Curbside Organic Collection - Begins February 1, 2021
Beginning February 1, 2021, separated organics collection will be part of the weekly pick up. The Municipality will deliver one Green Bin and one Kitchen Bin for organic collection to every household between January 18 - 27, 2021.
There is NO bag tag requirement for the weekly organic (green bin) pick-up.
For residents living in apartment and multi-units, please contact your property manager for details on organics collection. Each multi-unit residential building will handle waste and organics collection differently.
Using the green bin takes advantage of weekly pickup, while garbage is collected bi-weekly (bag tag required).
So much more than a backyard composter!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the green bin collected?
Your green bin is collected each and every week, 52 weeks a year.
Are bag tags required for the green bin?
No. By taking advantage of the green bin, you will be producing less waste, and will require fewer garbage bag tags.
I did not get my green bin or guide. How do I get one?
If you did not receive a green bin please email or call 613-258-9569 ext 133. The 2021 Waste, Recycling and Organics Guide can be downloaded HERE.
How do I get a second green bin and/or kitchen catcher?
For residents who would like to order a second Green bin, they may be purchased from the Municipality for $15 (plus tax).Additional Kitchen bins are $3 (plus tax).
Please call 613-258-9569 ext. 133 if you would like to purchase an additional bin or to request an exchange for a broken bin.
NOTE - the Municipal Centre is closed to the public during the Stay-at-Home orders and bins will not be available for purchase until it re-opens.
How do I open the green bin? How do I install/remove the extra animal lock?
Did you know the green bins come with an extra lock that will help keep animals from getting in? This video explains how to open the latch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Meez2eZWlY
TIP: If you spray with cooking oil it will help open the latches .
Can plastic bags be used to hold organic waste?
Yes. Plastic bags can be used to bag organic waste in the green bin. The plastic bag option is just one of many that are tailored to our residents’ comfort level and interest. Other options include:
- Paper bags
- Newspaper linings in the kitchen bin container
- The use of cereal boxes to contain food waste
Ideally, the green bins should be "plastic free." Plastic will not compost. It is encouraged to use alternatives to plastic to hold your organics (paper bags, cereal boxes, newspaper liner etc). By allowing some plastic in the bin (to bag the compost), we hope it will incentivize more people to use it. The plastic is removed during processing.
Can I use a large black garbage bag or large recycling bag to line my green bin?
Large plastic bags are allowed but discouraged. Instead, consider using small plastic bags (or non-plastic options such as newspaper) to line your kitchen bin and transfer it to the green bin.
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.
Are disposable coffee cups allowed in the green bin?
Paper cups on their own are accepted. If they have a wax or plastic coating they are not accepted. Typical fast-food franchise coffee cups typically come with a wax coated cup and are not accepted.
Can I use a milk carton to capture grease?
No. Wax-coated containers (such as milk cartons) are not accepted in the green bin. For a grease that does not congeal, consider using paper towel and throw it in the green bin.
Are wax-coated items allowed?
No. Wax-coated containers including milk cartons and most ice cream containers are not accepted in the green bin. They go in the recycle bin (containers).
Are disposable masks allowed in the green bin?
No. They should be disposed of in the garbage (don't forget to cut the elastics to protect wildlife!). And be sure to wash your hands after you throw the mask out.
Are used paper facial tissue allowed in the green bin?
No. For health & safety reasons, please dispose of used tissues in the garbage.
Where does the organic material go?
The organic material is taken to Convertus, a facility in Ottawa, where it is converted into compost, bedding and fertilizer.
How does the Green Bin program work?
Organics recycling is an important part of the Municipality of North Grenville’s long term waste strategy. Diverting residential organic waste away from landfill will save the municipality millions of dollars.
Before the organic program was introduced, it was found that over 50% of North Grenville’s garbage (by weight) was compostable organic material that could be put into the green bin.
Just as residents separate recyclable materials from their garbage, the Green Bin program makes it easy to separate organics for curbside pickup.
Use the small, specially-designed kitchen bin to collect organic materials. Simply empty the organic contents of the kitchen container into the large green bin for curb-side pickup.
In 2021, the goal of the new program is to collect 30% of the organics currently headed to the landfill. This is measured regularly using weigh-slips.
What can go in my Green Bin
The following materials are accepted in the new organics collection:
- meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, bones, eggshells
- fruit and vegetables
- dairy products
- bread, cereals, crackers
- pasta, beans, rice, seeds and other grains
- coffee grounds, filters, tea bags
- cookies, chips, popcorn, nuts
- Cooking oils, lard, shortening, fat, butter
- pet food
- salad dressings, mayonnaise, vinegar, sauces, gravy, dips
Other acceptable (non-food) items:
- Small animal bedding
- BBQ ashes (cold)
- Fireplace ash (cold)
- Dryer lint
- Contents from vacuum canister
- Butcher paper meat wrap
- Food soiled paper towels, napkins, parchment or wax paper
- Food-soiled pizza and cereal boxes
- Wood chips/sawdust
- Microwave paper popcorn bags
- paper cups, plates, muffin wrappers
- Pet fur, hair, feathers,
- Dog waste and cat litter
- Sugar, flour and potato paper bags
What is NOT accepted in the Green Bin
- Diapers
- Menstral products
- Used facial tissues
- Solid waste (garbage)
- Plastics (with the exception of using a plastic bag for bagging organic waste)
- Leaf and yard waste
- Recyclable materials
- Clothing and textiles
Remember: Leaf and yard waste is now accepted for curbside collection 4 times per year. There is a charge of $1.00 per bag.
Green Bin Tips
General collecting tips:
- Installation instructions for Green Bin. The green bins come with an extra lock to help keep animals from getting in. This video explains how to open the latch.
- Use your kitchen bin as your primary collector in the kitchen
- Using paper plates and napkins? Be sure to throw it all in the Green bin
The following items can be used as a bagging option for household organics in the green bin:
- Paper bags (including potato, sugar bags - and even from the LCBO!)
- Re-use plastic bags (compostable and non-compostable) such as bread bags, milk bags, grocery bags
- Newspaper linings in the kitchen counter container
- Cereal boxes to contain food waste
- Compostable liners for purchase
Tips for keeping green bin clean:
- Line your green bin with flyers, newspaper or paper bags.
- Rinse your green bin with a garden hose from time to time, followed by lemon juice, vinegar or baking soda to reduce odours and keep bugs out.
- Spray your green bin with cooking oil in the winter to minimize risk of items freezing to the bin and ensure easy removal of waste.
- Keeping your meat or fish scraps in the freezer until collection day helps reduce odours.
Keep animals and critters away:
- Keep your green bin away from fences and deck railings so that animals can't get into it.
- Sprinkling a strong-smelling biodegradable repellent such as vinegar or detergent on your green bin helps keep pests away.
- Lock the lid to keep animals out of your green bin.
- Did you know the green bins come with an extra lock that will help keep animals from getting in? This video explains how to open the latch.
How do I get a Green bin or Kitchen bin?
The Municipality of North Grenville will supply 1 Green Bin and 1 Kitchen bin to each household in 2021. This includes all new homes built in 2021.
For the next year, the Municipality will replace a broken one for free. Please note, the broken bin will need to be turned in in order to receive the replacement.
For residents who would like to order a second Green bin, they may be purchased from the Municipality for $15 (plus tax). Additional Kitchen bins are $3 (plus tax).
Please call 613-258-9569 ext. 133 if you would like to purchase an additional bin or to request an exchange for a brocken bin.
NOTE - the Municipal Centre is closed to the public during the Stay-at-Home orders and bins will not be available for purchase until it re-opens.
What happens to Organics collection on holidays?
There is no collection of green bin, recycling and garbage on statutory holidays.
2021 Holiday collection schedule:
- Family Day, Monday, February 15, 2021
- Good Friday, Friday, April 2, 2021
- Easter Monday, Monday, April 5, 2021
- Victoria Day, Monday, May 24, 2021
- Canada Day, Thursday, July 1, 2021
- Civic Holiday, Monday, August 2, 2021
- Labour Day, Monday, September 6, 2021
- Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 11, 2021
Garbage, recycling, green bin and collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week, with Saturday making up for the missed day.
For example, if your collection day falls on a Monday statutory holiday, collection would shift to Tuesday, a regular Tuesday collection day would shift to Wednesday, Wednesday to Thursday, Thursday to Friday, and Friday to Saturday.
Why didn't my green bin get collected?
There could be a number of reasons why your green bin didn’t get collected.
- The week had a statutory holiday, in which case your regular collection day may occur one day later.
- Waste collection begins at 7am so be sure to have all your bins (garbage, recycling, green bin) at the curb by 7am on your collection day.
- The weight capacity for green bin is 40lbs.
- Too much animal waste
- wrong material in the bin
For questions please contact Emterra Environmental directly at: 1-855-532-7555.
What company picks up Organics?
Emterra Environmental, the new waste management contractor is responsible for all aspects of North Grenville’s curbside program, including waste, recycling, and organics. If you have any questions or concerns regarding collection or missed collection, please contact Emterra Environmental directly at: 1-855-532-7555.
What if I have a backyard composter
If you already use a backyard composter you are helping divert waste from the landfill! The new organics collection will help you divert even more waste! Use the green bin for items you cannot throw in your backyard composter.
What does NOT go in my backyard composter?
Do not compost bones, fish, dog or cat waste, dairy products, rhubarb leaves and other toxic plants, fatty foods such as cheese, salad dressing, leftover cooking oil, meats, walnut shell or walnut leaves. Put these items (and more) in your green bin.
What can I compost?
- Yard waste - leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, plants, flowers, weeds (before they go to seed), straw or hay.
- Kitchen scraps - fruits & vegetables, eggshells, tea bags/leaves, coffee grounds/filters, rice, bread, pasta (no oil or sauce).
- Other - hair, sawdust (non-treated wood).
What is Composting?
Composting is the natural breakdown of food and yard waste into a nutrient-rich material which can be added to your gardens.
Why Compost?
- Soil Enrichment - Compost improves soil structure to enhance plant growth (similar to peat moss).
- Water Conservation - Compost helps soil retain moisture which reduces the need for watering.
- Waste Reduction - Composting can reduce your household waste.
- Prevent Plant Disease - compost contains natural antibiotics that suppress disease in plants.
How do I compost?
- Choose a sunny location with good drainage for your composter.
- Place a base (i.e. chicken wire) on the ground and set the composter on top of the base.
- Place kitchen scraps (i.e. greens: materials high in nitrogen such as vegetables, or grass clippings) with yard waste (i.e. browns: materials high in carbon such as dried leaves) in alternating layers and turn regularly.
- Place some "finished compost" or garden soil in a thin layer (2.5 cm or 1 inch) over top of kitchen waste to help speed up the process, reduce the risk of odours and allow for air movement and drainage.
- Your compost is ready when the texture is dark and crumbly and has a pleasant earth-like smell. It will normally take a year or more.
Composting Tips
- Always keep your compost material as moist as a damp sponge.
- Chop waste into smaller bits for faster decomposition.
- Don't add thick layers of any one material, particularly grass; mix it with other material instead.
- You can compost throughout the winter. The composting process slows down but speeds up again in the spring.