Sorting Your Organics
Properly sorting your organics helps keep food waste out of the landfill and supports the production of useful compost. Learn what items belong in your green bin, what should be kept out, and how to prepare your organics for collection.
Yes, put it in the bin!
The following materials are acceptable for the organics program:
- Fruit and vegetables: Fruit cores, pits and peels; vegetable scraps and peels; corn cobs and husks
- Meat and seafood: Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish and bones
- Grains and baked goods: Pasta, bread, grains, cereals, rice, flour, baked goods and desserts
- Dairy and eggs: Dairy products, eggs and eggshells
- Nuts and seasonings: Nuts, nutshells, herbs, spices and sauces
- Coffee and tea: Coffee grounds, filters and tea bags
- Fats and oils: Butter, margarine, grease and lard (solid)
- Paper products: Facial tissue, napkins, paper towels, muffin paper and small amounts of shredded paper
- Pet food
- Wooden items: Wooden stir sticks, popsicle sticks and toothpicks
No, don't put it in the bin!
The following materials are not acceptable for the organics program:
- Plastic and coated packaging: Non-compostable plastic bag liners, polycoat containers and microwavable popcorn bags
- Soiled paper and cardboard: Food-soiled paper plates and bags, boxboard and cardboard, kraft paper, flour and sugar bags, and newspaper
- Personal care and pet waste: Diapers, incontinence products, pet waste, bedding and cat litter
- Plants and yard waste: House plants and soil, grass clippings, leaves and yard waste
- Animal-related materials: Birdseed, feathers and fur
- Other: Hair, nail clippings and wood sawdust
Recycle Coach
Find your collection schedule
Not sure what goes out this week? Look up your address to see your garbage, organics, and recycling pickup days, use the search tool to check sorting information, and get reminders for holiday schedule changes.
Questions? Contact Waste Management
Email Waste Management
Telephone: 705-324-9411
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337
