It’s not just Oxford County’s municipal government that encourages landfill diversion- our citizens are leading the way
Composting diverts waste and beautifies your home landscape. Plus, what you need to know about backyard burning
Take advantage of reusable bags and water bottles, try indoor composting and purchase fewer packaged products to reduce your household waste.
Non-curbside recyclable materials can be taken to one of the annual waste collection events held throughout the County for free.
Waste collection events are for residential customers from individual households only. We cannot accept garbage or recycling from a business, workplace or waste greater than what would fit into a 5-gallon container.
Community sustainability is a shared responsibility. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan sets out a vision of vibrant communities working well and growing stronger together. Part of this is ensuring significant decisions are informed by an assessment of the community, economic and environmental implications.
Becoming a Zero Waste Community Future Oxford (Community Sustainability Plan) Joint Municipal Coordinating Committee
Did you know you can reduce and even reuse the waste you generate inside and outside of your home? From yard waste, to coffee grounds and even food scraps can be converted into nutrient-rich material that will have your flower beds blossoming. Below are the do’s and don'ts when it comes to handling waste outside of your home.
Most of the items people commonly burn can be recycled.
Burning trash may release toxic chemicals into the air, water and soil. Materials such as cardboard, Styrofoam, treated wood, newspaper, tires and yard waste can release dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere, degrading air quality and possibly affecting your health.
Backyard burning is not permitted under the Ontario Fire Code unless approved in advance by the Fire Department.
See more information about open air burning here.
Composting is the process of breaking down organic material (yard and food waste) into a dark, nutrient-rich soil that can then be used to help your gardens and flower beds grow.
The County sells two types of composters which can be purchased from your local municipal office, including the Oxford County Administration Building, or at the Oxford County Waste Management Facility (landfill). An above ground composter with a 311 litre capacity for $10 or an underground composter called the Green Cone, able to digest up to 1 kg of food waste every 1-2 days for $40.
For more information on starting your own outdoor composters, visit these websites: Compost Council of Canada website Compostec EnviroWorld
There are simple steps we can all take to reduce the amount of waste in our homes. Combining recycling, reusing and even composting will all add up to a lot less waste going to the landfill.
Did you know you can compost even if you don’t have a yard? Composting is possible in your home year-round with vermicomposting.
Vermicomposting uses worms to turn vegetables and other organic waste into worm manure that can be used as fertilizer. A worm bin or worm bed can be used indoors, for instance under a sink, on a balcony, or in a garage. The result is nutrient-rich soil that can be used for house plants or outdoor plants.
For more information on vermicomposting, visit these websites: Waste Reduction Week Canada What is Vermicomposting? How to vermicompost
Practice waste reduction everyday. There are many things we can do to reduce the amount of waste we are producing in our daily lives. Here are a few ideas to help get you started:
Reuse
Reduce
Recycle
For more ideas on how to reduce your waste, or to join the waste reduction movement, visit Waste Reduction Week Canada