Waste
Solid Waste Management in Ottawa: A Collaborative Approach
Understanding Our Waste Challenge
First, I want to clarify my stance: I was firmly against bag tags and a two-bag limit every two weeks, and we successfully challenged that policy. In 2021, Ottawa generated 194,142 tons of waste, with each household producing about 1,500 pounds of garbage annually—58% of which was recycled, while 42% ended up in landfills.
Goals of the Solid Waste Master Plan
The goals of the Solid Waste Master Plan are vital for our community:
- Extend the life of the Trail Waste Facility landfill
- Reduce the amount of waste generated
- Maximize the reuse and recycling of materials
- Enhance the recovery of materials and energy
- Aspire to achieve 100% greenhouse gas emission reductions
- Maximize community participation
- Minimize costs to taxpayers
My Experience and Initiatives
I’ve been involved in the push for responsible waste management since the 2012 transition to bi-weekly garbage pickup, recognizing that garbage must go somewhere and our landfill space is limited. I worked with colleagues to include the collection of plastics #1 through #7 in our recycling bins and successfully advocated for a delayed rollout of this change to allow residents to adjust during the hottest months of the year.
Historically, our garbage pickup guidelines have been loose, allowing for six bags with minimal enforcement. I believe a more appropriate and realistic approach would be a four-bag limit with no tags, supported by increased enforcement. Like you, I do not want to see garbage piling up in our parks, playgrounds, or along ditches.
Exploring Alternative Technologies
While alternative technologies like Mixed Waste Processing and Mass Burn Incineration can help reduce our dependence on landfills, they still generate residual waste that must be managed. Therefore, it’s crucial to continue investing in preserving capacity at the Trail Waste Facility landfill as we explore these options. These discussions are planned for this Fall.
Recent Council Actions
I support reduction, diversion, and recycling—just in a manner that makes sense. At the Council meeting on May 24, 2023, we passed a motion for City staff to return by Q4 of 2023 with recommended waste diversion technologies that meet or exceed all applicable environmental regulations, with a preference for solutions that can provide heat and/or electricity.
On June 5, I voted against the recommended bag/tag policy, which tied 5-5 at the Environment and Climate Change Committee. Then, at the Council on June 14, I voted against the staff recommendation for a two-bag limit and tags, as well as against a study on clear bags.
The motion that ultimately passed permits residents to put out three garbage items every two weeks. Notably, a single garbage item could be a garbage can containing up to three bags of waste (each weighing up to 15 kg), for a total weight of 45 kg (99 lbs). For example, you could dispose of a chair and two garbage cans, each containing 15 kg (33 lbs) of garbage, for a total weight of 30 kg (66 lbs) along with the chair.
Looking Ahead
A clear implementation and communication plan will precede this change, expected in 2024. As always, I appreciate your input and patience as we work toward a reasonable solution to our solid waste dilemma.
For more information, please refer to the Curbside Waste Diversion Policy report (English/French). Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable Ottawa for all.
Yellow Bag Tags in Ottawa
What Are Yellow Bag Tags?
Yellow bag tags are a helpful resource for managing extra garbage beyond the standard curbside collection limits in Ottawa. They provide a practical solution for residents and businesses that occasionally need to dispose of more waste.
Our Goal
Our goal with the Yellow Bag Program is to encourage more recycling and composting. By doing so, we can reduce the amount of waste sent to our landfills and extend the life of the Trail Road Waste Facility. Together, we can create a cleaner and more sustainable community for everyone.
Cost and Purchase
Yellow bags are available in packages of four for $17.60, which comes to $4.40 per bag (effective January 1, 2024). Each tag must be affixed to any additional garbage bags you set out for collection.
How to Use Yellow Bag Tags
To use yellow bag tags, simply attach one tag to each extra garbage bag before placing it at the curb on collection day. This ensures that your extra waste is collected and managed properly.
Important Guidelines
- Recycling and Green Bin Collection: There’s no additional fee for the collection of recycling and green bin materials.
- Garbage Requirements: Businesses must set out garbage every two weeks in a pre-purchased yellow bag to qualify for the recycling and green bin program.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about what counts as an item or have excess waste, we encourage you to explore the Yellow Bag Program or check out the Waste Explorer tool here: Garbage | City of Ottawa for more information. We’re here to help you navigate these resources.
Where to Purchase Yellow Bag Tags
You can find yellow bag tags at various locations throughout the city, including:
- City Hall
- Community centers
- Designated retail outlets
Report and Dispose Responsibly: Addressing Illegal Dumping
Reporting Illegal Dumping Made Easy
Ottawa has launched a new online tool for reporting illegal dumping at ottawa.ca/311, or you can still call 3-1-1. Illegal dumping poses significant costs to local businesses, charities, farmers, and taxpayers for cleanup, and it harms our parks, greenspaces, wildlife, and pets.
Examples of Illegal Dumping:
- Leaving garbage in parks or greenspaces
- Disposing of trash in someone else’s curbside collection
- Dumping on roads or private property
Fines apply for illegal dumping, so let’s work together to keep our community clean!
Proper Waste Disposal Guidelines
Starting September 30, households with curbside collection can set out three garbage items per collection day, with no limits on recycling or yard waste. If you need to exceed this limit, you can purchase City of Ottawa yellow bags. For details on bag sales and waste sorting, visit ottawa.ca/garbage or use the Waste Explorer tool.
Additionally, the City hosts special waste disposal events throughout the year, including Repair Cafés for fixing items.
For more information, visit ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/city-news/newsroom/it-now-even-easier-report-illegal-dumping. Let’s work together to keep Ottawa clean and safe!