What Can Your Green Bin Do?
Make garbage day easier
The Green Bin is an important tool for keeping food and organic waste out of your garbage bag and the landfill.
When these materials go in the garbage, they take up valuable space that could easily be saved by using your bin. Waste audits show that despite having a mandatory Green Bin program, garbage bags across Niagara still have about 42 per cent organic waste inside.
The Green Bin is collected weekly. Even if it isn't full, put it at the curb by 7 a.m. on your regular collection day and your organic waste will be gone in a snap!
Did you know
Using the Green Bin is mandatory in Niagara. Under the waste systems by-law, eligible households must sort organic waste into the Green Bin as part of curbside collection.
Get a Green Bin
Green Bins and Kitchen Catchers are for sale at locations across Niagara. Broken containers can be replaced free-of-charge.
New homeowners and new renters of single-family homes or buildings with up to six residential units are entitled to one free Green Bin and Kitchen Catcher if they don't have them already.
Get a Green Bin and Kitchen Catcher
Don't want to purchase a Green Bin? Make your own!
Garbage cans and similar containers can be used as Green Bins by having a sticker that identifies it as "Organics".
Requirements for substitute containers:
- Height: 91 centimetres (36 inches) or less
- Diameter: 61 centimetres (24 inches) or less
- Weight: 50 pounds or less
- Handles: Must have handles to pick up container
- Lid: Must have a removable lid
Green Bin tip
Line your Green Bin / Kitchen Catcher with newspaper, flyers, cardboard, paper food waste bags or purchase Biodegradable Products Institute or COMPOSTABLE certified bags.
What is accepted in the Green Bin
It's not just food scraps that belong in your Green Bin. Use it to capture more household waste and keep it out of the landfill.
Items like egg shells, meat (including bones), small garden trimmings and even pet waste can go in the Green Bin.
Reminder: Although they are organic, grass clippings are banned from curbside collection. Grasscycle by leaving them on your lawn to break down naturally or take them to a Niagara Region drop-off depot for free.
Green Bin tip
Try freezing your Green Bin materials and when it's your collection day, put it at the curb. This will help reduce odours.
How to maintain your Green Bin
Your Green Bin doesn't need to be a hassle. Get started with these easy habits to keep your bin clean and odour free, even in the summer heat:
- Line your bin with newspaper, flyers or a paper bag to absorb moisture
- Rinse your Green Bin and Kitchen Catcher occasionally to remove any residue
- Store your Green Bin in a shaded spot or away from direct sunlight
- Replace cracked or worn-out bins for free through Niagara Region
Green Bin tip
If you don't have a Green Bin with the orange raccoon-proof latch, you can use a bungee cord to keep critters out. Remember to remove it when you place the Green Bin at the curb.
Earn your Gold Star!
Complete the Green Bin All-Star Quiz and test your sorting knowledge. Score an exclusive Gold Star sticker to display on your bin and give your neighbours something to admire on collection day.
Gold Star stickers are available while supplies last.
Green Bin tip
Store your Green Bin in a garage, shed or somewhere away from direct sunlight. Keep your Green Bin away from railings, walls or other objects that rodents or pests can use to climb or crawl.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
