Three-item Limit For Garbage Collection Begins September 30

By David Brown, Rideau-Jock Councillor

On September 30th, 2024, the City of Ottawa will move to a three-item garbage collection limit per household. It is important to note that this is not a “bag” limit. An item can be a 140-litre garbage bin that fits multiple bags, a single bag, a piece of furniture or other large items. An item can weigh up to 33 pounds, meaning households can throw out up to 99 pounds of waste on garbage day. Ottawa is implementing a three-item limit instead of moving to a “bag tag” model, which would have cost residents far more for their waste collection.

At present, property owners are charged $145 annually, or $12.00 monthly, for waste collection services, which encompass unlimited pick-up of blue, black, and green bins. Ottawa is progressively transitioning towards a waste-to-energy solution, a proposal I advocated for and successfully passed at Council. While it will take time to implement, the imminent capacity limit of our ward’s landfill required prompt action.

For those concerned about high taxes, I agree that we do pay a lot, but at $140 per home per year, Ottawa taxpayers pay less than residents in nearby municipalities:

• Beckwith at $250 per home per year and $2.00 per bag over 80 bags
• Carleton Place, which charges $3.00 per bag
• North Grenville at $2.75 per garbage bag, $1.00 per leaf and yard waste bag, and $12.50 per large, bulky item
• Montague Township which charges $6.00 per bag over two untagged bags per pick-up

In essence, disposing of waste in Ottawa is more cost-effective than in neighbouring townships. A waste-to-energy solution, like an incinerator, represents a better long-term strategy compared to constructing a new landfill. Moreover, it has the potential to generate revenue from neighbouring municipalities, ultimately reducing our expenses.

85 percent of households dispose of two items or less every two weeks, meaning most households will not be impacted by this change. With unlimited blue, black and green bin pick-up, I expect most homeowners won’t see any measurable difference.

Additionally, the yellow bag program is being expanded. Those who need to go above the three-item limit can purchase yellow bags at participating retailers later this year. There is no limit on the number of yellow bags that you can put out for curbside collection.

A Special Consideration program exists for those who need to dispose of special items, like medical waste and diapers, where households can register on the City website.

For more information on all of the above, please visit Ottawa.ca/garbage.

As always, the best way to connect directly with me about your concerns is by calling my office at 613-580-2491 or emailing ward21@ottawa.ca.