Two London neighbourhoods selected to study putting pet poop in green bins

City of London green bins seen in London, Ont. (Source: City of London)

A pair of neighbourhoods in south London have been selected by city hall for a one-year pilot project that would permit the disposal of pet waste in green bins.

Last year, a survey found widespread support for expanding the items permitted in green bins to include pet waste.

Approximately 1,900 households will be given the option to participate in the Green Bin Pet Waste Pilot Project starting this autumn.

Area 1 contains about 900 homes, including streets between and including Emery Street, Wharncliffe Road South, Baseline Road E and Wortley Road, plus the residential streets off Baseline Road.

Area 2 contains about 1,000 homes, including the area bordered by Bradley Avenue, Jalna Boulevard and Ernest Avenue.

The selected pilot areas contain a diverse mix of households including single family homes, duplexes, and townhouses.

A report to the Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee (ICSC) reads, “Accepted materials will include pet waste, such as dog, cat, and other pet feces. Pet waste will not include animal bedding (e.g., hamster straw, etc.), or cat litter.”

The intent is to evaluate participation levels, waste volumes, and impacts on green bin collection.

If approved by Council on July 21, an information letter will be sent to eligible households with details about the project.

Participants will be required to place pet waste into a compostable and sealable bag before placing into the green bin for collection.

They will be encouraged to mix the bagged pet waste with food scraps and paper products to avoid what the report calls “poop only bins.”