Time to get those green bins to the curb in London

Green bins officially roll out in the Forest City The first day of London’s long awaited green bin program saw mixed reviews. CTV's Sean Irvine explains why.

Green bin collection has started in London as part of the new collection schedule for London homes.

Green Bins and recycling are picked up at the curb every week. Organic materials including, food waste that can cause odours, will be collected weekly in the Green Bin.

Garbage is picked up at the curb every other week. This means that Londoners will be required to hold onto remaining garbage four to six additional days compared to the current system.

Yard waste collection will still occur every five weeks during the spring and summer and more frequent in the fall.

Many Londoners however remain adamant they won't participate with one person telling CTV News Monday morning they have a couple of compost bins at ho me and they intend to use just that.

Another Londoner, Steve Ranger told CTV News he's upset garbage collection days are being reduced to accommodate green bins.

"We're already struggling to do the three bag minimum with our household with five kids and a dog. Three bags is tough, and so now, when you have every three weeks, it's going to be tougher," said Ranger.

Jay Stanford with the City of London expects participation to grow to 60 to 70 per cent within a few years, saying, "So today we anticipate somewhere in the range of 40 per cent participation, which is kind of normal when we compare with other communities in Ontario.”

How to use the Green Bin

In the kitchen

Use your Kitchen Container to store food waste and table scraps before moving them to your Green Bin. Certified compostable liners or paper items can be used to help absorb liquids. Plastic bags cannot be used.

Preparing your Green Bin

When your Kitchen Container is full, empty it into your Green Bin every few days. Certified compostable liners are accepted in the Green Bin. You do not have to use a liner, but they can help contain food waste and reduce odours. Remember to use the latch on the Green Bin lid to securely keep it closed.

Placing it at the curb

Follow your collection schedule to place your Green Bin at the curb on the correct days. After your Green Bin’s contents are collected, retrieve your bin from the curb.

Above

The kitchen container is used to collect food waste from your kitchen. A Kitchen Container was provided to residents when Green Bins were delivered to homes.

Some of the items that can go in the Green Bin include

Keep these items out of the Green Bin