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The City of Ottawa would like to thank all residents and stakeholders who engaged with us by participating in the agriculture survey.
We heard directly from residents online, in door-to-door outreach and by connecting with stakeholder groups.
What's next? All feedback will be used to assist in the development of the agriculture exemption, which will be presented to Committee and Council for approval this Fall.
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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
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Council approved the Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) to guide how the City sustainably manages waste over the next 30 years. The Trail Waste Facility landfill is estimated to reach capacity between 2034 and 2035, if today's disposal habits remain the same. The SWMP outlines 50 actions to divert as much waste as possible from the landfill, recover resources and energy from the remaining garbage, and dispose of residual waste in an environmentally sustainable way, all while keeping services affordable. Over the next three decades, these actions are expected to reduce waste by about 31,000 tonnes and divert almost one million tonnes of waste from the landfill, extending its life by 14 years. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 9,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, the same as removing 2,750 passenger vehicles from the roads each year.
Council also approved the new Solid Waste Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP), which sets out how the City will keep waste services cost-effective and affordable to 2053. The LRFP outlines the operating requirements and capital investments needed to maintain existing service and to fund the SWMP. The City will shift to a funding model where costs would be recovered from a curbside service fee. To support future capital needs, the City will replenish the solid waste reserve fund from revenues over the next several years. The LRFP will ensure that the cost per household for waste services increases in an equitable and predictable way over time, to keep pace with the cost of service and capital needs.
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your input along the way! Engagement has played a key role in developing and prioritizing the
50 actions in the plan and helping to ensure a multi-pronged approach for tackling the City’s waste management challenges and identifying solutions and opportunities. The Waste Plan has a goal:
Zero Waste Ottawa achieved through progressive, collective and innovative action – and we’re excited to begin the work to reach this vision!
Throughout Waste Plan development, residents and stakeholders consistently underlined the importance of the City working with the community, multi-lingual, and external partners to ensure the success of many of the actions in the plan.
As we dive straight into the planning and implementing phases. We will continue to connect with residents, and many partners from across the city, to help expand and support existing community initiatives and implement aligned City programs and policies.
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The Environment and Climate Change Committee today approved the Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) to guide how the City will sustainably manage waste over the next 30 years.
Ottawa’s population is expected to reach 1.5 million by 2053, and the amount of waste the City will need to manage is forecasted to increase by 31 per cent. The City-owned Trail Waste Facility landfill is estimated to reach capacity between 2034 and 2035, if today's disposal habits remain the same. The SWMP details how the City will tackle waste-related challenges and needs as Ottawa grows while working towards the vision of a zero-waste Ottawa.
The SWMP outlines 50 actions to divert as much waste as possible from the landfill, recover resources and energy from the remaining garbage, and dispose of residual waste in an environmentally sustainable way, all while keeping waste services affordable. The plan emphasizes opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle in our communities, such as organizing repair cafés, offering recycling in parks and requiring green bins in multi-residential buildings. The City would invest in generating renewable energy from food waste and extending the landfill’s lifespan while exploring new ways to manage residual waste in the future, possibly using a waste-to-energy incinerator or mixed-waste processing.
Over the 30-year term of the SWMP, the proposed actions would reduce waste by about 31,000 tonnes and divert almost one million tonnes of waste from the landfill, extending its life by 14 years. It would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 9,000 tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to removing about 2,750 passenger vehicles from the roads each year.
The Committee also approved the new Solid Waste Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP), which sets out how the City will keep waste services cost-effective and affordable over the next 28 years to 2053. The LRFP outlines the operating requirements and capital investments needed to maintain existing service and to fund the SWMP. The City would shift to a funding model where costs would be recovered from a curbside service fee. To support future capital needs, the City would replenish the solid waste reserve fund from solid waste revenues over the next several years.
The LRFP would ensure that the cost per household for waste services increases in an equitable and predictable way over time, to keep pace with the cost of service and capital needs. Even with the increase, Ottawa’s solid waste fee would remain significantly lower than other comparable municipalities. Residents would continue to pay a fair price for efficient, reliable waste collection service. The City would ensure that service remains sustainable by making smart investments in the SWMP to manage waste in a socially, environmentally and economically responsible manner.
Successful implementation of many of the Waste Plan actions will require participation and ongoing collaboration from residents and stakeholders across the City and the entire community.
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Starting Monday, September 30, the City will be implementing a three-item garbage limit for residents who receive curbside waste collection. This limit includes residents whose waste is collected in one shared location – often called a common pad – and those living on agricultural properties.
Ottawa has had a six-item garbage limit in place since 2007. This limit has been far more generous than many municipalities, including neighbouring communities around our city. The new limit helps us extend the life of our Trail Road Waste Facility Landfill as we explore new options for waste disposal.
What is considered an item in this new three-item garbage limit?
An item includes the following:
- a plastic waste bag
- a bin with a maximum capacity of up to 140 litres. Households can put several waste bags in a bin as long as the weight is less than 33 pounds (15 kilos) per bin.
- Furniture or bulky item that can’t be re-used or donated
Examples of acceptable three-item combinations include:
- one 140-litre bin, a plastic waste bag and a broken chair
- three 140-litre bins
- three plastic waste bags
- two 140 litre bins and one broken vacuum
Leaf and yard waste stored in paper leaf and yard waste bags do not count towards the limit. There will continue to be no limit to how much residents can set out through green, blue and black bins.
Yellow bags for excess waste
If your waste habits are anything like most Ottawa residents, you likely won’t experience any impacts on regular collection days. For those who need to go above the three-item limit, yellow bags can be purchased at participating retailers, including Home Hardware stores and Building Centres later this year, for $17.60 for a package of four. There is no limit to the number of yellow bags that are set out for collection.
Agricultural properties and other special considerations
The new three-item garbage limit will still apply to agricultural properties with residential homes who receive curbside collection. Residents will have opportunities to set out unavoidable farm waste without needing a yellow bag from Tuesday, April 1 to Saturday, May 31. This exemption is only available for agricultural properties already participating in all waste diversion programs, such as the blue, black and weekly green bin programs.
Other special considerations are available for residents who need to dispose of special items, such as home healthcare waste and diapers. You can visit the Garbage and Recycling webpage for more information on how to register for this program and where you can purchase yellow bags.
Tips for waste reduction
More than half of waste set out on garbage day can be recycled, composted or even reused. Outside of the City’s recycling and composting programs, there are a variety of programs and community groups that can give many of your unwanted items a second life.
- An unwanted item in your home might be high on your neighbour’s wish list. Many neighbourhoods have Buy Nothing groups, where members can post items to give, free of charge, to those who want them. Be sure to check Facebook or other local forums to see if there is one active in your community.
- Have an item you want to get rid of, but are unsure where it can be safely disposed? Check out the Waste Explorer. It can direct you to which bin an item goes in, or if it should be taken to a retailer running a Take It Back! program. You can visit the Waste Explorer online, or via the Ottawa Collection Calendar mobile app available for both Apple and Android devices.
- The City also hosts several events throughout the year where you can dispose of specialty waste, such as electronics or hazardous waste or even get an item repaired. Upcoming Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste events can be found by visiting the City’s Hazardous waste and special items webpage. The City has also sponsored several Repair Café events throughout the year. At these events, you can get an item assessed and repaired where possible by a volunteer from Ottawa Tool Library.
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The Environment and Climate Change Committee today received an overview of the City’s plan to implement the Council-approved Curbside Waste Diversion Policy, which comes into effect on Monday, September 30.
The new policy, which allows households receiving curbside collection to set out three garbage items every two weeks, is one of several City initiatives to reduce the amount of unnecessary waste sent to the Trail Waste Facility Landfill and to reduce the climate impact of managing waste. More than half of what currently goes to the landfill could go in the green, blue or black bin, and if more waste is not diverted the landfill is expected to reach capacity within the next decade.
To guide residents through the change, the City will roll out a communications and outreach plan over the next several months, including tools and tips to help people divert more waste. Once the limit is in place there will be a two-month transition period to help residents adjust, focusing on education first and gradually moving to not collecting garbage over the limit in December.
In addition, the City will offer flexible options to help residents deal with unavoidable extra garbage. Residents will be able to purchase yellow bags that would not be counted against the three-item limit as a way to set out garbage over the limit on occasion. These bags are sold at locations throughout the city, including Client Service Centres and select Home Hardwares. The Special Considerations program offers collection of diapers, incontinence products, and home healthcare waste on off weeks. Agricultural properties with residential households who receive curbside collection will have a seasonal exemption period during which they can set out unlimited unavoidable farm waste.
The City has additional resources in place to manage the anticipated temporary increase in illegal dumping. Inspectors will monitor parks and public spaces and address illegal dumping on private properties. Residents can report illegal dumping online or by calling 3-1-1.
The Committee also received an update on the implementation of the Multi-Residential Waste Diversion Strategy, which requires multi-residential properties to participate in the Green Bin program in order to receive waste collection services from the City. Multi-residential buildings account for 17 per cent of residential waste collected by the City. Of the multi-residential waste sent to landfill, about 58 per cent could have been recycled or put in the green bin. Providing these properties with the opportunity to divert organic waste helps the City reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while in turn prolonging the life of the Trail Waste Facility Landfill.
The City currently collects waste from approximately 2,300 multi-residential properties, of which about 52 per cent have a Green Bin program. From Q3 2024 to the end of 2028 the City will onboard the remaining properties through a mandatory process. The City will support residents with dedicated education and outreach to help them use a green bin, and work with property managers to address challenges and successfully introduce the program at their properties.
The total cost for onboarding all remaining properties is approximately $5.6 million over the next four years. This report also provided an update on the 2026 multi-residential collection contract, which includes new provisions to improve efficiency and to align with the City’s waste diversion initiatives.
Items considered at this meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, May 29.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
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The City of Ottawa would like to thank all residents and stakeholders who engaged with us by participating in Engagement Series 3 of the Solid Waste Master Plan.
We heard directly from hundreds of engaged residents at the in-person open houses, virtual information sessions, stakeholder and focus groups. We received hundreds of surveys, completed in multiple languages.
What's next? All feedback received has been tremendously valuable and will be used to assist in the development of the final Waste Plan, which will be presented to Committee and Council for approval this June.
A “What We Learned Report” will also be posted, outlining the results from this round of engagement.
To stay up to date and receive information related to the Solid Waste Master Plan subscribe to the Solid Waste Master Plan eNewsletter by clicking this link: https://forms.ottawa.ca/en/form/esubscriptions/signup-form
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Engagement Series 3: Public Open-Houses and Virtual Information Sessions
Join us at a public open-house or virtual information session to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback on the Draft Waste Plan. Registration links to sign up for the virtual sessions can be found below. facilitated in English.
The sessions will include opportunities for residents to ask questions about the draft Waste Plan and learn how earlier feedback from the public helped to shape the plan.
The Draft Waste Plan Executive Summary provides a condensed overview of the plan's main points. It includes information on why and how the Waste Plan was developed, the recommended Actions in the plan and the potential impacts of those Actions.
For a short description of each of the 50 Waste Plan actions please visit Solid Waste Master Plan 50 Actions Summary
Reduction and reuse of waste
Recycling
Waste and energy recovery, and the management of waste that remains after recyclable waste has been separated.
Operational advancements
Fostering a zero-waste culture across the city
Engagement Series 3: Virtual Information Sessions
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Draft Waste Plan: Virtual Information Session |
Thursday, February 29
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Virtual: ZOOM
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This virtual information session will allow participants to learn about the Draft Waste Plan and how feedback was included from the previous engagement series. The session will also feature a Q&A period and a chance to share feedback on the Draft Waste Plan. |
Session has now closed.
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Draft Waste Plan: Virtual Information Session |
Wednesday, March 6
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Virtual: ZOOM
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This virtual information session will allow participants to learn about the Draft Waste Plan and how feedback was included from the previous engagement series. The session will also feature a Q&A period and a chance to share feedback on the Draft Waste Plan. |
Session has now closed.
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Should a resident require any accommodation to fully participate in a virtual information session, please e-mail wasteplan@ottawa.ca
or by telephone 613-580-2400 at extension 25550.
Engagement Series 3: In-person Open-House Sessions
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Draft Waste Plan: Open-House |
Thursday, February 15: Open-House Nepean Sportsplex: Richmond Ballroom
7 pm to 9 pm |
This drop-in session will allow participants to learn about the Draft Waste Plan and how feedback was included from the previous engagement series. The session also offers the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to the Waste Plan team. |
Drop-in event, pre-registration is not required. |
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Draft Waste Plan: Open-House
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Friday, February 23: Open-House Cardel Recreation Complex: Main Hall
7 pm to 9pm |
This drop-in session will allow participants to learn about the Draft Waste Plan and how feedback was included from the previous engagement series. The session also offers the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to the Waste Plan team. |
Drop-in event, pre-registration is not required |
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Draft Waste Plan: Open-House |
Monday, February 26: Open-House Tom Brown Arena: 7 pm to 9 pm |
This drop-in session will allow participants to learn about the Draft Waste Plan and how feedback was included from the previous engagement series. The session also offers the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to the Waste Plan team. |
Drop-in event, pre-registration is not required. |
Draft Waste Plan: Open-House |
Monday, March 4: Open-House Ray Friel Recreation Complex: -Rendez-Vous (Hall D)
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm |
This drop-in session will allow participants to learn about the Draft Waste Plan and how feedback was included from the previous engagement series. The session also offers the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to the Waste Plan team. |
Drop-in event, pre-registration is not required |
Equity and inclusivity focus groups:
Are you a young person, older adult, racialized resident, a new immigrant, person living with disabilities, or a member of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community? The City of Ottawa is organizing virtual focus groups to discuss the Draft Solid Waste Master Plan.
The structure of the virtual focus group will be a presentation on the Draft Waste Plan, a period for feedback, questions and answers, followed by a small discussion on how the Draft Waste Plan directly impacts the community.
If you are a member of this community and would like to attend a virtual focus group or receive information in another language, please contact wasteplan@ottawa.ca
REMINDER!
Take the survey to have your say on the Draft Waste Plan! Your feedback will help inform Council’s decision on the final Waste Plan.
Engagement Series 3 Survey: English
Engagement Series 3 Survey: French
Engagement Series 3 Survey: Spanish
Engagement Series 3 Survey: Arabic
Engagement Series 3 Survey: Simplified Chinese
If a resident does not have access to the internet to complete the survey, contact the Waste Plan team by phone 613-580-2400 at extension 25550.
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On December 6th, Council received the Draft Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) and approved the 2024 Solid Waste Services budget. The budget includes items to support the ongoing implementation of the Curbside Diversion Policy and the Multi-residential Diversion Strategy, two component projects of the SWMP that were advanced early to increase the diversion rate of household organics and recyclables.
The next step in the SWMP process is Engagement Series 3 which will be held virtually and in-person in Q1 2024.
Council also approved the recommendations to initiate the Environmental Assessment process for the Trail Waste Facility Landfill (TWFL) expansion and provided direction to begin the feasibility study for Waste-to-Energy Incineration and Mixed Waste Processing.
The expansion of the landfill (within its current footprint) will extend the life of this asset while providing time for the recommended SWMP reduction and diversion actions to reduce waste going to landfill, which will extend the life of the facility even further providing time for City Council to make a decision and implement the City’s next solution.
The Waste-to-Energy and Mixed Waste Processing feasibility study will examine the differing opportunities and pros and cons of each technology compared to traditional landfilling. The study will examine the technologies in the Ottawa context and analyze their social, environmental and financial implications. The results of the feasibility study and business case will be used to help choose the most sustainable, long-term residual garbage management option for the City.
