Ethan Clarke
As of July 2, 2019, the City of Ottawa allows residents to use plastic bags for their organic waste in green bins. This includes waste such as pet waste, dog feces, and cat litter. Plastic bags can be used to line the bin and contain waste, but they will be separated from the organic waste and sent to landfills. Residents are encouraged to reuse common plastic bags from around their homes, such as grocery or bread bags, rather than purchasing new compostable or biodegradable bags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can plastic bags be used in green bins? | Yes, since July 2, 2019 |
| What can be put in plastic bags? | Organic waste, food waste, pet waste, dog waste, cat litter, soiled paper products, paper towels, used paper facial tissues, etc. |
| What kind of plastic bags can be used? | Any kind of plastic bag can be used, including grocery bags, bread bags, milk bags, compostable bags, and biodegradable bags. |
| Do plastic bags need to be purchased? | No, plastic bags that are already available can be reused. There is no benefit to using compostable or biodegradable bags as they do not break down fast enough during processing. |
| What happens to the plastic bags after they are collected? | The organic waste facility rips open the plastic bags to separate the organic waste for composting. The plastic bags are then sent to landfills. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags can be used to bag organic waste
In Ottawa, plastic bags can be used to bag organic waste. The City of Ottawa allows residents to put compost in plastic bags, such as grocery or bread bags, along with bagged dog feces. Other types of plastic bags that can be used include milk bags and vegetable bags. It is important to note that compostable or biodegradable bags are not necessary, as they do not break down quickly enough during processing. The organic waste facility has been designed to rip open plastic bags and separate the organic waste for composting. The plastic bags are then sent to landfills.
The City of Ottawa encourages the use of plastic bags for organic waste to reduce the "ick factor" of composting and increase participation in the green bin program. By allowing plastic bags, the city hopes to divert more organic materials from landfills, which will extend the landfill's life and save the city money. Additionally, diverting organic waste from landfills helps to reduce methane emissions, which contribute to greenhouse gases.
It is worth mentioning that while plastic bags can be used for organic waste, they should not be used for recyclables. Plastic bags cannot be opened by the automated sorting process at recycling facilities and can cause equipment issues. Residents are advised to reuse plastic bags or bring them to designated drop-off locations, such as "Take it Back!" partners.
Overall, the use of plastic bags for organic waste in Ottawa's green bins aims to strike a balance between resident comfort and environmental considerations. While there are concerns about promoting plastic use, the city prioritizes increasing participation in composting and diverting organic waste from landfills.
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Reuse plastic bags from home
Plastic bags can be used to bag organic waste in the green bin in Ottawa. There is no need to purchase bags for this purpose, and residents are encouraged to reuse common plastic bags found around the home, such as grocery or bread bags.
- Lining your trash cans: Plastic bags can be used to line small trash cans in your home, such as those in the bathroom or home office. This helps keep your trash cans clean and odour-free.
- Collecting trash in your car: Keep a few plastic bags in your glove box or centre console to collect trash when you're on the go.
- Travelling: When packing for a vacation, use plastic bags to separate items like wet bathing suits or shoes from the dry contents of your suitcase. You can also use plastic bags to store small items like jewellery or toiletries when travelling.
- Painting: If you're painting at home, use a plastic bag to wrap and store your paintbrushes, preventing them from drying out between uses.
- Arts and crafts: Plastic bags can be cut and repurposed for various craft projects, such as making greeting cards, wreaths, or decorations.
- Gardening: Tie plastic bags around your knees while gardening to protect your pants from getting dirty. You can also fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it over your showerhead or sink faucets to soak and remove hard water buildup.
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Don't use compostable or biodegradable bags
In Ottawa, plastic bags can be used to bag organic waste in the green bin. However, compostable or biodegradable bags are not recommended for use in green bins.
Firstly, there is no need to purchase compostable or biodegradable bags for your green bin. You can reuse common plastic bags found around your home, such as grocery or bread bags. This is more environmentally friendly as it reduces the need for single-use plastic bags.
Secondly, compostable and biodegradable bags do not break down quickly enough during processing. They are separated from the organic waste and sent to landfills, where they do not provide any added benefit over regular plastic bags.
Thirdly, using compostable or biodegradable bags can create microplastic-contaminated compost. When the bags are ripped open and the organic waste is separated for composting, the plastic bags are sent to landfills. This process can result in microplastics contaminating the compost, which is then used for agricultural applications.
Finally, while compostable or biodegradable bags can help reduce odours and pests, they are not necessary if you follow proper waste management practices. Keeping your green bin relatively clean and freezing your food waste until trash collection day can help manage odours and pests without the need for special bags.
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Bagged leaf and yard waste won't be collected
In Ottawa, leaf and yard waste cannot be placed in any type of plastic bag, including biodegradable or compostable bags. If leaf and yard waste is placed at the curb in a plastic garbage bag, it will not be collected.
The City of Ottawa encourages residents to use paper yard waste bags or approved empty containers to dispose of their leaf and yard waste. This helps to keep the city clean and ensures that collection workers can easily identify and collect the waste. It is important to note that tied bundles of branches and individual branches should adhere to specific size and weight restrictions.
While plastic bags are not accepted for leaf and yard waste, they can be reused for bagging organic waste and dog feces in the green bin. Bread bags, milk bags, grocery bags, and retail bags are all suitable options for this purpose. The organic waste facility has the capability to rip open plastic bags and separate the organic waste for composting, while sending the plastic bags to landfills.
It is worth mentioning that the Green Bins in Schools program does not collect bagged leaf and yard waste. The organic waste collected through this program is converted into compost, which is then sold to farmers as a soil enhancer for agricultural crops.
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Plastic bags are sent to landfill
In Ottawa, plastic bags can be used to collect organic waste for the green bin. However, these plastic bags are separated from the organic waste and sent to landfills.
The plastic bags are ripped open at waste facilities, and the organic waste is separated for composting. The plastic bags are then sent to landfills. This process is better than sending the bag and its contents to the landfill, but it still contributes to the problem of plastic waste in landfills.
Plastic bags are a significant source of plastic waste, with billions consumed globally each year. They are made from fossil fuels and often end up as waste in landfills and the ocean. Plastic bags take a long time to degrade, with estimates ranging from 24 years to 1,000 years, and they do not break down completely. Instead, they photodegrade, becoming microplastics that absorb toxins and continue to pollute the environment. These microplastics can be ingested by animals and end up in our food and water, leading to potential health risks.
To reduce the impact of plastic bags on the environment, it is essential to reuse plastic bags whenever possible and to support initiatives that aim to reduce plastic waste, such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic bags can be used to bag organic waste in the green bin.
Plastic bags of any kind can be used, including grocery, bread, milk, and retail bags.
No, there is no need to purchase plastic bags. You can reuse common plastic bags from around your home.
Organic waste, such as food scraps, pet waste, dog feces, and soiled paper products, can be placed in plastic bags for the green bin.
The City of Ottawa allows plastic bags in green bins to encourage more residents to compost and to reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills.
