Green Bin Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question about the Green Bin? Use the Customer Service feedback form or call 613-546-0000.
QUESTIONS
I don't have much organic waste. Can I use a smaller green bin/my own bin?
Where can I get liners for my Kitchen Container?
Why can't I use a biodegradable or compostable plastic liner for my Green Bin or Kitchen Container?
How do I keep my Green Bin/Kitchen Container clean and pest free?
What happens with the waste collected from my Green Bin?
I live in an apartment/condo. Am I getting a Green Bin?
Can I use my Green Bin as a garbage can?
Will there still be the leaf and brush collection in the fall?
Why can't I put kitty litter, pet waste or diapers in my Green Bin?
I'm moving. Should I take my Green Bin?
Can I take organic waste to the Kingston Area Recycling Centre?
My new home does not have a Green Bin. Where can I get one?
Couldn't I just get a backyard composter?
ANSWERS
I don't have much organic waste. Can I use a smaller green bin/my own bin?
A: No. The City-supplied Green Bins are designed to work with the hoisting mechanism on the collection trucks. Only these bins hook directly onto the trucks to prevent worker injury. Organic waste is very dense and heavy, lifting hundreds such bins a day would pose an unacceptable risk to worker health and safety. DO NOT purchase or use alternative green bins for collection as workers have been instructed to refuse to collect organic waste from these bins. You do not have to put your Green Bin out every week, but we suggest doing so to minimize odours and the need for cleaning. You may choose to make arrangements with a neighbour to share a Green Bin. A very limited number of smaller volume City-provided Green Bins have been supplied to accommodate those who live in apartments above businesses. Only the use of the City-provided smaller bins is acceptable. Wide use of these cannot be allowed because of the risk to worker health and safety. The City will not be exchanging bins for residents.
Where can I get liners for my Kitchen Container?
A: Paper bag liners with cellulose are available at a number of major grocery, hardware and drug store retailers throughout the Kingston area. You can also use newspaper or reuse paper bags to line your Green Bin — or choose not to use a liner at all. If you do decide to use a commercially-produced liner, please make sure that it is made out of paper and NOT plastic, or biodegradeable or compostable plastic look-alikes as these do not break down sufficiently and will not be picked up by collectors.
Why can't I use a biodegradable or compostable plastic liner for my Green Bin or Kitchen Container?
A: Biodegradable and compostable bags that look like plastic do not break down quickly enough and are difficult to distinguish from ordinary plastic bags.
How do I keep my Green Bin/Kitchen Container clean and pest free?
A: Read tips from the City of Kingston on caring for your Green Bin.
What happens with the waste collected from my Green Bin?
A: The collection trucks have a wall dividing the truck into two sections. One section is for your garbage and the other is for your organics. The organic waste is delivered to Norterra Organics central composting site on Joyceville Road. There the waste is piled on an aerated floor and composted using a Gore cover system. Composting involves the breaking down of organic material by microorganisms, which converts it into compost, a valuable addition to soil. This process is also known as aerobic decomposition. You can compost many organic materials in a backyard composter and use the compost in your garden.
I live in an apartment/condo. Am I getting a Green Bin? Will I get one at work/school?
A: The City will be offering the Green Bin program to all interested apartment buildings over the next 4 years. City staff will be contacting building owners and landlords directly to offer their buildings a chance to participate in the program. Businesses, schools and restaurants are not currently included in the Green Bin program.
Can I use my Green Bin as a garbage can?
A: No. Do not use your Green Bin as a garbage can. Your garbage will not be collected if it is in your Green Bin. Only Green Bin-acceptable material goes in your Green Bin. Garbage should be put out in a plastic garbage bag or in a garbage receptacle.
Will there still be the leaf and brush collection in the fall?
A: Yes. You can learn more about yard waste (leaf/brush) collection on this website. You can also compost your yard waste, use it for mulch in your yard and you can top up your Green Bin with small amounts of yard waste. Read about "grasscycling" and natural lawn care.
Why can't I put kitty litter, pet waste or diapers in my Green Bin?
A: These items are difficult to compost and lower the final quality of the compost.
I'm moving. Should I take my Green Bin?
A: No. Please leave your Green Bin behind when you move. The new owners/tenants of the house will need it. You can mark the house's address on the Green Bin.
Can I take food waste to the Kingston Area Recycling Centre?
A: No. If you have food waste you wish to get rid of between collections, you can take it to Norterra Organics at 2069 Joyceville Rd. It operates Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Norterra Organics at 613-546-0884.
My new home does not have a Green Bin. Where can I get one?
A: You can get one at Kingston Area Recycling Centre at 196 Lappan's Lane, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Couldn't I just get a backyard composter?
A:
Yes! Using a backyard composter is a great way to trim your waste while creating valuable
nutrients to add to your garden. Many — but not all — of the items you put in
your Green Bin can go in a backyard composter. Backyard composters are available at the
Kingston Area Recycling Centre at 196 Lappan's Lane for $40.
[FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COMPOSTING]
