Ottawa's new three-bag garbage limit starts soon — Here's how to avoid fines and penalties

The change takes effect on Sept. 30, with trash cops ready to enforce the rule.

Published Sep 23, 2024  •  Last updated 0 minutes ago  •  4 minute read

Every household in the city will be allowed to put out three bags (or containers) as part of the biweekly pickup, down from the current maximum of six containers. Photo by Tony Caldwell /POSTMEDIA

Ottawa’s new Curbside Waste Diversion Policy will soon bin the old rules, bringing a three-bag limit to household garbage collection. As of Sept. 30, each household will be restricted to three bags (or containers) per biweekly pickup, down from the previous maximum of six containers.

No container can exceed 140 litres or 15 kilograms.

The city’s environment and climate change committee backed the policy earlier this year, emphasizing the need to reduce the amount of waste sent to the Trail Road Landfill. “We’ve got to do something right now,” said Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill. “Right now, it’s the Wild West. With all the rigours we put into this discussion a year ago, there has been a lot of push and pull to get something done.”

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With the implementation date approaching, residents have raised concerns about enforcement and compliance, particularly in multi-unit residences. The city has responded by hiring additional inspectors — or “trash cops” — to ensure adherence to the new rules.

Households exceeding the limit can purchase specially marked yellow bags or apply for exemptions under certain conditions, like medical needs or agricultural use.

As the city prepares for this significant shift in waste management, questions remain about the policy.

How will the plan be enforced in townhouse developments, apartments and condominiums?

In residences with a large dumping ground for all garbage, it’s impossible for garbage collectors to monitor what has been dumped from each unit.

Accordingly, the city is hiring additional trash cops. The job stinks, but somebody’s got to do it.

Part of the mandate is to work directly with the owners and managers of complexes, along with condo board members, pressing the message about limiting the amount of waste that goes out the doors.

The city will target high-garbage areas, based on studies in 2018, 2019 and 2022, where there are “pockets” of the population with lower acceptance of recycling and waste-diversion efforts.

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“We are going to enhance our outreach with property managers on a case-by-case basis,” said Nichole Hoover-Bienasz, program manager for long-term planning. “We have an idea of where the problematic locales are.”

Will the city consider making exceptions to the three-bag policy?

Yes. Households that can prove they need to put out additional garbage — including for the disposal of diapers — can apply for an allowance for extra bags.

The city also recognizes that agricultural businesses often require additional waste disposal, especially in the spring.

Residents who exceed the three-bags-full rule can also purchase specially marked yellow bags. They will be sold in four-packs for $17.60 and are available at selected Home Hardware shops.

The city is exploring additional options to make the bags available at community and recreational centres. Those in dire financial straits can obtain free yellow bags where they currently receive food support.

How much garbage do households currently put out every two weeks?

According to Hoover-Bienasz, the average household puts out 2.1 containers of garbage every two weeks, well below the new threshold. That number is based on 2018, 2019 and 2022 studies. The research also found that 85 per cent of residents stayed below the current six-container limit.

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What other garbage pickup ideas had been proposed?

A year ago, the city explored the idea of a “partial pay as you throw” program.

Under that plan, each household would receive 55 tagged bags per year, to be used as necessary. Additional bags would have been available for $3.

Ultimately, that proposal was scrapped because of the cost associated with the additional bureaucracy that would be required to monitor the program.

How will residents be informed of the changes?

The city will be mailing out the plans to residents and city councillors will be armed with “kits” to explain the garbage rule to constituents. Additionally, community associations will help educate residents about what’s happening, in keeping with messaging stressing the importance of maintaining the environment.

“I will be out this summer going door to door so that no one is surprised,” Hill said. “People appreciate the conversation. It’s important to make sure people are informed.”

What’s the plan of action for offenders?

It’s a “graduated” system of enforcement.

Initially, all extra garbage will be picked up, but garbage collectors will leave polite notes explaining the new policy. Beginning in November, garbage collectors will record the violators and leave one item behind, along with a non-compliance message.

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Come December, a maximum of three bags will be picked up at every stop. Once the new year rolls around, the trash cops — “solid waste inspectors,” according to the city report — will follow up.

How will the city attempt to stop illegal dumping?

Kanata North Coun. Cathy Curry says it’s not uncommon to walk through a park in her ward and see trash containers overflowing with “kitchen catchers”; garbage that residents choose to dispose of outside of their homes.

Indeed, it’s an issue throughout the city.

The city says the trash cops will have the authority to go through the garbage bags, looking for household information. Fines for dumping range from $205 to $500.

After a request from Hill, city staff say they will explore the possibility of increasing fines — the Ontario government would have to approve a change — for violators.

“I hear about that regularly now,” Hill said. “Illegal dumping is a problem. People are actively taking a bag of garbage and driving it to a park or throwing it in a bush with deliberate thought.”

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