Agriculture Exemption Program: We Want to Hear from You!
Ottawa's unique geography spans from urban to rural areas, creating diverse communities with specific curbside waste collection needs. Through the implementation of the three-item garbage limit on September 30, 2024, the City recognized the need for tailored solutions for our residential agriculture communities.
Based on data gathered from resident engagement in Fall 2023 and Council directives, the City introduced the Agriculture Exemption Program. This program was implemented allowing residential agriculture properties zoned under the City of Ottawa's Zoning By-law, to be exempt from the three-item garbage limit to allow for the unlimited curbside collection of unavoidable farm waste between April 1 and May 31 every year.
Unavoidable farm waste is defined as “any waste that is the normal by-product of farming operations, generated by farm operation activities, including, but not limited to plastic haylage wrappings, bale twine and rope, and plastic drainage tiles.”
In October 2024, Council proposed reassessing the needs of the residential agriculture community through engagement to better understand current waste habits and needs regarding unavoidable farm waste. As such, the Agriculture Exemption was extended until December 2025. This means residential agriculture properties may set out up to three items of residential waste and unlimited amounts of unavoidable farm waste every regular garbage collection day until December 2025 as City staff assess the exemption.
To inform future decisions on unavoidable farm waste, residents living at these properties can complete the survey on Engage Ottawa between May 20, 2025, and June 30, 2025. Additionally, City staff will engage with residents through door-to-door surveys conducted by Environmental Education Assistants (EEAs) from May 20, 2025, to June 30, 2025.
As a reminder, the City also offers the residential Yellow Bag Program for households generating more than the three-item garbage limit during their regular collection cycle. Additionally, households producing diapers, incontinence, and home healthcare waste can register with the City’s Special Consideration Program. For more information on the City’s waste management, please visit Ottawa.ca/garbage, call 3-1-1, or email wasteplan@ottawa.ca
For assistance, residents without internet access or those needing additional support to complete the survey can contact the Waste Plan Team by phone at 613-580-2400, extension 25550
Complete the survey: https://engage.ottawa.ca/solid-waste-master-plan/surveys/agriculture-exemption-program-survey
