London's Green Bin

September 2023 update: Most current information available about the Green Bin program

After approval at Council's August 29 meeting, London’s Green Bin program for curbside households is now scheduled to begin the week of January 15, 2024. The collection frequency for Green Bin and Blue Box will be weekly (same day) and garbage will be bi-weekly (same day). The only exception will be the collection day changes after a Statutory Holiday.

For background:

• Most communities with weekly Green Bin and Blue Box services provide bi-weekly garbage service.
• Because the “smelly food” portion of garbage is collected weekly in the Green Bin, garbage can be held for a longer period of time. The new system would require holding garbage 4 to 6 days longer than the current system.
• Reduced garbage collection frequency relative to Green Bin collection will encourage increased participation in the Green Bin program. Municipalities with Green Bin programs have found that the amount of organic material collected in the Green Bin increases by 50% to 100% with the introduction of bi-weekly garbage collection. Blue Box recycling rates also increased.
• London resident feedback from early 2020 indicates some specific concerns about reduced garbage collection frequency, however almost 40% noted that they still supported bi-weekly garbage, and about another 25% had no concerns.

About this project

The City of London is continuing to engage residents in the design of our Green Bin program. We are hoping to learn more about what will drive your ability and desire to participate in this new program.

What is a Green Bin?

A Green Bin is like a blue (recycling) bin, but for food waste such as fruit and vegetable skins, spoiled leftovers, and other inedible food waste like bones. The Green Bin would be collected from your home at the curbside much like your Blue Box is, and the materials from your Green Bin would be composted or digested.

Above: A Green Bin and kitchen container will be delivered to homes beginning in mid-October and will take about two months to complete deliveries.