Non-compostable bags no longer collected

Starting Oct.1, the Region of Peel will not collect green bins as part of the Organics Recycling Program if they contain noncompostable plastic items, such as plastic grocery or shopping bags.

"Participation in the Organics Recycling Program to date has been encouraging, and we're pleased that so many Peel residents have embraced the program," says Andrew Pollock, director, waste management. "But for the program to be most environmentally effective, non-compostable plastic bags must not be placed in the green bin. Starting October 1, the Region will not collect green bins that contain these items."

The Region's Organics Recycling Program collects organic waste and diverts the material from disposal by converting it into compost. However, the program is not designed to manage non-compostable plastics. Items such as plastic grocery or shopping bags, food wrap and other plastic containers are not permitted in the program because they contaminate the finished compost.

Residents may line their kitchen containers and green bins with newspaper, paper bags or certified compostable plastic bags, available at hardware and grocery stores. Only certified compostable plastic bags with the logo are permitted in the program.

"Since the launch of the program in April 2007, we have asked residents not to place non-compostable plastic bags in their green bin," continues Pollock. "We hope that residents who have been using noncompostable plastic bags will continue to participate in this important initiative and will line their bins with newspaper or compostable liners."

For a complete list of acceptable liner options and retail outlets carrying these products, visit www.peelregion.ca/waste or call 905-791-9499.