Compostable Bags and Green Bins

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Possible reasons your Green Bin was not emptied
How to get the Green Bin right
Frequently Asked Questions
Green Bin Tips

The use of compostable bags in the Green Bin Program is now mandatory for all households in York Region receiving curbside Green Bin collection.

Certified compostable bags will display a Compostable logo on the packaging. Paper bags are also compostable but these do not require the Compostable logo.

Compostable Bag Logo

Collection inquiries, broken green and blue bin replacement (Town issued bins)/new resident bin delivery - 1-866-421-5625 or WasteLine@gflenv.com

Additional green bins can be purchased for $36.00 each plus HST online by completing this form. Bins purchased by 4:30 pm Friday will be delivered by GFL the following week on your collection day.

Please remember to have your Green Bin at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day. Collection crews will not return for late set-outs.

Possible reasons your Green Bin was not emptied:

There was a Health and Safety concern. Please ensure all Green Bin materials are securely contained in compostable bags that are tied or closed. Please avoid using twist ties.
Your Green Bin contained materials that are not acceptable in the program (ex. regular waste or recyclables).
Your Green Bin was overflowing or oversized - fill the Green Bin just to the top so the lid securely closes. Only Town issued green bins will be accepted for collection.
Your Green Bin was too heavy. Green Bins must not weigh more than 20 kg/50 lbs.

How to get the Green Bin right:

Option #1: Line your small indoor container with a compostable bag. Fill your indoor container with organics. Transfer your tied organic-filled bag into your Green Bin. Place your Green Bin at the curb on your collection day.

Option #2: Line your Green Bin with a large compostable bag. Fill your small indoor container with organics. Transfer loose organic material from your small indoor container into your lined Green Bin. Tie your Green Bin liner closed. Place your Green Bin at the curb on your collection day.

Note: All organic material must be contained in compostable bags. Organic material placed loosely in your Green Bin or in plastic bags will not be collected.

To see what happens to your green bin material once collected, watch this video!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does 3-stream collection mean?

The 3-stream collection system separates materials into three categories for collection: 1. Source Separated Organics (SSO)/ Green Bin 2. Blue Box and 3. Garbage. Leaf and yard waste collection has been increased to bi-weekly from April to November. Each material stream is managed separately. Green Bin material is transported to a composting facility, yard waste is transported to a separate composting facility and Blue Box material is transported to a recycling facility.

What are Source Separated Organics (SSOs)?

SSOs are materials that will break down naturally and turn into compost. This includes materials such as food scraps. It also includes less obvious items such as diapers, animal waste and soiled paper food containers.

Will my garbage be collected weekly?

No. Your garbage collection schedule will change as a result of 3-stream collection. By introducing organic collection and expanding the items accepted in the Blue Box, there will be a significant reduction in the amount of garbage (dry waste) that is accumulated. As a result, traditional garbage will only need to be collected every other week. Please keep your special collection calendar handy to ensure that the correct material is placed out on the correct week.

I have a large family. How can I hold onto my garbage for two weeks?

By actively participating in both the Green Bin and the Blue Box program you should experience a significant reduction in traditional garbage. Even with a large family, the amount of dry material that needs to be stored for two weeks should be minimal. It is suggested that you rinse food trays to prevent odours.

What if I don't want to participate?

If you choose not to participate, your garbage will still be collected every other week. The 3-bag limit will still apply to non-participants. All residents are encouraged to participate in the 3-stream collection program.

Do I have to use a bag to line the Green Bin?

Yes. You may opt to line either the small indoor container or larger Green Bin with a compostable bag. Source Separated Organics must be contained in a compostable bag to protect the health and safety of the waste collector.

What if I have too much material for the Green Bin? What do I do with the overflow?

You can purchase additional Green Bins and indoor collection containers from the Municipal Offices at 111 Sandiford Drive.

Can I put my leaves and yard material in the Green Bin?

No. Please continue to use rigid open-top containers (garbage cans, bushel baskets) or Kraft paper bags for your yard material. The composting process is different for yard material. Please remember that plastic bags cannot be used for leaf and yard material.

Can I put grass clippings in my Green Bin?

No. Grass clippings are not collected at the curb. Any Green Bin containing grass clippings will not be collected. Place grass clippings in your backyard composter or leave them on the lawn.

I already compost and don't want to use my Green Bin. May I do this?

We encourage you to continue backyard composting! However, there are additional items that you can't backyard compost that are acceptable in the curbside organics program such as animal waste, meat, fish and diapers.

What happens if I lose my Green Bin?

You may purchase both the Green Bin and the smaller indoor collection container from the Municipal Office (111 Sandiford Drive). It is suggested that you write your name and/or address on the Green Bin.

Are the Green Bins designed to be resistant to dogs, raccoons etc?

Yes, the bins are designed to be rodent-proof. The Green Bin has a durable locking lid. However, it is not recommended to leave Green Bins outside where animals have access for prolonged periods of time.

Where is the organic material going?

Organic material is being processed at licensed composting facilities. These facilities are designated to turn the organic material into clean, rich soil.

What will the finished compost be used for?

The compost will be sold to end market users where it will be used for various purposes including farming and landscaping.

Green Bin Tips:

Please continue to backyard compost!

Backyard composting is an important part of the new waste management program. Green Bin collection simply expands your composting options by including items that can't be placed in your backyard composters such as diapers, meat and pet waste.

Line your bins with compostable bags.

Either your small indoor collection container or Green Bin must be lined with a compostable bag. Bags must be securely knotted to protect the safety of the collection worker.

Please do not set your small indoor container at the curb for collection.

The smaller containers are perfect for collecting organic waste within your home. The larger Green Bin is mandatory for curbside collection.

Remember to remove the bungee cord before placing your Green Bin out for collection.

Keep indoor collection containers in your washrooms.

Most bathroom waste materials can be placed in the Green Bin.

Please don't place yard waste in your Green Bin.

Yard waste and Green Bins are collected separately because different technology is used to compost these materials.

Use your Green Bin to reduce the amount of waste that you produce during the holidays.

Remember, turkey trimmings, stuffing and bones can all be disposed of in your Green Bin.