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The Green Bin Program allows participants to put organics (fruit and vegetables scraps, paper towels, coffee grinds, etc.) out for separate collection along with garbage and recycling.

The City of Toronto conducted an organics collection pilot in 30 multi-unit buildings across the city to determine the best way to bring an organics collection program to the 5,000 apartment, condominium and co-op customers. The participating buildings were successful in diverting organic materials from garbage and based on what was learned from the pilots, the City is now bringing the program to buildings across the City.

Organic materials make up approximately 44% (by weight) of the garbage going to landfill. By separating organics, such as food waste and soiled paper food packaging, your building will reduce the volume of garbage it sets out, thereby reducing your overall volume-based fee. There is no fee for organic collection or recycling collection.

Two elements must be in place before the new organics program can begin at your building.

First, buildings are required to purchase outdoor organic collection containers. City staff may visit your building to determine the number of and type of outdoor containers required (either bulk bin or cart). The specifications for purchasing the outdoor containers for Front End Customers will be provided in an information package.

Second, the City will provide each building with a supply of indoor in-unit organics containers (kitchen catchers) for residents to collect their organics (one container per unit), along with resident information packages. Note:  Each building is entitled to receive up to 10% of the buildings total number of units for replacement each calendar year.  Residents will use these new kitchen catchers to take their organics to the centrally located bins you have purchased for use at the building.

More program information for Property Management:

• Green Bin launch presentation (PDF)