Additional diaper and incontinence waste bag allowed for organics program households

Kawartha Lakes – Starting the week of June 29, households participating in the City's organics program will be allowed to set out one additional garbage bag containing only diapers and/or incontinence products on their regular collection day.

The change follows a recommendation approved by Council on June 23 to amend the City's Waste Management By-Law.

What you need to know

This exemption is available to households currently receiving organics collection service in Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay and Omemee.

Since June 15, households in the organics program have been limited to one regular garbage bag per week. The new exemption allows one extra clear bag specifically for diapers and incontinence products.

Residents in the organics collection program can set out:

• One regular garbage bag; and
• One additional bag containing only diapers and/or incontinence products.

The additional bag must not contain any other household waste.

A second bag of mixed household garbage will not be collected.

Residents who require additional waste due to medical reasons may also be eligible for support through the City’s Medical Waste Register. More information is available at www.kawarthalakes.ca/MedicalWaste

Why this change is being made

The City's organics program helps keep food waste and other compostable materials out of landfill. Since the new waste limit update was announced, some residents have expressed concerns about managing diaper and incontinence waste within the one-bag garbage limit. This exemption provides additional flexibility for households while supporting the City's waste diversion goals.

Food scraps and other accepted organics must continue to be placed in the organics bin and not in garbage bags.

For any other extra garbage, you can use bag tags. They come in packs of five for $25 and are available at Municipal Service Centres and Kawartha Lakes Library branches.

For more information about the organics program, accepted materials, and waste collection requirements, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/Organics