Frequently Asked Questions: Green Bin & Yard Waste
All non-compostable plastic bags, such as grocery bags and transparent green liner bags, oxo degradable and bio degradable bags are not accepted in the Region's Green Bin and Leaf and Yard Waste collection programs.
Residents are encouraged to use their Green Bin, compostable bags, a rigid, reusable container or paper bags. Some materials can even be placed in a backyard composter.
Green Bin material or Leaf and Yard Waste that is placed out in unacceptable containers/bags will not be collected.
Acceptable Containers and Bags
Look for this symbol when buying compostable bags
Organics
- Your Green Bin or other container marked "Organics"
- Paper bags
- Certified compostable plastic bags with the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) logo
- Wrap organics in newspaper and place directly in your Green Bin or other container marked "Organics"
Leaf and Yard Waste
- Rigid metal or plastic reusable open-top container (i.e. garbage can)
- Kraft paper bag designed for leaf and yard waste
- Your Green Bin
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Why eliminate plastic bags?
At the composting facility, plastic bags must be removed, separated and disposed of, creating unnecessary waste and expense.- Certified compostable bags will compost right along with the organic material during the composting process
- Paper leaf and yard waste bags will completely decompose along with the organic material and become part of the finished compost
- How can I tell if a plastic bag is certified compostable?
Certified compostable plastic bags are marked with one of the following logos:
Compostable plastic bags with the BPI logo conform to industry acceptable standards for 100 per cent compostable products. Only compostable plastic bags carrying this logo will be accepted in Niagara Region's Green Bin Collection program. Kraft paper bags are also compostable, are accepted by the Region, but do not carry the BPI logo.
- Where can I get extra "organics" labels for my reusable container?
If you require additional labels for your rigid, reusable containers, call the Waste Info-Line at 905-356-4141 or 1-800-594-5542, ext. 34, and we will mail them to you.
Compostable Plastic Bags
- Do I have to use compostable plastic bags?
If you want to place your food waste into a plastic bag, then, yes, you must use a certified compostable plastic bag marked with one of the above logos. Alternatively, you may place your organic material directly in your kitchen catcher, Green Bin or other reusable rigid container that is clearly marked "organics" or wrap the organic material in newspaper before placing it in your Green Bin or other "organics" container.
- How durable are the compostable plastic bags?
It is recommended that you change the compostable plastic bags in your kitchen catcher every three to four days to avoid odours. The bags take approximately 15-45 days to decompose in the compost process, depending on the bag type used.
- Where can I buy certified compostable bags?
Currently, certified compostable bags are available at most Niagara retailers. Check with your preferred retailer for availability.
Leaf and Yard Waste
- Do I have to use Kraft paper bags for leaf and yard waste?
No. You may also use any open-top, rigid, reusable container that is clearly marked 'Organics'.
- What are the advantages of using Kraft paper bags?
The bags are very durable and stay open when filling with leaf and yard waste materials.
- How big are the Kraft paper bags?
The large paper bags are 40 cm x 30 cm x 89 cm (approx. 107L).
- Won't the Kraft paper bags get wet? Are they as strong as plastic bags?
Kraft paper bags are all-natural, weatherproof paper bags and are actually stronger than plastic bags. Kraft paper bags won't puncture easily from twigs.
- Where can I buy Kraft paper bags?
Kraft paper bags are available in retail stores throughout the Niagara Region. View a list of stores that sell Kraft Paper Bags.
Pet Waste and Kitty Litter
- Why are pet waste and kitty litter now being accepted in the Green Bin program when they weren't before? Won't this contaminate the compost?
There are no health and safety issues associated with accepting pet waste and kitty litter in the Green Bin program. During the composting process, the material is heated to temperatures at which bacteria and viruses are killed. Strict testing to meet, or exceed, Ministry of the Environment standards, is conducted regularly.
For health and safety reasons of the collection staff, place pet waste and kitty litter in compostable bags, or wrap in newsprint, before placing in your Green Bin.
- Do I place my kitty litter/pet waste directly in my Green Bin?
No. As indicated above, for health and safety reasons, place pet waste and kitty litter in compostable bags, or wrap it in newsprint before placing in your Green Bin.
Backyard Composting
- I already use my backyard composter. Why would I need to use the Green Bin?
Items such as meat, fish, bones, dairy products, used tissues, pet waste and kitty litter cannot be safely composted in your backyard composter and should be placed in your Green Bin for collection.
Green Bin
- Are there any health risks associated with composting used tissues?
No. Centralized composting achieves sustained temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees centigrade. These high temperatures destroy human and plant pathogens during the composting process and the used tissues degrade into sugars and starches, which are consumed by microbes in the organics. Strict testing to meet, or exceed, Ministry of the Environment standards, is conducted regularly. The final product is finished compost which is safe to be used by residents on vegetable or flower gardens, lawns and as mulch.
- Is it mandatory to participate in the Green Bin program?
Yes. The Region's Solid Waste Management By-Law, by-law 95-2008, does not permit organics or recyclables in the waste stream.
- What happens if there is unacceptable material in my Green Bin?
Unacceptable material would be defined as regular plastics or other non-compostable materials. If your Green Bin contains these items it will be tagged by the collection contractor and it will not be collected. Each resident is responsible for removing any unacceptable materials. Unacceptable materials complicate the composting process, which results in higher production costs and lowers the quality of the finished compost.
- Will the Green Bin smell?
Materials placed in your Green Bin are the same ones that would otherwise be placed in your garbage container. Some contents that are in the Green Bin may cause slight odours, just like they would if placed in your regular garbage bag/can. You can help reduce odours from your Green Bin by rinsing/washing it regularly and lining it with newspaper, cardboard, paper egg cartons or paper towels. Meats, fish and bones may be kept in your freezer until your collection day to further reduce odours.
- Where should I store my Green Bin?
Your Green Bin should be stored in the most convenient location for you. Some suggestions would be inside your garage or just outside your home by your outdoor garbage can. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight or hot areas if possible.
- How do I get an extra Green Bin and Kitchen Catcher?
Green Bins and Kitchen Catchers are available at locations throughout the region. Wheeled Green Bins can be purchased at a subsidized cost of $18 each, non-wheeled Green Bins are $16 and Kitchen Catchers are $4 each.
- Can I exchange my unwheeled bin for one with wheels?
No. Wheeled Bins must be purchased from a distribution centre. Wheeled Green Bins are presently available for $18 each.
For more information, call the Waste Info-Line at 905-356-4141 or 1-800-594-5542.