'Yuck factor' still hindering Ottawa's green bin efforts

Facing stagnant participation rates by residentsput offby the "yuck factor" of dumping kitchen scraps in their green bins, theCity of Ottawa is in talks with the company that handles household organic waste to look for ways to boost uptake in the expensive recycling program.

"We have a very productive relationship withOrgaworldand we have been talking about solutions," said Kevin Wylie, the general manager of public works. "That's something we hope to have ananswer for early next year."

Wyliemade the comments following a wide-ranging discussion at Tuesday's environment committee about waste diversion.

It was the committee's first deep dive intothe subject during this term of council, a discussion prompted by a scathingreport from Waste Watch Ottawa that called out the city for its poor diversion rate.

• Ottawa lagging on waste diversion, group says

In 2016Ottawa's diversion rate was 44 per cent, one of the lowest in the province. Only about half of eligible households used the green bin last year, and that's costing taxpayers money

Under the city's 20-year contract with Orgaworld, the city pays to process a minimum of 80,000 tonnes of organic waste. But the city has neverreached that tonnagesince the green bin program began in 2010.

In 2016, Ottawasent 71,000 tonnes toOrgaworld'scomposting facility, costing taxpayers about $1 million in unused capacity.

'Yuck factor' still an issue

Councillors and staff both agreed that the "yuck factor" of throwing kitchen scraps into the green bin has likely held back many residents from participating in the organics recycling program. In the summer, for example, hot weather can lead to maggots in the bin, as well as unpleasant odours.

The city has spent $350,000 this year on education and outreach to encourage recycling.

"You can always do more education," Wylie said."But at some point you've got to switch up the program and that's what we're going hopefullyto be tabling in Q1 2018 a strategy to increase participation using theexisting programs we have."

Giving residents the ability to put their organic waste in plastic bags before placing it in the green bin could increase diversion.

Coun. David Chernushenko said plastic bags aren't necessary in the green bin, "but it certainly makes it easier for more people."

Howeverplastic bagscurrently aren't allowed under theOrgaworldcontract, a detailthat would have to be renegotiated. Legal disputes around the contract have so far prevented full-blown contract discussions.

As well,new provincial rules calling on producers to pay the costs of waste disposaland recycling details of which are expected by the end of the yearwill also affect the city's updated recycling strategy.