The Township of Russell does not currently collect organics (also known as compost or green bin).

Russell Township is making significant strides in waste management practices, with Council approval of the Organics Collection to kick off in April 2025. The decision, as outlined in the approved report IS-PW-22-2023 dated December 11, 2023, marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly community.

In a strategic move, the Township Administration will finalize the collection and processing agreement with Waste Management and GFL in the coming months. This partnership will not only streamline the organic collection process but pushing the project back a year will also contribute to a substantial reduction in user fees, translating to a collective saving of $300,000.

The decision to postpone the start date to 2025 not only brings financial benefits but also allows Waste Management the necessary time to procure the required trucks. Concurrently, GFL will make adjustments to the transfer station to efficiently receive organic materials, ensuring a smooth transition into the new waste management system.

Russell Township is set to make history as the first municipality in Eastern Ontario to implement compost collection. This progressive move aligns with the Township's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable living.

Organics collection has been a key request over the past few years, and will be provincially required by 2025. In 2023, the Province made changes to recycling that shifted the cost of recycling onto packaging manufacturers. The reduction in costs for the Township will balance out the cost of implementing the organics program.

General timeline:

  • Contract documents prepared December 2024
  • Distribution of green bins early 2025
  • Collection of organics begins in April 2025

Backyard Compost Bins

For residents who would like to compost, the Township sells 280 litres backyard composter at cost.

You can buy a backyard 280 litres compost bin for $95.50 by paying at Town Hall at 717 Notre Dame Street, Embrun. Once your payment is received, your bin will be delivered to your house in the following week.

The sale of composters is only available to residents of the Township of Russell.