Clear Bags

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 began in March 2025 for curbside collection and will start at District waste facilities in 2026.

As of August 25, 2025, garbage set out at the curb not in compliance with the Clear Bag program (e.g., set out in a black garbage bag, garbage containing unacceptable waste) will be tagged with a sticker to flag the issue and will not be collected.

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. Keep it grocery bag-sized (no bigger than 20x20 inches). Only have a privacy bag? No problem, just tie it off and set it out on its own.

What we're already seeing

Thanks to strong community participation, the Clear Bag program is already making a measurable impact on local waste diversion in our community after the first two months of the program.

Organics thermometer The community’s enthusiasm and cooperation are turning the program’s goal of extending the life of the Rosewarne Landfill and improving waste management practices into a reality.

Garbage Reduction: There has been a 36 per cent decrease in the tonnage of garbage collected at the curb compared to July 2024. Rest assured, this does not mean garbage is being left behind; rather, it reflects the community's proactive shift of food waste and organics from garbage bags to green bins.
Green Bin Success: The most encouraging news is a 121 per cent increase in tonnage of green bin organics collected at the curb. This outcome highlights the community’s commitment to reducing waste and making a substantial environmental impact.

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

Clear bag information card (printable pdf)

Electronic Waste Guide

2025 Fee Guide

Green Bin Organics Guide

Household Hazardous Waste Guide

One-page Waste Sorting Guide

Tips and tricks for getting your organics to a waste facility

Every bit of food waste we divert from the garbage stream helps extend the life of our landfill and supports a more sustainable Muskoka. The goal is simple: keep food waste out of your clear garbage bag and bring it to a District drop-off facility in a way that works best for you.
You might be surprised by how much is compostable through our program! Download the Muskoka Waste App and use the Waste Wizard to learn what goes where.
Every banana peel and greasy pizza box you drop off helps extend the life of the Rosewarne landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate costs for future disposal options.

Choose your transport container

Here are some ideas for collecting and transporting your food waste:

Reusable containers – Ice cream tubs, yogurt containers, or old Tupperware all work well. Just rinse and reuse.
Paper bags – A simple, effective option. Consider doubling up if your scraps are particularly wet.
Containers with lids – Old Tupperware totes or empty kitty litter pails are great for keeping smells in and messes out.

Looking for something ready-made? Check out the Bin Buddy – a compact green bin designed for your vehicle. Available for purchase at all District transfer stations.

Keep it cool

Keeping food scraps chilled can make a big difference:

Freeze it – Store scraps in the freezer until drop-off day to avoid smells and mess.
Fridge it – Works well for short-term storage if you have space.

Transport tips

Make it easy to drop off your food waste:

Keep a small bin in your trunk so you’re always ready when passing by a drop-off site.
Have a creative way of transporting your food waste? We’d love to see it! We’re looking to expand our Clear Bag Photo Contest to feature food waste drop-off tips from the community. Help spread the word and show your love for Rosewarne and other waste facilities!

Keep it clean

Rinse your container after each trip to keep it fresh.
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom to reduce odours.
Line bins with newspaper or paper towel to make cleanup easier.

Additional tips

Set a reminder – Add drop-off day to your calendar or phone so you never forget.
Make it part of your routine – Keep your food waste container next to your garbage and recycling bins.
Ask the Wizard – The Waste Wizard in the Muskoka Waste App can help you figure out what goes where—try to stump it!

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.

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 contractors often deliver waste to disposal sites outside Muskoka and follow different requirements. For details, contact your waste service provider directly.

When will clear bags be required at waste facilities?

Starting January 1, 2026, all garbage dropped off at District waste facilities must be in clear bags. Opaque or coloured bags will no longer be accepted after this date.

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.

Does my recycling need to go in a clear bag?

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 should I do if my waste isn't collected at the curb?

If your garbage is not collected because it doesn't follow the Clear Bag Program after August 25, 2025, you can bring it to a District Waste Drop-Off Location.
Until December 31, 2025, Non-compliant bags (such as black or opaque garbage bags) will still be accepted at drop-off locations. Please note that weekly bag limits apply at these sites.

What happens if I bring my garbage in a black/non-compliant bag to a Waste Facility after January 1, 2026?

Starting January 1, 2026, all garbage brought to District Waste Facilities must be in clear bags. If you arrive with garbage in a black or opaque bag, facility staff have the authority to inspect the load and may ask you to re-sort your materials.

If your waste is turned away due to non-compliant bags, you will have two options:

Re-sort your waste on site (if space and time permit), or
Take it home, repackage it properly, and return another day.

What can I do with my food waste now that its not accepted in clear bags?

All our District Transfer Stations have organics collection available. This means any resident in Muskoka can drop off acceptable household food waste (organics) at these locations.

If you’re looking for an easy way to transport food waste, we offer smaller “bin buddy” sized green bins for purchase at District Waste Facilities. These are a convenient option for collecting and bringing organics to a drop-off site.

For more tips and a list of what’s accepted in the green bin, visit our organics page.

What about pet waste bags? Or kitty litter?

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?

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.

Why are we changing? What are the benefits of clear bags for garbage?

There are many benefits of a clear garbage bag program, including:

More recyclables and green bin organics will be separated from garbage and collected at the curb.
The program will save space and extend the life of Muskoka’s one and only landfill - Rosewarne.
It will make work safer for garbage collectors because they can see what is in the bags and avoid dangerous items, like sharp glass, needles, etc.
The program will help keep hazardous items from the waste stream, like lithium-ion batteries, paint, pharmaceuticals, oil, gasoline, etc.

I'm already diverting as much material from the garbage as I can, why do I have to do this?

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?

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?

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.