Why did York Region allow plastic bags as liners in the Green Bin program?
What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable?
How much do compostable bags cost?
Do I need to line my Green Bin at all?
Will there be more odours with compostable bags?
Do compostable bags break down while in the kitchen container?
Are there compostable bags large enough to line the entire Green Bin instead of using small bags in my kitchen container?
Can I double bag my organics with compostable bags?
Does York Region still accept diapers in plastics bags?
Do I need to use compostable bags for pet waste? Are they strong enough?
Can I buy certified compostable bags designed specifically for pet waste?
Why is the City of Toronto still able to use plastic bags?
What happens to the plastic bags that are removed from the compost?
What if I stop using my Green Bin and place my organics in the garbage?
What do I use for my extra Green Bin material? Can I use clear plastic bags for this?
Are there any other options for not using the Green Bin?
Where can I go for more information?
If I use plastic bags will the Green Bin material be left behind on collection day?
Curbside collection of material is a local municipal responsibility. However, the Region will be conducting waste audits over the first six to twelve months of the program launch to determine whether residents have made the switch to compostable bags. If audit results indicate that residents are not using compostable bags, enforcement needs will be determined at that time.
Why did York Region allow plastic bags as liners in the Green Bin program?
York Region originally launched the Green Bin program with plastic bag liners to make the program as convenient as possible for residents, to encourage maximum participation and diversion of waste. Plastic bags also reduce the "yuck" factor that may deter some people from trying the Green Bin. Now with a strong program in place, we're ready to move forward to make our program even more successful and environmentally-friendly.
As well, plastic bags are not as readily available at stores, as many retailers are encouraging the use of reusable bags and are charging customers for plastic. Free plastic bags from retail outlets are dwindling. Compostable bags provide an environmentally-friendly alternative for lining the Green Bin.
What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable?
Biodegradable plastic bags are made with a chemical additive that breaks down the plastic film into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces will not compost and become a contaminant in the finished compost. Compostable bags are made from plant-based materials that will break down entirely into compost.
How much do compostable bags cost?
The cost of the bag is dependent on the retailer, bag size and brand. In York Region, the cost for compostable bags designed to fit the small kitchen container may range from $0.10 to $0.30 per bag, and bags to line the tall Green Bin may range in price from $0.27 to $0.60 per bag. Although there is a cost for compostable bags, they provide a sustainable alternative to plastic bags, which are no longer free from many grocers and retailers.
A full Green Bin can hold approximately six small compostable bags or one large compostable bag. As a cost example, if a household sets out one full bin per week (and chooses a more expensive brand), the cost of using six small bags per week is estimated at $1.80 per week or roughly $95 per year. If a household uses one large compostable bag per week, the cost is estimated at $0.60 per week or $32 per year.
Do I need to line my Green Bin at all?
Due to the nature of some of the materials collected in the Green Bin and to meet health and safety regulations, most municipalities require that the organics be contained in a bag. Please contact your local municipality to see if there are alternative options available for your area.
Will there be more odours with compostable bags?
The material you are collecting in the compostable bag is the same material you were collecting in plastic bags. As with any bag, if organic waste is left too long it may produce an odour. It is recommended that you empty your in-house kitchen container regularly. If you know you will be away for a while, an option is to store your organics in the freezer until collection day to reduce the chance of odours.
Do compostable bags break down while in the kitchen container?
If the bags are used regularly and are not left to sit for over a week at a time, they are very durable. Curbside collection is weekly, so this should not be an issue. Because compostable bags are made to breathe and plastic is not, you may find that your container will gather some moisture or condensation. To help absorb potential moisture, line the bottom of your bin with paper towel or newspaper before placing your compostable bag inside. If you are concerned about the contents dripping or leaking when lifting your compostable bag out of the kitchen container, tie your bag while inside the container and carry your kitchen container with the bag still inside to empty into your large Green Bin.
Are there compostable bags large enough to line the entire Green Bin instead of using small bags in my kitchen container?
Yes. Many of the brands offer a tall bag version that is designed to fit the large Green Bin. These cost a bit more per bag compared with the smaller sizes, but generally only one bag will be needed per week.
Can I double bag my organics with compostable bags?
Yes, although only one bag is required. If you choose to line both your Green Bin and your kitchen container with compostable bags, both bags will break down during the composting process.
Does York Region still accept diapers in plastics bags?
Diapers bagged in plastic film such as the plastic used in the Diaper Genie are not acceptable in the Green Bin. We strongly encourage residents to place their diapers in the Green Bin using a compostable bag. The other option for diapers bagged in plastic is to place these in the garbage.
Do I need to use compostable bags for pet waste? Are they strong enough?
Yes, compostable bags are required for pet waste. Compostable bags are very durable. They can handle a significant amount of kitty litter and are strong enough to support pet waste when picking up after your pet.
Can I buy certified compostable bags designed specifically for pet waste?
You can find certified compostable bags for pet waste at the following retailers. Please note that this in not a complete list.
- Bark & Fitz
- Global Pet Food
- Pet Valu
Why is the City of Toronto still able to use plastic bags?
There are several different methods for composting organic material. York Region's contractors use an aerobic process (with air). Compostable bags require air, moisture, heat and microorganisms to break down. The City of Toronto currently uses a variety of technologies to process its Green Bin material. One example of this technology is anaerobic digestion (without air). This means that compostable bags would not break down in The City of Toronto's anaerobic environment. The City of Toronto is the only municipality within the GTA that still allows plastic bags in the Green Bin program.
What happens to the plastic bags that are removed from the compost?
Plastic bags are sent for disposal, often to a landfill. Waste in landfills is exposed to little air, water or light as the layers are covered daily to reduce odour. Without exposure to these elements very little can decompose or break down. In fact much of the waste is preserved in this environment. Scientists currently estimate that it will take a thousand years for a plastic bag to break down in a landfill.
What if I stop using my Green Bin and place my organics in the garbage?
Waste in landfills is exposed to little air, water or light as the layers are covered daily to reduce odour. This creates an anaerobic environment (no oxygen). When organic waste breaks down in an anaerobic environment it generates methane gas. Methane gas is a greenhouse gas twenty-one times more potent than carbon dioxide. Therefore the most environmentally friendly option is to compost organic waste. If you choose not to use your Green Bin, please consider using a backyard composter instead as this is the best alternative.
What do I use for my extra Green Bin material? Can I use clear plastic bags for this?
Compostable bags come in two sizes, one for the small kitchen container and one for the large Green Bin. If your local municipality allows extra materials to be left in a bag beside the Green Bin please ensure it is in a compostable bag.
Are there any other options for not using the Green Bin?
Backyard composting is a great alternative to using the Green Bin. It not only allows you to aid in the diversion of organic waste from landfills, but it can be used as a nutrient supplement for your lawn and gardens.
Other options include reducing the amount of organic waste you generate. Below are some tips and resources for you to reduce your waste:
- Plan meals in advance, buying only what you need for the day or week ahead
- Learn how to best store fruits and vegetables (David Suzuki - End Food Waste)
- Don't wash produce until you're ready to eat it; moisture accelerates the decaying process
- Take produce out of plastic bags to let them breathe
- Have a back-up plan for food items that are about to go bad (e.g. use old bananas to make banana bread, soft apples to make apple sauce, or soft berries to make a smoothie)
Contact your local municipality to see if there are other alternative options available for your area.
Where can I go for more information?
Residents can visit www.york.ca/waste for more information on the Green Bin program and other York Region waste management programs and services.
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