Simcoe County is following Barrie’s lead by rolling out 120,000 green bins – its main weapon in the war against garbage.

Barrie residents have been using the green composting bins for about two years. The county’s organics program collection begins Sept. 29.

In the meantime, the county is aiming to equip citizen warriors, or hopefully heroes, in the fight against filling landfills.

“This program will significantly increase diversion rates across the county,” said Simcoe County Warden Tony Guergis.

“I am asking each and every resident to fight garbage with the County of Simcoe. With active participation in this program, you will make a difference in the future of the County of Simcoe.”

The county estimates the new organics program will divert 11,000 tonnes per year from going to landfill sites – that’s almost 1,000 tonnes per month. A pilot project in Adjala-Tosorontio revealed that goal is quite achievable, especially as children teach their parents about how to not only sort the organics, but also make better use of their blue boxes and stick to the one standard-sized container limit.
Ten-year-old Miranda Willcox said sorting the garbage can be like a game – just like the media challenge that kicked off the program launch. She was on the team that won.
“Just do it. Recycle. Have fun with it. Don’t give up,” she said.
The tall green bins will also come with a smaller kitchen-size green bin, as well as information on how the new program works and samples of compostable plastic bags that can be used as liners. The information kit features a handy sorting guide that outlines what goes where.
The green bins are used for food waste such as bread and cereal, coffee grounds, eggs and egg shells, grease and fat, fruits and vegetables, pet food and meat; in addition to food, acceptable items include microwave-popcorn bags, dirty tissues, freezer and waxed paper, paper cups and paper towels, dryer lint, hair, house plants and popsicle sticks.
The amount of garbage resident put out won’t change, noted Guergis – only the way it’s presented at the curb.
“What will be different is the container that material is placed in for collection. We are asking residents to take the time to learn about our green bin program and to support this important initiative. This is your opportunity to be a hero and fight garbage with the County of Simcoe.”