garbage can.
"Fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, fish, bones, dairy products, bread, pasta, coffee filters, tea bags," outlined Jennen. "We're also introducing pet waste, so that would be cat and dog once they're in certified compostable bags."
However, plastics, diapers, yard waste, and glass are not allowed.
The City is also introducing the Recycling Coach app in the next few weeks to help residents better manage their waste.
Jennen said the app will help residents figure out what to do with all types of waste, from organics to hazardous waste to recyclables.
"What's really great is the 'What Goes Where' feature," she revealed. "So with this, you can type in the item and it'll generate a response, or you can take a picture, and it could generate a response of what that material is and where it would go."
Eligible households for the Green Bin program are residential properties with six or fewer units, excluding the River District area.
"The Green Bin program isn't just a new waste collection program in Owen Sound — it's a bold step toward a greener future. By making it easier to divert household waste from landfills, we’re taking real action to reduce our environmental footprint and build a more sustainable City," added Mayor Ian Boddy. "I encourage everyone to take part — small actions can make a big impact."
For more information on your garbage collection day, please visit OwenSound.ca/Waste.