[ECO]Ottawa Implements Strict New Waste Reduction Policy

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Ottawa’s strict new waste reduction policy limits households to three garbage containers per pickup.

Ottawa has implemented a

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that dramatically reshapes household garbage disposal. Effective September 30, 2024, the city reduced the maximum number of garbage containers from six to three per biweekly pickup, a move designed to significantly minimize waste sent to the Trail Road Landfill.

Starting December 2, garbage collection crews will enforce a strict three-container limit. Each container of garbage must not exceed 140 litres or 15 kilograms, setting clear parameters for waste disposal. City research indicates the average household produces 2.1 garbage containers every two weeks—which is well below the previous six-container maximum.

The city is taking a comprehensive approach to implementing the new waste reduction policy. Nichole Hoover-Bienasz, program manager for long-term planning, explained that the city will target high-garbage areas identified in 2018, 2019, and 2022 studies.

To ensure compliance with the new waste reduction policy, Ottawa is hiring additional inspectors—informally termed “trash cops”—who will work directly with property managers, condo boards, and residential complexes. This becomes particularly challenging in multi-unit residences where tracking individual household waste is difficult.

The city has developed a phased enforcement approach:

1. All extra garbage will be collected initially, with collectors leaving explanatory notes.
2. By November, collectors began leaving one item behind and recording violations.
3. Currently, only three bags are picked up at each stop.
4. In the new year, solid waste inspectors will follow up on non-compliant households

Recognizing the potential hardships from the waste reduction policy, the city offers multiple options for residents:

• Exemption applications for medical needs or agricultural use
• Purchase of additional yellow bags ($17.60 for a four-pack at select Home Hardware stores)
• Free yellow bags through existing food support programs
• Potential future availability of bags at community centres
• The city is also exploring making these bags available at community and recreational centres.

******** waste disposal remains a significant concern. Kanata North Coun. Cathy Curry highlighted the problem of overflowing park trash containers with household

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. In response, the new inspectors will have the authority to investigate garbage bags and search for identifying information.

Fines for improper dumping will range from $205 to $500. Fines for dumping on private properties are $300.

The 2024 budget also includes funding for two temporary positions dedicated to enhanced monitoring of ******** dumping in parks. Additionally, two new Bylaw Services positions will be created to address ******** dumping on commercial and private properties.

Within this budget, the Parks and Recreation staff will oversee the city’s 1,004 parks for signs of ******** dumping. Under this monitoring plan, parks collection staff will identify any increases in dumping activity, while solid waste inspectors will escalate issues and follow up directly with residents as needed.

Instead of the new waste reduction policy, the city considered implementing a “partial pay-as-you-throw” program a year ago. Under the proposed plan, each household would receive 55 tagged bags annually for use as needed, with additional bags available for purchase at $3 each. However, the proposal was ultimately abandoned due to the high administrative costs required to oversee and monitor the program.

Ottawa’s new waste reduction policy marks a fundamental move towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to waste management. By introducing limits on household garbage and enforcing these measures with stricter oversight, the city seeks to reduce the volume of waste ending up in landfills significantly. This initiative addresses the pressing issue of landfill capacity and aligns with broader environmental goals to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and minimize ecological impact.

Overall, Ottawa’s waste diversion policy represents a practical solution to a growing waste management challenge and a bold statement about the city’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable urban development.

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