No Time To Waste - Taking Action on Garbage

No Time To Waste  - Taking Action on Garbage, Muskoka’s Roadmap to 60% Waste Diversion 

March 21, 2022 (Muskoka, ON) - As part of the District of Muskoka’s Waste Strategy, a reduction in no-charge weekly garbage bag limits at Waste Facilities starts the week of April 4, 2022. 

The changes were approved by District Council in December 2021 as part of the Waste Strategy and Roadmap to 60% Diversion. Reducing garbage is critical to extend the life of Muskoka’s one remaining landfill and ensure a secure, long-term way to manage our garbage. In 2020, the District landfilled over 32,000 tonnes (that’s over 70 million pounds) of garbage with the average person in Muskoka throwing out approximately 760 pounds of ‘stuff’ alone.

“Protecting the environment has always been a top priority for Muskoka and our residents,” said Fred Jahn, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works. “Changes like this will encourage us to think differently about what we throw away. By using our blue box or green bin and increasing diversion, we can reduce garbage and greenhouse gas emissions and, most importantly, extend the lifespan of our only landfill.”

Changes at Waste Facilities – starting April 4, 2022

As part of Muskoka’s Roadmap to 60%, starting April 4, 2022 – the following changes will be in effect at District Waste Facilities:

• weekly limit of no-charge household bagged garbage will be reduced to 2 bags from 3 bags, starting the week of April 4, 2022
• hours of operation remain normal – noting seasonal hours for select Waste Facilities change in May

More updates coming soon

During consultation on the District’s Waste Strategy, residents consistently relayed messages regarding the importance of caring for Muskoka’s environment and support for reducing garbage. Changes in the way we manage waste and divert materials from the Rosewarne Landfill – including food and organic waste – are in response and will bring long-lasting benefit to our community. The District will have more information soon on timelines and program changes and will give you notice before they happen.

To find out what goes where, visit our website at www.muskokarecycles.ca or download our free Muskoka Recycles mobile app and try our Waste Wizard. Watch for more tips, tools and resources coming soon.

The District of Muskoka is made up of six area municipalities and is responsible for delivering critical public services and programs to residents in our community. Visit our website at www.muskoka.on.ca

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