Green Organics Tote

Bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, compostable plastics and oxodegradable plastics have been introduced as a solution to negate the longevity and pollution of traditional plastics in the environment. These hybrid plastics are made of various materials from natural sources, such as corn, or a combination of natural materials and traditional oil-based sources.

While well-intentioned, compostable, biodegradable or oxodegradable plastic bags and other items are not permitted in your tote/bin as these items do not break down properly and can leave microplastics behind, which is a health and environmental issue.

Even if companies label plastic-type bags “compostable,”  “biodegradable,” or “oxodegradable,” these items are made to break down in lab-based conditions, which often does not reflect the reality at composting facilities. According to provincial regulations, composting facilities are not permitted to accept these compostable plastic items. 

To help address growing concerns about microplastics and protect our health and environment, the federal government is developing regulations to address biodegradable and compostable labelling.

How do I keep my tote/bin clean?

• Line your bin with newspaper or use a 100% paper bag
• Freeze extra messy/smelly items until collection day
• Add cardboard (remove tape/labels), boxboard, newspaper, a paper bag or yard waste to the bottom of your tote before putting in kitchen scraps
• Rinse your tote/bin often

Watch this video on Composting in CVRD.

Common Invasive Species

Common invasive species can be disposed of in your organics tote, including:

• English Ivy
• English Holly
• Himilayan Blackberry
• Morning Glory
• Scotch Broom
• Yellow Iris

Species that Require Special Handling

Poison hemlock, giant hogweed, daphne/spurge laurel and knotweed cannot be put in your green tote or in the regular yard waste drop-off bin at Recycling Centres. For proper handling and disposal:

1. Dispose of all plant parts in 3-4 mil poly (.003 to .004 inch thick). Extra-thick bags are required to ensure the plants are contained.
2. Label bags ‘Invasive Plants’ and tie off using a gooseneck tie and a zap strap.
3. Take to one of the CVRD Recycling Centres for free disposal. See locations here.

Pet waste, including wood-based litter, does not belong in the organics bin, please dispose of it in the garbage

Dryer lint is primarily composed of tiny pieces of fabric fibres that shed from clothing during the drying process. These fibres, often synthetic, contain microplastics, and must be disposed of in the garbage.

Produce stickers are typically made of plastic and must be removed and put in the garbage to avoid contaminating the finished compost.

Tissues and paper towels are permitted in the organics bin.

Most parchment and wax papers are coated in silicone or petroleum-based wax, which is not suitable for the organics tote. Please dispose of these items in the garbage.

If your tea bag tears easily when wet, it’s made of paper and can go in your green organics tote. If it doesn’t rip easily, it probably contains plastic, and goes in the black garbage tote.

Paper cups for both hot and cold beverages have a plastic liner, so they can be recycled in your blue recyclables tote.

If you get a paper takeout container,  do the grease test. If the grease goes through (like a pizza box), it’s safe for the green organics tote. If it doesn’t go through, it may have a coating or a plastic liner, and should go in the garbage or recycling depending on how clean the container is.

Coffee pods are part recyclable and organics and need to be separated for proper disposal:

1. Remove the foil lid/top and place in blue recyclables tote
2. Remove any coffee grounds that are still in the pod and put in your green organics tote
3. Place empty coffee pod container in the blue recyclables tote

If you cannot separate the coffee from the plastic/metal casing, please put the coffee pod in the black garbage tote.