General News

County launches new voluntary multi-residential organics program

June 5, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Simcoe County Council has approved a new voluntary organics collection program for multi-residential properties.

Ready to start in the spring and summer of 2026, this initiative aims to expand access to organics diversion for residents living in multi-residential buildings that currently do not receive County-provided waste and recycling services.

“This initiative underscores the County’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and waste reduction, empowering more residents to take part in building a greener future,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “Simcoe County continues to be a regional leader in organic waste diversion, and with forward-thinking programs like this, we’re well-positioned to maintain that leadership for years to come.”

The County collects organics from all residential properties with five units or less and some industrial, commercial, and institutional businesses across the region.

Currently, there are approximately 13,800 multi-residential units that exist across the County with approximately 4,200 of these already receiving organics collection. Multi-residential units include apartments, condominiums, and duplexes.

The remaining 9,600 multi-residential units, which may be located on private roads or in buildings that do not have ownership of waste, have not had access to the County’s curbside collection programs. This new program aims to close that gap by offering organics collection to all interested properties.

The program follows a successful pilot program that was launched in 2023, which included 15 properties and 615 units. Audit results from the pilot program demonstrated that residents are willing to participate in organics diversion when given the opportunity.

Implementation costs will be determined by the number of participating buildings or units that opt into the program.

Key components of the County-wide rollout include: Continued service at pilot locations, phased onboarding in 2026, curbside carts provided, and each participating unit will receive a comprehensive kit that includes an information brochure, compostable bags, and a kitchen catcher.

Regular monitoring will track contamination and participation rates. All program-related communication with property managers will be coordinated through a single point of contact to ensure consistency and clarity.

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