Municipalité de Russell Township|Township Services|Waste, Recycling & Organics|Organic Waste Program

Organic Waste Program

Our Organic Waste Collection Program is designed to help reduce waste and improve our community’s sustainability efforts. This program was implemented to collect and compost organic waste, which includes food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials.

Collection Schedule: Organic waste is collected weekly; on your regular collection day.
What Can Be Collected? Organic waste includes items such as:
- Food waste and food soiled paper (except waxed paper)
- Yard waste
- Produce
- Meat, fish and poultry
- Dairy
- Bread, pasta, rice, grains, coffee grounds
- The full list can be found on the back of the collection calendar, download it here or pickup a copy at Town Hall.
What Can’t Be Collected? Please do not place glass, metal, plastic wrap/bags, foam, diapers/pet waste, hazardous waste, sod or rocks/gravel/dirt in the green bin.

Use only the green bin provided by the Township.
Place the bin with the wheels facing away from the road and at least 2 feet away from parked cars, fences and other obstacles.
Remove any ropes or tie‑downs used to secure the lid before collection day.
Do not place hot ashes, coals or flammable materials such as solvents, oil, gas or paint in the bin.
Green bins are the property of the Township. Do not take them with you if you move. Keep your bin clean. We recommend writing your address on the bin with a permanent marker.
If your bin needs repair or replacement due to normal wear and tear, contact the Infrastructure Department.
Collection trucks will not return for bins that are set out late, blocked, placed too close to obstacles or contain unacceptable materials.

Why is it Important to Compost?

By taking part in the Organic Waste Collection Program, you help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This supports the Township’s efforts to protect the environment and manage waste responsibly.

Tips for Keeping Your Green Bin Clean

Line your bin with compostable bags or newspaper to help contain messes and make cleaning easier.
Wrap meat and fish scraps in newspaper or paper towels, then freeze them until collection day to reduce odours and pests.
Layer food waste with yard waste, cardboard or paper to absorb liquids and limit smells.
Rinse your bin every few weeks using water and mild detergent or vinegar.
Reduce odours by adding baking soda, citrus peels or coffee grounds.
Store your bin in a shaded, well‑ventilated area to reduce heat and odours.
Keep the lid closed tightly to prevent animals from getting in.

Thank you for helping keep our community cleaner and more sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Organic Waste Collection Program?

The Organic Waste Collection Program, often called the green bin or compost program, helps residents dispose of food and other organic waste properly.

Organic waste collected through this program is turned into compost instead of being sent to landfill. Keeping organic waste out of landfills reduces methane gas, a harmful greenhouse gas, and helps extend the life of landfill sites.

By participating in the program, residents help reduce waste and support a cleaner and more sustainable Township.

What happens to the organic waste collected?

The Township of Russell hires GFL Environmental to transport and process organic waste. After collection, organic waste from your home is taken to a transfer station. It is then moved in large transport vehicles to GFL’s processing facility.

At the processing site, the organic waste is turned into compost using industrial equipment. This process is much more advanced than backyard composting. The waste is shredded, contaminants are removed, and the material is controlled with air and temperature to help it break down properly. This allows items like food scraps, fats, bones and sanitary products to decompose safely.

The process destroys harmful bacteria and produces a high‑quality compost that is regularly tested to meet strict standards. This compost is used for agriculture and landscaping.

By using the organic waste collection program, residents help reduce methane emissions, extend the life of landfills, and turn waste into a useful resource.

I am a new resident; how can I get a bin?

New residents who require a green bin are asked to contact the Infrastructure Department directly.

You can reach us by email at Infrastructure Department or by phone at 613-443-1747.

My green bin is too small for my household. Can I request a larger bin?

If you feel your green bin is insufficient, you can request an additional or larger bin by contacting our Infrastructure Department at Infrastructure Department or 613-443-1747.

Can I put diapers or sanitary items in the green bin?

Diapers and sanitary items are not accepted in the green bin and will still be items to put in the garbage.

What about the smell and critters in summer?

Green bins are designed to minimize odours and keep animals out. To further reduce smells:

Line your bin with compostable bags.
Wrap food scraps in newspaper.
Store meat and fish scraps in the freezer until collection day.

Keep your bins securely closed.

Can I use regular plastic bags in my green bin?

No, regular plastic bags are not compostable and cannot be used. Only use certified compostable bags (e.g., ASTM D6400-certified) or line your bin with newspaper. These are available at most hardware and grocery stores.

In which bins do take out beverage cups go?

For hot and cold take out beverage cups (such at Tim Hortons’ coffee cups), the plastic lids and the cups can both be placed in the blue bin to recycle.

Do you have a question on the organic waste collection? Email the Infrastructure Department and we will continue adding frequently asked questions to this page.

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