The use of compostable bags in the Green Bin program will become mandatory beginning May 1, 2011. Do I have to use compostable bags? No, the use of compostable bags is currently voluntary. However, a mandatory shift to certified compostable bags in the Green Bin program will take place May 1, 2011.   In 2010, York Region will continue to educate and encourage residents to permanently make the switch from plastic to certified compostable bag liners in their Green Bins.  During this voluntary phase, plastic bags will still be accepted in York Region Green Bins.    Residents are encouraged to start using compostable bags now. In August 2009, residents with curbside Green Bin collection received educational materials promoting the benefits of certified compostable bags for the Green Bin, as well as compostable bag samples to try at home.  Are compostable bags better? Unlike plastic bags which must be removed at the end of the composting process and disposed of, compostable liners are made from cornstarch or plant-based material that breaks down completely during the composting process. How will I know if I'm using the right bag? Certified compostable bags or paper-based bags break down completely during the composting process. Certified compostable bags will display a Compostable BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) logo on the packaging. (Please see logo to your left) Paper-based bags do not require the BPI logo, but they are still compostable.

Links   Frequently Asked Questions Click here for details on the Green Bin Program   Complete our Survey on Compostable Bags   Contact us at greenbin@york.ca 1-866-665-6752

Please be aware that there are a number of brands that market their bags for use with compostable waste but are not certified compostable.  Some examples include:  No-Name Quick-tie Bags for Compostables and GLAD Recycling Green Bags for Kitchen Organics.         NOT COMPOSTABLE                                                Other brands are also marketed as biodegradable rather than compostable. Biodegradable bags break down into smaller pieces of plastic. These smaller pieces will not decompose and will become a contaminant in the finished compost.    Please be sure to look for this BPI logo on the packaging.   Below is a list of some of the certified compostable brands carried at retailers within York Region. Please note that all boxes show the certified compostable logo, but it may appear on different areas of the box.       BAG-TO-NATURE   GLAD     NO NAME   SHOPPERS DRUG MART BIO-LIFE BAGS     BIOSAK     WALMART GREAT VALUE BAGS     RONA ECO BAGS   BAG-TO-EARTH PAPER BAGS (No BPI Logo required for paper bags)           BIOBAG             HUSKY         NATURA BIN LINERS     AL-PACK Where can I get compostable bags? Compostable bags are available at many grocery and hardware stores throughout York Region. Below is a list of some of the retailers who carry compostable bags:   Grocery Stores: - Concord Food Centre - Food Basics - Fortinos - Highland Farms - Loblaws - Longos - Metro - Oak Ridges Market - Price Chopper - The Real Canadian Superstore Hardware Stores: - Canadian Tire - Home Depot - Home Hardware - Lowes - Rona Other: - Costco - Shoppers Drug Mart - Walmart - Zellers - Pharmasave - Michael Angelo's - Nature's Emporium

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