Green Bin

Brantford’s Green Bin is launching in November 2023. Please subscribe to this page for the most up to date information.

The City of Brantford is launching a NEW green bin program beginning Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Residents are asked to separate organic waste from their regular garbage. Green Bin collection will take place with weekly scheduled collection in your area. The bin must be placed at the curb before 7 a.m. on your day of collection.

In order to extend the life of the Mohawk Street Landfill, we need to reduce the amount of waste that ends up at the landfill. Existing programs such as Recycling and Yard Waste only divert 34% of our waste. To reach the City’s ultimate goal of Zero Waste, we need to increase waste diversion to 70% by 2050. By participating in a Green Bin Program, household organic waste will not only be diverted to an organics processing facility where it will be made into nutrient-rich compost, it will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the landfill.

If you are a resident or business located in the downtown daily collection area only and would like to participate in the Green Bin program, please complete our bin request form. All other residents that are eligible for the Green Bin program will automatically receive a bin delivered to their residence in October 2023.

Acceptable items

Food Waste
  • Baked goods (cakes, pies, muffins, cookies snack foods, etc.)
  • Breads, buns, pitas, etc.
  • Coffee grounds and filters, tea bags and leaves
  • Corn cobs and husks
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs and eggshells
  • Food liquids including oils and grease (500 ml or less)
  • Frozen foods (all packaging removed)
  • Fruits and seeds
  • Meat, poultry and fish (including bones)
  • Nuts
  • Pasta, flour and grains
  • Pet food (wet and dry) and bird seed
  • Pumpkins (in pieces)
  • Salads and dressings
  • Sauces and gravies
  • Solid fats/grease (lard, butter and bacon fat)
  • Syrups, jams, jellies and food spreads such as peanut butter
  • Vegetables and peelings
Paper Fiber
  • Paper bags (popcorn, sugar, potato and flour)
  • Paper muffin cups
  • Paper plates and cups
  • Paper takeout containers
  • Paper towels, napkins and tissues
  • Parchment paper
  • Pizza boxes (broken down)
Other Compostable Items
  • Cut flowers (all containers and decorations removed)
  • House plants (with soil, containers and decorations removed), stem less than 1” (2.5cm) in diameter
  • Shredded paper

Unacceptable items

  • Noxious plants and/or weeds as defined by the Weed Control Act (wild parsnip, giant hogweed, poison ivy, poison sumac, stinging nettle)
  • Pet Waste
  • Diapers, hygiene products
  • Plastic bags

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be involved in the program?

Initial program rollout will include single family dwellings, residential condominiums, multi-residential buildings which receive collection services from the City’s waste collection contractor as well as schools, City recreational and City office buildings. Distribution of green bin containers and educational resources will be delivered to residents who are eligible will occur before the program starts on November 1, 2023. 
Who is not eligible?
Residential units which receive private waste collection services or are Industrial, commercial and/or Institutional locations outside of the Daily Collection Route will be not be eligible to participate in the Green Bin program at this time.
How will the organic bins be collected? 
Residents involved with the program will place their green bin out to the curb by 7:00 am (9:00 am in the downtown) on their regular scheduled collection day but not before 7:00 pm the day before (12:00 am midnight in the downtown). All curbside materials will be collected provided that they are separated correctly in the appropriate containers.
What happens to the organics collected? 
Your green bin will be picked up at the curb on your regular scheduled collection day. The organics truck will transport the organics to an offsite processing facility. The organics will be processed into organic solid material which will then be turned into compost. Ensuring the proper separation of the organic materials by residents will increase waste diversion and help create finished compost of useable quality.
How do I prevent odours and pests?
  • Line it – Although it is not a requirement, you may want to line your kitchen catcher and/or green bin to keep them clean and reduce odours. If you choose to line your kitchen catcher and/or green bin, you must use one of the following:
    • Paper bags
    • Paper towels
    • Newspapers
    • Compostable liner bags certified with the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) logo
  • Wrap it – Wrap food scraps in recycled newspaper or paper towel to help keep the bin clean.
  • Layer it – Alternate layers of food scraps with newspaper to absorb excess moisture.
  • Freeze it – If possible freeze meat scraps and bones until collection day.
  • Store it – Keep your green bin out of the summer sun, and somewhere shady and cool. Keep your green bin away from decks, railings or stairs that animals can use to reach it.
  • Empty it – Set your green bin out for collection every week on your garbage day, even if it is not full. Make sure lid is locked.
  • Clean it – Rinse your green bin/kitchen container with mild detergent or vinegar/water solution to reduce odours.

Why do I have a tag on my green bin?

Check to see what box was checked to find out why you received a tag. Residents can contact the City at 519-759-4150 or email customercontact@brantford.ca for clarification.

Will I be reimbursed for the cost of my bin if I purchase one from a retailer?
No, you will not be reimbursed for bins purchased from a retailer.

I'm not sure what to do with an unwanted item?

Use the Recycle Coach waste app to look up how to properly dispose of certain items.

Green Bin Tips

  • Green bins cannot weigh more than 25 kilograms (55 pounds).
  • In the winter, place your green bin on cleared parts of your driveway. Do not put them on top of snowbanks or icy patches.
  • Write your address on your green bin in permanent marker. It will be easier to find if it blows away.

Green Bin Liners

Green Bins may be lined to assist with proper container maintenance. Only certified compostable or paper liners will be accepted. Plastic bags are not permitted.

Certified compostable liners will have one of the following logos on the packaging;

Certified Compostable linerCompostable Certified Liner