Solid Waste Master Plan update
The Solid Waste Master Plan’s Engagement Series 3 ran from March to April 2024 and we heard from hundreds of participants and stakeholders through an online survey, online and in-person engagement sessions as well as focus groups. Staff have been working to analyze this feedback to help shape the Waste Plan and inform future planning for some of the Waste Plan’s actions.
A What We Learned Report is currently being developed that details the purpose of the engagement series, the tactics that were used to engage with the community, a high-level overview of what we learned, and how the feedback was used to inform the Solid Waste Master Plan.
The Waste Plan will be tabled for Council approval in June 2024. Engage Ottawa will be updated at this time with several supporting documents, including the Engagement Series 3 What We Learned Report and summaries of the plan’s financial analysis and GHG analysis. In addition, a Long-Range Financial Plan will accompany the tabling of the Waste Plan that will present Council with a series of recommendations to sustainably fund both the current capital plan as well as the recommendations in the Waste Plan.
Final curbside diversion options policy tabled for Council approval this May
The policy to roll out the three-item garbage limit comes into effect on Monday, September 30, 2024 and is one of several City initiatives to reduce the amount of unnecessary waste sent to the Trail Waste Facility Landfill. The new policy will allow households receiving curbside service to set out three garbage items every two weeks with no limit to curbside recycling and green bins. 85% of residents set out less than three garbage items.
More than half of what currently goes to the landfill could go in a green, blue, or black bin to be recycled, or can be reused or repurposed. The policy includes a citywide communications and outreach plan to prepare and guide residents through the change.
In addition, there are several proposed flexible options for residents, including leveraging the current Yellow Bag Program for businesses, expansion of the Special Considerations Program, and exemptions for agricultural waste.
Encouraging and supporting waste diversion not only prolongs the life of the Trail Road Landfill Facility, but conserves natural resources by promoting recycling, repurposing, and reuse. Waste diversion reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal and fosters a sustainable and circular economy.
For the latest on the Curbside Waste Diversion Policy tune in to the Environment and Climate Change Committee Tuesday, May 21 and Ottawa City Council on Wednesday, May 29.
Multi-residential waste diversion strategy mandatory organics
The City of Ottawa is moving to mandatory organics for all multi-residential properties starting this summer.
In 2018, the Multi-residential working group was established to learn about the unique challenges property managers face with waste diversion and identify opportunities and solutions to address these challenges. From this feedback, an implementation plan was developed to bring mandatory organic green bins to all multi-residential properties and an update will be provided to Council this month sharing the details of this plan.
The plan aligns with provincial Food and Organic Waste Policy Statement targets to achieve 50% reduction and resource recovery of food and organic waste generated by multi-unit residential buildings by 2025.
On April 27, 2022 Ottawa City Council approved a mandatory organics diversion program for all multi-residential properties. The detailed plan and costs are included in the Multi-residential Waste Diversion Strategy (MRWDS) report
As part of multi-residential green bin program, Environmental Education Assistants (EEAs) work with Property Managers to coordinate door to door outreach to residents at buildings and townhome complexes. The EEA team helps to onboard and educate residents at properties new to the green bin program as well as support properties with existing green bin programs. For more information residents should contact their Property Manager or visit Ottawa.ca/multires
For the latest on the Multi-residential Waste Diversion Strategy and the implementation of mandatory organics, residents are invited to watch the Environment and Climate Change Committee Tuesday, May 21 and Ottawa City Council on Wednesday, May 29.
Take the survey and help event organizers reduce their waste!
As part of the City’s review of special event by-laws, the City of Ottawa is currently conducting a survey on solid waste reduction and environmental protection at special events. This survey is now available here until May 31, 2024. The survey only takes 3-5 minutes to complete.
Whether for a celebration, recreation, or expression, special events bring us together. Ottawa hosts a great variety of festivals, charity runs, and cultural and community events throughout the year.
One of the key objectives of these by-law reviews, and why we want to hear from you, is to evaluate how the City of Ottawa can help event organizers minimize their environmental footprint and reduce waste at their events.
Special Events in the City of Ottawa are regulated through the Special Events on Private and Public Property By-law (No. 2013-232) and Special Events on City Streets By-law (No.2001-260)
The City of Ottawa is currently reviewing these by-laws to ensure that they effectively support festival and event organizers and ensure that all participants can have a safe, enjoyable experience.
For more information visit ottawa.ca/review-of-special-event-by-laws
Repair Cafés: Throw it away? No way!
From clothing to small appliances, keep your favourite household items out of the landfill with the help of a Repair Café. These free, community-led events aim to reduce landfill waste by fixing items, teaching new skills, and providing an opportunity to enjoy coffee and snacks while meeting your neighbours.
With several Repair Cafés this year, including four sponsored by the City of Ottawa, volunteer fixers and menders from are at events throughout the city sharing their knowledge and helping to repair items like electronics, textiles, small appliances, jewelry and more!
Check the list below for dates and locations of the Repair Cafés taking place in 2024:
Saturday, June 22 - Sponsored by the City of Ottawa
Ray Friel Recreation Complex - Fallingbrook room
1585 Tenth Line Road
10 am to 2 pm
Saturday August 10
Zibi on Booth St (Just north of the Canadian War Museum)
10 am to 2 pm
Saturday, October 5 - Sponsored by the City of Ottawa
Walter Baker Sports Centre - Halls A&B
100 Malvern Drive
10 am to 2 pm
Saturday, November 30 - Sponsored by the City of Ottawa
Tony Graham Recreation Complex, Kanata - Hall A
100 Charlie Rogers Place
10 am to 2 pm
For more information please visit ottawa.ca/wastereduction
Got household hazardous waste?
Every year, the City of Ottawa hosts drop-off events to ensure that household hazardous waste is safely collected, transported, and appropriately recycled or disposed of.
In 2023, the City of Ottawa hosted nine one-day drop-off events. Nearly 15,600 residents attended these events, disposing of approximately 503 tonnes of household hazardous waste.
Check the list below for dates and locations of upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Depots:
Date: Saturday, June 1
Hours of Operations: 8 am to 4 pm
Location: 4475 Trail Road - Trail Road Waste Facility
Date: Saturday, July 27
Hours of Operations: 8 am to 4 pm
Location: 200 Cyclone Taylor Blvd – Canadian Tire Centre
For everything you need to know about Household Hazardous Waste and events visit Ottawa.ca/hhw
Did you know that you can safely dispose of many kinds of household hazardous waste year-round? Items including fluorescent bulbs, batteries, paint and oil, can be returned to participating local retailers during their regular business hours.
For a list of retailers who accept returns of household hazardous waste, enter the item in the Waste Explorer.
For additional ways to keep objects out of the landfill, visit: ottawa.ca/wastereduction.