Q: What is Mission Green?
A: Mission Green is the Town of Markham's plan to divert 70% of its waste from landfill. The overall plan to reach 70% waste diversion includes Green Bin collection and expanded recycling opportunities.
Q: What are organics?
A: Organics are materials that will break down naturally and turn into compost. This includes material such as food scraps. It also includes less obvious items such as diapers, animal waste and soiled paper food containers.
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Q: Why did the Town start this program?
A: The Mission Green program allows Markham residents to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. By implementing a curbside organics collection program, expanding the material accepted in the Blue Box and only collecting garbage every other week, the amount of material sent to landfill has been dramatically decreased. The overall goal is to recycle 70% of Markham's residential waste.
Q: I have a large family. How can I hold onto my garbage for two weeks?
A: By actively participating in both the Green Bin and the Blue Box program you will experience a significant reduction in your garbage. Even with a large family, the amount of dry material that needs to be stored for two weeks should be minimal. It is suggested that you rinse food trays to prevent odours.
Q: What if I don't want to participate?
A: If you choose not to participate, your garbage will still be collected every other week. The 3-bag limit will still apply to non-participants. We encourage everyone to participate in the 3-stream collection program.
Q: Are apartment residents participating in the Green Bin program?
A: No. At this time, only single-family households receiving curbside collection service will be participating in the Green Bin and expanded Blue Box program. Apartments will be phased-in after the single-family households.
Q: Do I have to use a bag to line the Green Bin?
A: Yes, you have to line either the small indoor container or larger Green Bin with a plastic, biodegradable or Kraft paper bag. Organic material must be contained in a bag to protect the health and safety of the waste collector. Please refer to Green Bin 101 for detailed set-out information.
Q: What if I have too much material for the Green Bin? What do I do with the overflow?
A: You can purchase additional Green Bins and indoor containers. These bins can be purchased at any of Markham's Community Recycling Depots and at the Angus Glen, Thornhill, Centennial and Milliken Mills Community Centres during regular business hours. Additional material can also be put in clear plastic bags and placed beside the Green Bin for collection.
Q: Can I put my leaves and yard material in the Green Bin?
No. If you receive leaf and yard material curbside collection, please continue to use rigid open-top containers (garbage cans, bushel baskets) or Kraft paper bags for your yard material. The composting process is different for yard material than it is for Green Bin materials. Please remember that plastic bags can not be used for leaf and yard material.
Q: Why is yard material not collected in plastic bags?
The Region of York's composting facility does not accept leaf and yard material in plastic bags. The elimination of plastic bags improves the quality of the compost and reduces processing costs. Residents can use open, rigid containers, bushel baskets and Kraft paper bags to put leaf and yard material out for collection.
Q: Why are plastic bags acceptable for the collection of Green Bin material but banned from leaf and yard material collection?
A: Leaf and yard material is composted outside in open windrows where it breaks down naturally. Removing the leaf and yard material from the plastic bags is difficult and costly. Kitchen organics are processed inside a large facility where the plastic is removed by machines. This type of process has been designed to remove plastic and other contaminants.
Q: Can I put grass clippings in my Green Bin?
A: No. Grass clippings are not collected at the curb. Any Green Bin containing grass clippings will not be collected. Grass clippings are banned from all collections. Place grass clippings in your backyard composter or leave them on the lawn.
Q: I backyard compost already and don't want to use my Green Bin. May I do this?
We encourage you to continue backyard composting. However, there are additional items that you can't backyard compost that are accepted in the curbside organics program such as animal waste, meat, fish and diapers.
Q: If the Green Bin breaks or cracks, will the Town replace it?
A: As with your Blue Boxes, you may exchange your damaged Markham Green Bin for another one at any of Markham's CommunitY Recycling Depots during regular hours of operation.
Q: What happens if I lose my Green Bin?
A: You may purchase both the Green Bin and the smaller indoor container from any of Markham's Community Recycling Depots and at the Angus Glen, Thornhill, Centennial and Milliken Mills Community Centres. We suggest you write your name and/or address on the Green Bin.
Q: Are the Green Bins designed to be resistant to dogs, raccoons etc?
A: Yes, the bins are designed to be rodent-proof. The Green Bin has a durable locking lid and is as raccoon-proof as possible.
Q: Where is the organic material going?
A: Organic material is being processed at a licensed composting facility. This facility is designed to separate out the plastic bags from the composting process and will turn the organic material into clean, rich soil.
Q: What will the finished compost be used for?
A: The compost will be sold to end markets where it will be used for various purposes including farming and landscaping.
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