Organics are the heaviest, wettest part of most household waste, which is exactly why diverting them matters. Sent to landfill, food waste breaks down without oxygen and releases methane. Sent to a composting facility or a backyard bin, the same material becomes a soil amendment.
What the Green Bin usually accepts
Municipal Green Bin programs are designed to handle more than a backyard pile can, because industrial composting reaches higher temperatures. Commonly accepted items include:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps, including peels and cores
- Meat, fish, bones and dairy in many municipal programs
- Coffee grounds, filters and loose tea
- Soiled paper towel, napkins and uncoated paper plates
Municipal versus backyard composting
Green Bin program
Handles a wide range of food waste, including items unsuitable for home bins. Collected on a schedule and processed at a facility.
Home composting
Best for fruit and vegetable scraps, yard trimmings and coffee grounds. Avoid meat and dairy, which attract pests in an uncovered pile.
Reducing odour and mess
- Layer wet food scraps with dry paper to absorb moisture.
- Keep a small lidded container in the kitchen and empty it often.
- Rinse the outdoor bin periodically and keep the lid closed.
- Freeze strong-smelling scraps until collection day if needed.
Program details differ by city; confirm accepted items and liner rules through your municipality and references such as Recycle BC and the Government of Canada.