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Green bin and leaf and yard waste

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What goes in your green bin

All food waste or scraps of any kind belong in your green bin. 

This includes meat and fish, bones, egg shells, mouldy food etc. Not sure about where a material goes? Search the Waste Explorer.

Other acceptable items:

  • Animal bedding (e.g. bird and hamster cages)
  • Barbeque ashes
  • Butcher’s meat wrap
  • Cold fireplace ash
  • Cotton balls
  • Dog feces (must be contained in a sealed, leak-proof bag)
  • Dryer lint
  • Floor sweepings, vacuum bags and vacuum contents
  • Food-soiled pizza boxes only (clean pizza boxes should go in the black bin)
  • Household plants, including soil
  • Kitty litter (soiled)
  • Microwave popcorn bags
  • Paper coffee cups, plates and muffin wrappers
  • Pet fur, hair and feathers
  • Soiled paper, boxboard and cardboard
  • Soiled paper towels, napkins and tissues 
  • Sugar, flour and potato paper bags
  • Waxed paper
  • Wooden popsicle sticks and toothpicks

Note: During COVID-19, tissues and paper towels must be placed in a plastic bag to protect waste collection staff from the virus.

Yard waste

  • Branches, twigs and hedge trimmings
  • Leaves
  • Plants and weeds
  • Grass clippings

NOTE: Yard waste cannot be placed in any type of plastic bag including biodegradable or compostable bags.

Reuse Option

Leave your leaves! You can use them as a natural mulch. Rather than bagging leaves for curbside pick-up, put them in your gardens. This takes pressure off our waste collection crews throughout the pandemic. Plus, your flowerbeds will thank you in the spring.

Not allowed in the green bin

  • Diapers and sanitary products

Green Bin Program – Curbside residential

Using the green bin takes advantage of weekly pickup, while garbage is collected bi-weekly.

Green Bin disposal options

Plastic bags can be used as a bagging option for household organics in the green bin. Pet waste is also accepted – including dog waste and kitty litter. Please note that dog feces must be contained in a sealed, leak-proof bag.

No need to purchase plastic or compostable bags. You can reuse common ones around your home:

  • bread bags
  • milk bags
  • grocery and retail bags

The plastic bag option is just one of many that are tailored to our residents’ comfort level and interest. The other options include:

  • Paper bags
  • Newspaper linings in the kitchen counter container

How are organics in the plastic bags processed?

The organic waste facility has been retrofitted to rip open the plastic bags and separate the organic waste for composting. The plastic bags are then sent to landfill. The paper and compostable bags will begin to break down, along with the food and organic waste, while the material decomposes in the composting tunnels. Any paper and compostable bags that do not break down are screened from the compost. Smaller screened pieces may be recirculated through the process, bigger screened pieces are sent to landfill.

Can compostable or biodegradable bags be used to bag organic waste?

Plastic bags of any kind can be used to bag organic waste in the green bin.  However, there is no need to purchase bags for this purpose. You can reuse common ones around your home. Compostable or biodegradable bags have no added benefit because they don’t break down fast enough during processing. Like all other plastic bags, they are separated from the organic waste and sent to the landfill. 

Using the Green Bin: It’s in your best interest – environmentally and economically

Using the green bin, along with other recycling efforts, is one of the easiest things people can do to help our environment. Diverting organic waste from landfill lowers the amount methane – which contributes to greenhouse gases. In addition, diverting organic waste extends the life of the landfill – which saves millions of City dollars.

Green Bin Program – Apartment and multi-units

On April 27, 2022, Ottawa City Council approved a mandatory organics diversion program for all multi-residential properties. City staff are working with property owners, managers, and superintendents on a plan to bring green bins to all multi-residential properties. An update on this, including timelines for implementation, will be made available in early 2023.

Looking to participate in the Green Bin program now? Contact your property manager for more information or to get started.

Green Bin disposal options

Plastic bags can be used as a bagging option for household organics in the green bin. Pet waste is also accepted – including dog waste and kitty litter. No need to purchase plastic or compostable bags. You can reuse common ones around your home:

  • bread bags
  • milk bags
  • grocery and retail bags

The plastic bag option is just one of many that are tailored to our residents’ comfort level and interest. The other options include:

  • Paper bags
  • Newspaper linings in the kitchen counter container

How are organics in the plastic bags processed?

The organic waste facility has been retrofitted to rip open the plastic bags and separate the organic waste for composting. The plastic bags are then sent to landfill. The paper and compostable bags will begin to break down, along with the food and organic waste, while the material decomposes in the composting tunnels. Any paper and compostable bags that do not break down are screened from the compost. Smaller screened pieces may be recirculated through the process, bigger screened pieces are sent to landfill.

Can compostable or biodegradable bags be used to bag organic waste?

Plastic bags of any kind can be used to bag organic waste in the green bin.  However, there is no need to purchase bags for this purpose. You can reuse common ones around your home. Compostable or biodegradable bags have no added benefit because they don’t break down fast enough during processing. Like all other plastic bags, they are separated from the organic waste and sent to the landfill. 

Using the Green Bin: It’s in your best interest – environmentally and economically

Using the green bin, along with other recycling efforts, is one of the easiest things people can do to help our environment. Diverting organic waste from landfill lowers the amount methane – which contributes to greenhouse gases. In addition, diverting organic waste extends the life of the landfill – which saves millions of City dollars.

How does the Green Bin program work?

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 by reducing the need for a new landfill site.

Roughly 45 per cent of Ottawa’s garbage (by weight) is compostable organic material that can be put into the green bin. Just as Ottawa residents separate recyclable materials from their garbage, the Green Bin program makes it easy to separate organics for curb-side pickup.

Use the small, specially-designed kitchen container to collect organic materials. Simply empty the organic contents of the kitchen container into the large green bin for curb-side pickup.

The organic material is brought to an indoor composting facility owned by Convertus located in an industrial park off of Hawthorne Road where it will be turned into compost and other beneficial reuse materials.  The compost is used on farmer’s fields in Eastern Ontario.

Convertus is responsible for the marketing and sale of the finished compost and beneficial reuse materials. The City is entitled to receive 2,000 tonnes of the finished compost per calendar year.

Note that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) requires that odours not be detectable at the property boundary of the Convertus facility. Any odour complaints should be directed to the MOECC.

When is the green bin collected?

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

Residents are reminded to put their green bin and recycling out with their garbage by 7 am for collection on their assigned pick-up day. Lock the lid to prevent animals and pests from getting into the bin. Leaf and yard waste can be used to top up the green bin. It can also be placed in a separate container such as an unused garbage can with the lid off to ensure that collection workers see the leaf and yard waste.

COVID‑19 (coronavirus) in Ontario

Get the latest case data and updates, learn how to get vaccinated and get advice on what to do next if you think you might have COVID‑19.

Book a vaccine

If you still need your first or second or booster dose, book now.Book an appointment online

Call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to book over the phone. This line is available 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Learn about vaccine safety

Open Air Fire Permits (Burn Permits)

Is my property eligible for an Open Air Fire Permit or Outdoor Fireplace and Campfire

BY-LAW NO. 2004-163
Schedule D (By-law No. 2010-261)

Burn Permit Map

What is the cost of a permit?

  • $14 (tax included) for an Annual Permit 
  • $14 (tax included) for an Annual Agricultural Permit that may include up to four (4) properties 
  • $52 (tax excluded) for a Specific Event Permit 

Burn Permits (or Open Air Fire Permits) are issued under the Open Air Fire By-law No. 2004-163, which regulates the conditions under which fires may be set in the open air.

Further details are as follows:

  • A permit is required in order to light a fire on private property; this includes having a backyard fire or using a large fire pit.
  • A permit is not necessary for outdoor natural gas, propane or ethanol fireplaces.
  • If a device is designed and intended solely for the cooking of food in the open air, it does not require an open air fire permit, provided it does not burn wood, tree limbs, branches and non-compostable material limited to paper and sisal twine. Approved cooking appliances include gas, charcoal or propane BBQ/hibachis or gas or propane outdoor fireplace [must be ULC approved].

Where can I obtain an Open Air Fire Permit?

Open Air Fire Permits can be obtained at any City of Ottawa Client Service Centre.

Need to renew your permit?

You can renew your permit at all the locations noted below (as per their hours of operations).  Renewals can also be done by mail (as per the mail-out existing clients receive from Ottawa Fire Services).

OTTAWA — Open air fire permit.

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Open air fires

Open air fires are permitted with a burn permit

What is a fire ban?

A fire ban is declared by the Fire Chief or his designate and is based largely on environmental conditions. It is a period of time where no one may set or maintain any open air fire anywhere within the city limits. This is to ensure public safety and protection of property.

Open air fire permit eligibility – address look-up

A permit is required in order to light a fire on private property; this includes having a backyard fire or using a large fire pit.

Population density and average lot size criteria were considered in the determination of the areas in which open air fires are permitted.

River Conditions Forecast 2020

With recent warming temperatures, the spring thaw continues and is causing water levels and flows on the Ottawa River to increase from Mattawa down to the Montreal region.  Increases in flows and levels are expected to continue over the next few days and may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.  Low-lying areas are those that are flooded regularly during the spring freshet period.

For current conditions and complete forecast goto Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) or read the press release from March 29, 2020

City extends current COVID-19-related facility closures and suspension of in-person services until June 30

April 6, 2020

Announcements and Events

To continue our efforts to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Ottawa is extending the closure of all City-managed facilities and the suspension of in-person services until June 30, 2020.

The closures of the City-managed facilities include:

  • All recreation and cultural facilities – including recreation complexes, community centres, arenas, swimming pools, theatres, and museums
  • Public access to administrative buildings, including City Hall
  • All City parks and amenities: ball diamonds, courts, skateboard parks, play equipment and play structures, enclosed dog-park areas, and sports fields (including those at City recreation facilities)
  • Ottawa Public Library facilities – including the bookmobile
  • City-managed public spaces at Lansdowne – including the parks, Aberdeen Pavilion and Horticulture building

The City will also continue to suspend in-person services, which include:

  • Temporary closure of all City client service centres
  • The Provincial Offences Act courthouse, located at 100 Constellation Drive, Nepean, will be closed until May 29, 2020 (to be reassessed thereafter)
  • The closure of municipal child-care centres, with the exception of emergency child care for health care and frontline essential service workers
  • Building Code Services counters
  • Rooming house inspections
  • Taxi inspections
  • All hearings for the Animal Control Tribunal and the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee
  • Interior noise meter readings between 7 am and 11 pm
  • The Spay/Neuter Clinic at 26 Concourse Gate – clients with previously scheduled appointments will be contacted to reschedule for a later date
  • The Business Licensing Centre at 735 Industrial Avenue
  • All front counter services for business licenses will be suspended. Clients can call 3-1-1
  • The Chief Licensing Inspector will also exercise delegated authority to extend renewal dates to be implemented for licensing categories expiring in March and April (to be reassessed thereafter)

The altering of some services will also continue:

  • Complaints for unauthorized parking on private property will now require new electronic procedures for proof of authority.
  • Only interior Property Standards complaints where immediate health and safety risks exist, or a vital services complaint, will be reviewed.
  • Ontario Works claimants do not need to drop off any documents, including income reporting statements. Those documents can be given the case worker at a later date.
  • People cannot visit the Employment and Social Services offices. They can apply by phone or online. Offices are operating on reduced hours, weekdays from 10 am to 3 pm.

Acquiring services or doing transactions online or by phone

While our counter services remain suspended, residents can acquire some services and complete payments and registrations online or by phone.

Residents can go to myservice.ottawa.ca to pay water bills and your interim property taxes. If you do not have an account, registration is simple – just sign-up with your email address. Once registered, you’ll need your account or property roll number to pay your bill.

City bills have other payment options besides the myservice.ottawa.ca accounts, which include:

  • Paying by credit or debit card online at ottawa.ca
  • Paying through your financial institution by creating a payee number on your institution’s mobile app or through an ATM machine
  • Paying by phone with your financial institution
  • Sending by mail

Residents can access many other services online as well. You do not need to come in-person to a Client Service Centre if you want to:

  • Register or renew a pet registration
  • Apply or renew an open air fire permit – Reminder – A city-wide burn ban has been placed by Ottawa Fire Services since April 1. All open-air fires are prohibited in the City of Ottawa until the ban is lifted.
  • Pay a parking or traffic ticket
  • Look up extension or reopening applications
  • Apply for a Food Premise Business License
  • Sign up for future recreation programs
  • Load and manage a Presto Card

Council and committee meetings

Adhering to the Province’s direction of limiting any gatherings to five people or less, in-person Committee and Council meetings have been cancelled. Such meetings, as warranted, will be held electronically until further notice.

You can watch the live City Council meetings on the Ottawa City Council YouTube page (link is external). The meetings will also be broadcast live on RogersTV Cable 22 and live streamed on the RogersTV website. (link is external)

Be sure to visit ottawa.ca/covid19 or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-9656) for complete and up-to-date information on closures, impacted services, and support and services. You can also connect with us through Facebook (link is external), Twitter (link is external) and Instagram (link is external).

The City of Ottawa thanks all residents and businesses for their patience, kindness and resilience in doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. We are a community pulling together by staying apart.

Public Inquiries

311@ottawa.ca (link sends e-mail) 311 https://ottawa.ca

Media Inquiries

medias@ottawa.ca (link sends e-mail) 613-580-2450 https://ottawa.ca

FLOODING PREPAREDNESS

At the City Council meeting on March 25, Council received an update from senior city staff on preparedness in the event of flooding this spring:

  • Pre-flood preparations are underway with a communication plan being developed. Public messaging has begun and community outreach plans are being developed
  • The City is receiving regular updates from Conservation Authorities and the Ottawa River Regulation Board
  • Current snowpack conditions are normal to lower than normal for this time of year
  • Principle reservoirs have capacity to manage spring runoff
  • There’s a slight rise in water flows due to the slow and ongoing melt
  • The two-week outlook on the weather forecast is favourable
  • The City has a current inventory ready for use:
  • Over 200,000 filled sandbags
  • 387,000 unfilled sandbags
  • 21,000 tons of reclaimed sand from 2019 flood event