Ottawa council to decide new curbside garbage collection strategy

Ottawa city council will be discussing garbage options today, with a maximum three garbage can limit or a 'bag tag' system on the table to deal with household waste.

Ottawa city council will be discussing garbage options today, as the mayor and some councillors look to trash a proposed 'bag tag' program intended to increase waste diversion rates and extend the life of the Trail Road Landfill.

Council will vote on proposed changes to the curbside collection policy for Ottawa homeowners, which could include a new limit on the amount of garbage you can place at the curb or require you to place tags on all garbage containers and items placed at the curb, with a $3 charge for additional items.

The environment and climate change committee failed to reach consensus on a new curbside waste diversion strategy during last week's meeting, meaning there is no recommendation for council.

The original staff proposal recommended Ottawa implement a "partial-pay-as-you-throw" system for garbage collection, requiring all garbage items placed at the curb have a tag. Residents would receive 55 tags for the full year, with additional tags costing $3 each. 

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and several councillors said the proposal prompted a flood of emails and phone calls from residents opposed to the idea of tagging garbage items.

Sutcliffe announced on Monday a new motion will be tabled during today's council meeting to limit households to three garbage bins every two weeks, and eliminate any bag tag requirements.

"This new proposal is a much less complicated solution that will still divert waste from landfill and save money for taxpayers," Sutcliffe said.