District reduces limits on no-charge bags of garbage at waste facilities

District reduces limits on no-charge bags of garbage at waste facilities

A message from the District of Muskoka

As part of the District of Muskoka’s Waste Strategy, a reduction in no-charge weekly garbage bag limits at Waste Facilities starts the week of April 4, 2022.

The changes were approved by District Council in December 2021 as part of the Waste Strategy and Roadmap to 60 Per Cent Diversion. Reducing garbage is critical to extend the life of Muskoka’s one remaining landfill and ensure a secure, long-term way to manage our garbage. 

In 2020, the District landfilled over 32,000 tonnes (that’s over 70 million pounds) of garbage with the average person in Muskoka throwing out approximately 760 pounds of ‘stuff’ alone.

“Protecting the environment has always been a top priority for Muskoka and our residents,” said Fred Jahn, commissioner of engineering and public works. “Changes like this will encourage us to think differently about what we throw away. By using our blue box or green bin and increasing diversion, we can reduce garbage and greenhouse gas emissions and, most importantly, extend the lifespan of our only landfill.”

Changes at waste facilities starting April 4, 2022

As part of Muskoka’s Roadmap to 60 Per Cent, starting April 4, 2022 the weekly limit of no-charge household bagged garbage will be reduced to two bags from three bags.

Hours of operation remain normal, but seasonal hours for select waste facilities change in May.

More updates coming soon

During consultation on the District’s Waste Strategy, residents consistently relayed messages regarding the importance of caring for Muskoka’s environment and support for reducing garbage. Changes in the way we manage waste and divert materials from the Rosewarne Landfill—including food and organic waste—are in response and will bring long-lasting benefit to our community.

The District will have more information soon on timelines and program changes and will give you notice before they happen.

To find out what goes where, visit muskokarecycles.ca or download the free Muskoka Recycles mobile app and try the Waste Wizard. Watch for more tips, tools and resources coming soon.

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One Comment

  1. Mac Taylor says:

    Those pushing this crazy new plan should be sent packing south of the Severn. We all know where the garbage will end up. Dumped by the side of our roads. Garbage does not magically disappear. I heard that we will only be allowed one bag of household garbage every two weeks at residences. Expect garbage all over our pristine landscape. At the same time the District councillors are increasing their pay by 27%. Toss them and their crazy ideas to the landfill in thr October election.

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