A Clear Path to a Greener Muskoka!
Muskoka’s waste management services are evolving to maximize diversion and extend the life of our one and only operating landfill. This program aims to encourage everyone to work diligently and make conscious decisions about what belongs in the trash – making a clear commitment to sustainable waste management. This program is rolling out for curbside collection March 3, 2025 and at waste facilities in 2026.
A clear bag program supports diversion initiatives, like the blue box recycling collection and a green bin organics (kitchen waste) collection.
Switching to clear garbage bags has many benefits, including:
- Better Recycling: More recyclables and green bin organics will be sorted out from regular garbage.
- Landfill Conservation: It will save space in Muskoka’s only landfill, Rosewarne, helping it last longer.
- Worker Safety: Garbage collectors will be able to see what is inside the bags and avoid dangerous items like sharp glass and needles.
- Hazardous Waste Removal: It helps keep hazardous items like lithium-ion batteries, paint, medicines, oil, and gasoline out of the regular waste stream.
Resident privacy and safety is very important to us. With a clear bag collection program, you are able to have up to two (2) privacy bags inside each larger clear bag. Privacy bags are classified as smaller opaque bags that let you hide items you don’t want others to see.
Need a green bin?
If you require a new green bin, we're here to help - fill out our Green Bin Request Form.
If you need to replace a broken green bin, one can be purchased for the at cost price (currently $24.81 for the standard-size and $10 for the bear-bin friendly size) at any transfer station. For a list of locations and hours visit our Drop-off Locations and Landfill page.
| Resources |
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Clear bag information card (printable pdf) |
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a clear garbage bag program? |
| In this program, residents must use clear plastic bags for their garbage instead of opaque (black, white, or green) bags. You can use up to two small opaque ‘privacy bags’ inside the clear bag for privacy, and/or you can use rigid garbage containers and roadside bins. |
| Where can I buy clear garbage bags? |
| District staff have notified local grocery, hardware and big box retailers to stock up on large and small clear bags before the program starts. Most retailers in Muskoka currently have some clear bags available for purchase, and are in the process of adding more variety to their shelves. |
| Will my recycling need to go into a clear bag as well? |
| No, please use transparent blue bags during the clear bag transition to help make curbside pickup smooth for the collection crew. |
| Can I put my clear garbage bag inside my garbage container or bear bin? |
| Yes, clear garbage bags are able to be placed within a garbage can, bin or container. Ultimately, as with many aspects of the clear bag program, all that is changing is the colour of the garbage bag you are using for your garbage. |
| What about pet waste bags? Or kitty litter? |
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Small dog waste bags can be placed in a clear garbage bag and will not be considered a privacy bag. Kitty litter is also acceptable for disposal in clear garbage bags. While we understand this may not be visually appealing, you can place the clear garbage bag inside a garbage can or bear-resistant bin. |
| What about my privacy and items I don’t want anybody to see? |
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It’s important to understand even with opaque bags, your waste is not entirely private, as bags can be torn apart by wildlife, or investigated at any time. The program includes a “privacy bag” allowance. That means you can place up to two small opaque bags, think grocery bag-sized, inside each larger clear bag. This lets you shield items you don’t want others to see, including sanitary products, shredded financial information, and medical/pharmaceutical objects (bags, tubes – not needles). Incontinence products can be placed in the privacy bag(s) or in a clear plastic bag(s) inside a rigid curbside container to keep them out of sight. To keep your private information safe, we encourage shredding sensitive documents before disposal. This ensures that your personal information remains secure, regardless of whether you use clear or opaque bags. To help with the transition, opaque/black garbage bags will continue to be accepted at waste drop-off facilities until the end of 2025. |
| Who does the Clear Bag program apply to in Muskoka? |
| The Clear Bag program currently applies to all curbside waste collection properties managed by the District. If you set your garbage out for weekly pickup, you’ll need to use clear bags, including businesses. However, if you drop off garbage at a District waste facility, you can continue using opaque bags until January 2026, when clear bags will be required at waste facilities as well.
What if I have private collection? If your property or business contracts a private waste removal service (e.g., uses a front-load bin), the Clear Bag program does not apply. These waste contractors typically take materials to receiving sites outside the District, and they are responsible for their own waste management rules. |
| When does the clear bag program take place at waste facilities? |
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Waste-drop off facilities will no longer accept opaque bags starting Jan. 1, 2026. |
| Why are we changing? What are the benefits of clear bags for garbage? |
There are many benefits of a clear garbage bag program, including:
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| I'm already diverting as much material from the garbage as I can, why do I have to do this? |
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If you are already do a great job at recycling, composting and diverting materials from our landfill, thank you! This change should be easy for you, you just need to switch to clear bags. This program is to encourage everyone, to work diligently and make conscious decisions to divert more material from the landfill. |
| What other municipalities have a clear garbage bag program? |
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Many places already use clear bag programs, including the City of Orillia, City of Peterborough, City of Markham, the Town of Orangeville (Dufferin County), and the Town of Goderich. Nearby, depot communities, both the Township of Archipelago and Township of Algonquin Highlands also have clear bag programs. To date, over 2 million Canadian households now participate in clear bag garbage collection programs and the municipal waste diversion achievements are typically over 55 per cent, some as high as 80 per cent (e.g., Markham). After one year of the clear bag program being in place, The City of Markham saw an 11 per cent increase in diversion. When Markham switched to a clear bag garbage collection program, there was very limited initial public support of the program, but several years after implementation, 100 per cent of the residents surveyed indicated that they are supportive of the program. |
| I sell clear bags—how can I get a Clear Bag window decal for my business? |
| If you sell clear bags and would like a Clear Bag window decal for your storefront, we'd love to get one to you. Just send us an email at waste@muskoka.on.ca, and we’ll take care of the rest! |
| I have lots of black (white, green, etc.) garbage bags as I buy in bulk – what do I do with these bags now? |
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You're encouraged to continue using the bags before the new clear bag program starts on March 3, 2025. Understanding many residents may have a lot of black/white/green garbage bags on-hand, the District will continue to accept these bags at any waste drop-off facility within the District until Jan. 1, 2026. The Clear Bag Program allows for up to two small opaque (not see-through) "privacy" bags inside the large clear bag per week. If you end up with leftover black/green/white bags, it is recommended they be used for storage or to hold donation items to local charities, non-profit groups, and churches. The bags themselves can also be donated to charities that may have opportunities to reuse them (clothing storage, etc.) and be very grateful and appreciative of the donation. |
If you have any questions or comments about the new program, please email the Solid Waste Team at waste@muskoka.on.ca. Please note, we are experiencing higher than normal volumes and responses may be delayed.
Make a Clear Commitment!
Be a part of Muskoka's green, clean, and sustainable future by making a Clear Commitment! By using clear garbage bags to dispose of your waste, you're reducing the amount of garbage headed to our landfill, which extends its life, and helps District staff direct recyclables, green bin organics, and hazardous waste into their proper disposal streams. For project updates, news releases, and tips on how to transition to clear bags, visit www.engagemuskoka.on.ca/clear-bags.
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