Green bin and leaf and yard waste

When is the green bin collected?

Organics recycling is an important part of the City of Ottawa’s long term Waste Strategy. Diverting residential organic waste away from landfill saves the City millions of dollars and reduces the need for additional landfill sites.

Your green bin is now being collected each and every week, 52 weeks a year.

Check the 2011-12 Collection Calendar or learn more.

 Report an issue with green bin collection for your house to to serviceottawa.ca

What goes in your green bin?

Organic materials such as food scraps, yard waste or food soiled paper products go in green bin. Find a complete list or use the Waste Explorer.

Get a green bin or kitchen catcher

New to Ottawa, have a missing or stolen bin? Get a new one.

How to keep your green bin clean

Get warm and cold weather tips.

What happens to the items in your green bin?

The Green Bin program converts organic materials into nutrient-rich compost ideal for agricultural use. Find out how it works.

Leaf and yard waste collection

Large loads of residential leaf and yard waste can be taken to the Trail Waste Facility free of charge. Charges apply for commercial loads. Homes in rural areas receive leaf and yard waste collection twice in the spring and twice in the fall.

Not sure if this affects you? Check the 2011-2012 Collection Calendar for your collection schedule.

Buying compost

Kitchen and yard waste can be easily composted and used to help gardens, lawns and indoor plants grow. Find out where to buy compost.

Use green bins safely

The City of Ottawa reminds residents to store their green bin in a safe location, away from children. Manufacturer, Norseman Plastics, says there have been no incidents of children being injured in green bins. Each bin is clearly labelled: "Warning! Suffocation hazard. Do not allow children to play inside this container."