County’s green bin survey shows room for growth

News release from Simcoe County 

More than 1,300 residents responded to the County of Simcoe’s Green Bin Survey, demonstrating strong interest in organics and opportunity to grow the program and increase Simcoe County’s diversion rate.

Survey results comprised of 100 door-to-door respondents and 1,291 online respondents. The survey was completed between June 22, 2015-August 14, 2015. The purpose of the survey was to determine what residents see as motivators and barriers in regards to participation in the County’s green bin organics program. Insights will also be considered as the Solid Waste Management Strategy is updated.

Of the 100 door-to-door respondents, 60 per cent indicated that they use their green bin regularly, with 15 per cent using it sometimes and 25 per cent of respondents indicating that they do not use their green bin at all. The online responses saw a higher percentage of participation in the Green Bin program, with 83.2 per cent of respondents indicating that they use their green bin regularly, 4.7 per cent sometimes and 12.1 per cent not using it at all.

The survey results indicate that residents see room for growth by expanding the types of materials collected. When asked what changes could be made to improve the use of green bins, both online and door-to-door respondents indicated that allowing pet waste/diapers would be a motivator for increased use of their green bin. Other motivating options which may be considered by County Council as part of the Solid Waste Management Strategy update include biweekly garbage collection, use of clear garbage bags and pay as you throw, where every bag of garbage would require a garbage tag.

“The results confirm that we’re taking the right steps by investigating the potential to operate our own Organics Processing Facility in Simcoe County,” said Warden Gerry Marshall. “Our own facility would allow us to expand the type of materials that we currently accept, including the addition of pet waste and in the long run diapers. This could drive greater participation in the program among our residents and ultimately increase our diversion of organics away from our landfills.”

The findings also confirmed that there is an opportunity to increase participation by identifying strategies that encourage the use of green bins during the warmer months of the year. Some of the main barriers to using a green bin which were noted by respondents include:

They don’t use it because of the ‘yuck’ factor or they can’t be bothered
The current one garbage bag per week limit allows for room to dispose of their organic materials in the garbage instead
They have a backyard composter
“We have a number of green bin tips on our website that address some of these concerns and barriers. Also, by adding materials that can’t go in a backyard composter, we may encourage greater participation year-round. I’m excited about these findings and look forward to working with all our partners to identify strategies to grow our organics program,” added Warden Marshall.

Visit www.simcoe.ca/greenbin for green bin tips and information.

About the Organics Processing Facility and Materials Management Facility

Details about the proposed facilities including siting methodology, previous information sessions and reports can be found at www.simcoe.ca/opf and www.simcoe.ca/mmf.

Please note that the County is hosting the following Public Consultation Sessions throughout the month of October to provide more information about these important projects:

Tuesday, October 6 – Simcoe County Museum, Springwater
Thursday, October 8 – Township of Oro-Medonte Administration Centre, Oro-Medonte
Thursday, October 15 – Elmvale Arena – Springwater Room, Springwater
Tuesday, October 20 – Stayner Arena and Community Centre, Clearview
Monday, October 26 – Hillsdale Community Centre, Springwater (limited accessibility)
There will be two sessions each day from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The format will include a formal presentation taking place at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., followed by a question and answer session. Presented content will be consistent at all sessions.

About the County of Simcoe

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to