OTTAWA – Starting today (June 2), plastic bags are now allowed to be used as a clean and easy bagging option for your food scraps and paper towel and tissues in the green bin.

If residents choose to use plastic bags to dispose of their organics, they are encouraged to reuse bags that may otherwise be thrown out, such as milk or bread bags. 

The plastic bag option is just one of many that are tailored to our residents’ comfort level and interest.  Paper bags is another easy and tidy option 

Other options include:

• Newspaper linings in the bin and kitchen containers
• Cereal boxes and milk cartons to contain food waste 

The city encourages residents who are using these options to continue their current practices. Residents can explore all options and learn what type of organic materials go into the green bin at ottawa.ca/greenbin.

Leaf and yard waste cannot be placed in any type of plastic bags including biodegradable/compostable bags. Please continue using paper yard waste bags, or an approved empty container, to dispose of your leaf and yard waste.

For residents who have curbside collection but don’t have a green bin, go online to my.service.ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 and one will be delivered to your front door.  

If you live in multi-res building that participates in the program but you don’t have a kitchen container, contact the city by going online to my.service.ottawa.ca or calling 3-1-1.  If your building does not participate in green bin recycling, encourage your property manager or condominium committee to join the green bin program.