From the District Municipality of Muskoka
Starting in March 2025, Muskoka residents will be moving to a Clear Bag Program for curbside collection.
The Clear Bag Program requires residents to place garbage in a clear plastic bag instead of a black or green plastic bag. This simple change is an effective way to remind residents to keep organics and recyclables out of our one and only landfill, Rosewarne. By using clear bags for garbage, residents can easily identify whether waste has been separated and make a personal contribution to a more sustainable Muskoka.
“This is an important step forward in our efforts to protect Muskoka’s environment. If we don’t divert more waste, our landfill will soon be full, resulting in massive costs to taxpayers. By adopting the Clear Bag Program, residents can take one last look to ensure they are making a positive impact through better waste sorting. This is a step to help our community stay sustainable for future generations,” said Jeff Lehman, Muskoka District Chair.
Current estimates indicate that the Rosewarne Landfill, located in Bracebridge, has less than 15 years left and it is important to act now.
Extending the life of the landfill will promote environmental sustainability while deferring the substantial costs associated with finding alternate disposal option. The contents of every garbage bag today cumulatively and into the future impact everyone in Muskoka. The District is joining over 2 million Canadian households that have already transitioned to a clear bag collection service. Other municipalities that have adopted a clear garbage bag program have seen impressive results of up to 11 per cent increase in waste diversion.
“In Muskoka, over 50 per cent of what goes in the garbage at the curb belongs in the green bin, recycling, or hazardous waste stream. The clear garbage bag program encourages residents to sort compostable and recycling materials appropriately. We all have a part to play to make sure waste makes it to the right place,” said Renee Recoskie, Director, Waste Management and Environmental Services.
The District is dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible for residents by collaborating with local retailers to ensure clear bags are available in various sizes. Privacy and safety were highly considered when developing the program. As a result, residents can place up to two (2) small ‘privacy bags’ inside each larger clear bag for personal items.
What’s Changing?
Only the colour of your garbage bag. Rest assured, nothing else about your waste collection will change. If recyclables or organics are found in your clear garbage bag, you will receive a reminder to separate them out.
More information on managing repeat contamination in the waste stream will be provided leading up to program implementation in 2025.
Need help sorting your waste?
Use the District’s online Waste Wizard to determine whether common items belong in the garbage, recycling, or green bin. This tool makes it easy to ensure you’re disposing of waste correctly.
Be an early supporter of the Clear Bag Program and make the Muskoka Clear Commitment today! Visit our project page at www.engagemuskoka.ca/clear-bags to take a brief survey to find out how you can make a Clear Commitment and join the movement towards a greener community.
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