Green Bin Organics Program

Each Oxford County household will receive two containers:

• A 7-litre kitchen container for collecting food scraps in your home.

• A 45-litre green bin to place at the curb on your collection day.

Simply use the kitchen container for day-to-day food waste, then empty it into the larger green bin for curbside collection.

Should you require another container, additional containers are available for purchase through Oxford County. Visit the Containers for Sale page to learn more.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with your bin and read the instructions for sorting organic waste inside the bin.

We recognize that the locking mechanism may take some time to get used to. To keep wildlife and insects out, each green bin includes a latch and a secondary lock.

To open the secondary lock, push up with one hand and pull the latch towards you with the other hand.

• You can use certified compostable bags or paper bags to help keep your bin clean. Bins can also be lined with newspaper.
• Do not use plastic bags.

Certified compostable icons to look for:

Food and kitchen scraps

• Fruits, vegetables, nuts and shells
• Meat, fish, shellfish (including bones)
• Dairy, butter, margarine
• Baked goods, pasta, bread, cereals, rice, grains
• Juices, sauces, jams, salad dressing
• Cooking oils and grease
• Coffee grounds, filters, tea bags

Soiled paper products

• Food-soiled boxboard, cardboard or paper
• Paper plates
• Facial tissue, napkins, paper towels
• Microwave popcorn bags, muffin liners

Plant material and seeds

• House plants (dirt removed)
• Birdseed
• Pumpkins

Miscellaneous

• Hair, pet fur, nail clippings
• Certified compostable bags and cups for fats, oils and grease
• Wooden toothpicks
• Compostable packaging (e.g., plates, bowls, utensils)

Download the new organic waste sorting guide to learn more about green bin collection.

Please DO NOT place the following items in your green bin. For more information about where items should be disposed, visit our Curbside Collection page and use the What Goes Where widget to determine how the items in question should be disposed of.

Recyclables

• Blue box materials

Plastics and packaging

• Plastic bags and packaging
• Compostable coffee pods

Personal hygiene items

• Diapers and incontinence products

Animal waste and related items

• Animal waste (e.g., pet droppings)
• Kitty litter
• Dead animals

Leaf and yard waste

Miscellaneous

• Candles/wax
• Cigarette butts
• Textiles

Download the new organic waste sorting guide to learn more about green bin collection.

• Set green bins at the curb alongside garbage by 7:00 am on your collection day.
• Only the issued 45 L green bin can be used for organic waste. Kitchen containers will not be accepted/emptied.
• Keep lids closed and locked, and ensure bins do not exceed 44 lbs (20 kg). 
• Bag tags are not required for organic waste.

Freeze scraps 

• Wrap meat and fish in paper and freeze until collection day to minimize odours.

Layer waste

• Alternate food scraps with soiled cardboard or newspaper to absorb liquids.

Rinse often

• Wash your bins with water and vinegar regularly.

Reduce smells

• Add baking soda, citrus peels or coffee grounds to manage odour.

Seasonal tips

• Keep your curbside bin in a shaded and/or ventilated spot in warmer months.
• In the winter, store it indoors until collection day, or place a cardboard egg carton on the bottom to keep your bag from freezing to the bin.