Green Cart

Your Green Cart is for food scraps, yard trimmings, and soiled paper products. The same materials accepted in the Green Can program are now accepted in the Green Cart. New to composting? Don’t worry, it’s easy!

How it works

Recycle your food scraps in three easy steps:

Step 1

Collect food scraps in a kitchen container of your choice.

Step 2

Empty your kitchen container into your Green Cart.

Step 3

Place your Green Cart at the curb by 7:30am on your collection day.

What goes inside

Paper napkins & towels

No plastic bags*, rocks, sod, or soil.
Maximum cart weights: 80 L = 36 kg (79 lbs), 120 L = 59 kg (130 lbs), 240 L = 109 kg (240 lbs)

*This includes compostable and biodegradable plastic bags, even those labelled as accepted in municipal collection programs. Unfortunately, these bags do not break down fully at local composting facilities.

Instead of plastic bags

wrap food scraps in newspaper
purchase paper bags designed for food waste
freeze food waste
place food scraps loose in your Green Cart

Extra green waste?

Extra organic waste can be set out in paper bags, or in 80L cans marked with a “Green Can”* or “Yard Trimmings” decal. Twigs and branches can be bundled using string or twine (no wire, nylon rope, or plastic strapping), and must be no larger than:

Individual branches: 1 m (3 ft) long and 7.5 cm (3 in) in diameter
Bundles: 1 m (3 ft) long and 0.5 m (1.5 ft) in diameter
Maximum bundle, container or bag weight: 20 kg (44 lbs)

Additional Green Carts are not available unless the property has an authorized suite, coach house, or temporary mobile home on the property.

*Free Green Can decals are available at most Township facilities.

Frequently asked questions

How can I keep my Green Cart clean?

Here are some tips:

Line the bottom with newspaper
Layer food scraps under yard trimmings
Sprinkle with baking soda or powdered garden lime
Store it in the shade
Place it outside every week for collection, even if it isn’t full
Wash it regularly
Keep the lid closed at all times

I already compost. Why must I have a Green Cart?

Having a Green Cart solves the problem of what to do with meat, cooked food, and dairy products. Meat, bones, dairy, and cooked food should not go in backyard composters, as they create odour and attract pests.

What can I use to collect food scraps in my kitchen?

Any container will do! Collect food scraps and green waste in a kitchen container of your choice before emptying it into your Green Cart.

Why can't I use compostable or biodegradable plastic bags to line my kitchen container or Green Cart?

These bags do not compost quickly enough for local composting facilities, and cannot be accepted in municipal collection. Instead, use paper bags designed for food waste, or wrap your food scraps in newspaper. Learn how to make a newspaper liner for your kitchen container.