Compostable Bags and the Green Bin Program

The use of compostable bags in the Green Bin program will be mandatory for households receiving Green Bin curbside collection as of May 1, 2011.

Why are compostable bags better?

Certified compostable bags and paper bags are a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative. Unlike plastic bags which must be removed at the end of the composting process and sent for disposal, compostable liners are made from cornstarch or plant-based material that breaks down completely during the composting process.

How will I know if I'm using the right bag?

Please be aware that there are a number of brands that market their bags for use with compostable Green Bin waste, but some of these may not be compostable. Some bags may also be branded as biodegradable rather than compostable. Biodegradable bags break down into smaller pieces of plastic. These smaller pieces will not decompose and will become a contaminant in the final composted product.

Certified compostable bags will display a Compostable logo on the packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paper bags are also compostable but these do not require the Compostable logo.

Where can I get compostable bags?

Compostable bags are available at many grocery and hardware stores throughout York Region. Below is a list of some of the retailers who carry compostable bags. Please note that this is not a complete list.
 
Grocery Stores:
- Concord Food Centre
- Foodland
- Food Basics
- Fortinos
- Fresh Co.
- Highland Farms
- Loblaws
- Longos
- No Frills
- Metro
- Oak Ridges Market
- Price Chopper
- Sobey's
- The Real Canadian Superstore

Hardware Stores:
- Canadian Tire
- Home Depot
- Home Hardware
- Lowes
- Rona

Other:
- Costco
- Dollarama
- Giant Tiger
- Michael Angelo's
- Nature's Emporium
- Pharmasave
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Walmart
- Zellers

Does York Region still currently accept diapers, sanitary products and pet waste?

Yes. York Region still accepts diapers, sanitary products and pet waste. These contain significant amounts of organic material that can be composted. Weekly pickup of these materials is also appreciated by residents when compared to bi-weekly garbage collection. However, we strongly encourage residents to place these items in a compostable bag.

  
More Questions? Contact us at
greenbin@york.ca
1-866-665-6752

 
Asif Khan, Sales Representative
Member of Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
905-888-6222

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan