District of Muskoka Council approved staff recommendations to provide some assistance to families to meet new garbage limits.
Change has become necessary to Muskoka’s waste program to reduce garbage and extend the life of Muskoka’s one remaining landfill. At 34 per cent waste diversion, the District is struggling to meet diversion goals as top municipalities in the province recycle, reduce and divert over 60 per cent of their waste.
As of March 1, tipping fees will be increased for garbage and other non-divertible material at District waste facilities. Blue box recycling and green bin organics will continue to be accepted at District facilities at no charge. In addition, residents can now:
- Deliver one clear bag of diapers and incontinence products at no charge per week to any transfer station;
- Purchase bag tags at a discounted price when purchased in bulk from any transfer station (five tags for $35); and
- Set out one extra garbage bag (no bag tag required) for curbside collection on their regular collection day the week of Victoria Day, Canada Day, the Civic holiday, and Labour Day long weekends.
“The District of Muskoka is committed to reducing garbage and extending the life of our last landfill but also helping families as we work together to meet our diversion target,” said James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works. “These changes will assist residents as we all learn to divert more materials to our Blue Box and Green Bin.”
To view the updated rates and learn what material is acceptable in the blue box or green bin programs visit muskokarecycles.ca or download the Muskoka Recycles app and use the waste wizard to learn what goes where.