Green bins still not used by most Waterloo Region residents

A green organics bin and two blue recycling bins are seen in Waterloo, Ont., on Tuesday, May 28, 2013. (David Imrie / CTV Kitchener)

Green bins have been in Waterloo Region for more than two years, but according to a new report, most residents still aren’t using them.

According to the report, which went before regional councillors Tuesday, only 19 per cent of organic waste is being deposited in the bins – with the rest still being placed into garbage cans.

In other municipalities, 30 to 35 per cent of organic waste is captured in green bins or similar programs.

“We have a lot of room for improvement,” says Cari Rastas of the region’s waste management department.

On the streets of Waterloo, people say there’s one common reason why they don’t like to use the bins – the smell.

“In the summer it gets quite smelly,” says resident Michael Stankowitsh.

Waste management officials say they’re looking at ways to increase the local green bin usage rate.

One idea is to allow for different types of bags to collect and store the waste – as of July 1, a composite plastic bag will be permitted along with the existing paper bags.

Councillors say more education may be part of the solution, citing high usage of blue recycling boxes.

“We have very good participation in that, over 80 per cent, and … it’s because of the educational program,” says Woolwich Mayor Todd Cowan.

Other ideas that may be considered include reducing the frequency of garbage collection and limiting the number of garbage bags allowed per household.

According to the report, the average garbage bag in Waterloo Region contains only one-third garbage.

More than half of the average bag is filled with organic waste, with the rest taken up by recyclable materials.