In 2007, the Town introduced a new waste management program with an important goal to reduce the amount of household waste diverted to landfill sites.

Part of the new program includes the introduction of “Green Bins” for household organic waste.  Green Bins are used to separate organic waste from regular household waste, prior to introduction into the waste stream.  Green Bins have been introduced in many municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area with great success.

These web pages have been developed to help residents learn about the new waste management program. 

For the Collection Calendar (collection dates only), click here (4MB).

For the Collection calendar (collection dates and additional information), click here. ( 12MB)

New Waste Collection Schedule

The following waste collection schedule was implemented effective September 10, 2007:

Using the Green Bin

All Green Bin material must be placed inside the bin in bags that are securely closed or tied. You do not have to purchase special bags to dispose of your organic material; any type of bag is acceptable in the Green Bin.  Plastic grocery bags are ideal liners for your indoor container. Options for lining the indoor collection bin or the larger curbside bin are listed in the How to Get the Green Bin Right section.

If you have too much organic material for your Green Bin, additional bins are available to purchase at the Town Offices (37 Sandiford Drive, 4th Floor, Stouffville) in September.  The cost is $20 (taxes incl) for a Green Bin and $5 (taxes incl) for the smaller indoor containers.  Please note that Green Bins must not exceed 50 pounds each.

What Goes in the Green Bin?

Paper
Shredded paper

Personal Care
Diapers
Hair
Nail clippings
Sanitary products
Tampons
Tissues

Pet Products
Animal bedding
Animal waste, Kitty litter
Bird seed, Pet food
Pet fur
Feathers
Sawdust

Soiled Paper Products
Butcher paper
Fast food paper packaging
Ice cream boxes
Microwave popcorn bags
Muffin paper
Paper candy wrappers
Paper cups and paper plates
Soiled cardboard
Soiled egg cartons
Soiled paper napkins
Soiled newspaper
Soiled paper towels
Soiled pizza boxes

Food/Plants
All food and food products
Baking ingredients
Bread
Butter and margarine
Cake and candy
Cereal and grains
Coffee filters and grounds
Corncobs and husks
Dairy products
Dried and fresh flowers
Eggs and egg shells
Fat
Flour
Food scraps
Fruit
Giblets and fish parts
Grease and lard (solidified)
Herbs
Houseplants (including soil)
Meat products (bacon grease, bones, fat, lard, skin)
Mayonnaise
Noodles
Nuts and shells
Oatmeal and oats
Pasta
Peanut butter
Pizza
Plate scrapings
Popcorn
Poultry
Pumpkins
Rice
Salad and dressing
Shellfish (including shells)
Sour cream
Tea bags
Vegetables
Yogurt

What does NOT go in the Green Bin?

Recyclable materials
Fireplace or barbeque (BBQ) ashes
Cigarette butts, tobacco
Gum
Corks
Popsicle sticks and toothpicks
Ear cleaners, cotton balls, make-up removal pads, dental floss
Dryer lint, dryer sheets
Baby wipes
Disposable mop sheets
Vacuum cleaner bags and contents
Plastic wrap, baggies, sandwich bags
Gift wrap
Wax paper
Plastic items such as food containers and cutlery
Plastic milk bags
Styrofoam
Foil
Candles
Artificial flowers and plants
Leather, textiles, clothing
Rugs, carpets
Dead animals
Wood

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 plastic bags.  Either your small indoor collection container or Green Bin must be lined with a plastic or biodegradable bag.  Bags must be securely knotted to protect the safety of the collection worker.  Plastic grocery bags are ideal for lining your small indoor collection container.

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.

If raccoons are getting into your Green Bin, use a 12 inch bungee cord to secure your Green Bin closed.  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.  Once the program is launched in September, additional Green Bins will be available for purchase from the Municipal Offices at 37 Sandiford Drive,4th Floor.

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.

Please use tags for garbage bags exceeding the 3-bag limit.  Many households produce extra waste around the holidays.  Remember to tag your additional garbage bags. Garbage bag tags are available from the Municipal Offices at 37 Sandiford Drive and at various locations throughout the municipality.  Click here for more information on bag tags.

4 possible reasons your Green Bin was not emptied

1. There was a Health and Safety concern.  Please ensure all Green Bin materials are securely contained in bags that are tied or closed.  Please avoid using twist ties.  Any type of bag is acceptable in the Green Bin.

2. Your Green Bin contained materials that are not acceptable in the program (ex. Grass clippings).

3. Your Green Bin was overflowing – fill the Green Bin just to the top so the lid securely closes.  Additional Green Bins can be purchased at the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Municipal Office (37 Sandiford Drive, 4th Floor).

4. 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 plastic or biodegradable bag.  Plastic grocery bags are ideal for this.  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 plastic or biodegradable 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 bags.  Organic material placed loosely in your Green Bin will not be collected.

Please remember to have your Green Bin at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.

Frequently asked Questions

1. 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.  Garbage is trucked to a Michigan landfill site.

2. 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.

3. Will my garbage still 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.

4. 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.

5. I pay taxes.  Is my collection service level changing?
   
   3-stream waste collection increases your waste collection service level.  Your Green Bin and Blue Box will be collected every week.  The left over material (dry garbage) will be collected bi-weekly.

6. 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.

7. 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 plastic or biodegradable bag.  Source Separated Organics must be contained in a bag to protect the health and safety of the waste collector.

8. 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 37 Sandiford Drive.

9. 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 can not be used for leaf and yard material.

10.  Why are plastic bags acceptable for the collection of Green Bin material but banned from leaf and yard material collection?
    
    Leaf and yard material is composted outside in open windrows where it breaks down naturally. Removing the leaf and yard material from the plastic bags is difficult and costly.  Source Separated Organics are processed inside a large facility where the plastic is removed by machines.  This type of process has been designed to remove plastic and other contaminants.

11.  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.

12.  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.
     

13.  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 (37 Sandiford Drive, 4th floor).  It is suggested that you write your name and/or address on the Green Bin.

14.  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.

15.  Where is the organic material going?
    
    Organic material is being processed at licensed composting facilities.  These facilities are designated to separate out the plastic bags from the composting process and will turn the organic material into clean, rich soil.

16.  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.

Further Information

For further information on the new waste management program, contact:

Public Works, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville 905-640-1900 x306 or 905-895-2423 x306 or
binisin@townofws.com

Turtle Island Information Hotline: 1-866-421-5625