The EWSWA Green Bin Program

Starting the week of October 21, 2025, the EWSWA will provide a weekly, curbside collection program, the Green Bin Program, to help residents keep food waste and other organics out of our local, Essex-Windsor Regional Landfill. This program in 2025 will start in Essex, Lakeshore, LaSalle, Tecumseh and Windsor (Phase 1). To make sure residents are ready, a Green Bin will be delivered to approximately 120,000 single-family homes from July to October this year. (Green Bin Delivery Information) To find out when your collection program begins, check your municipal calendar or download the Recycle Coach app and request Green Bin Program notifications.

By putting food waste in the Green Bin, you can reduce your garbage by up to 50%. Your efforts will help to:

  • Create renewable energy and fertilizer for next year’s crops.
  • Reduce greenhouse gases that are created when organics are unnecessarily landfilled.
  • Extend the life of our local, Essex-Windsor Regional Landfill, which avoids high costs of a new one.
  • Save taxpayers money that is spent on garbage services.
  • Foster a shared sense of environmental responsibility to support this agriculturally-rich region.


Note: Amherstburg, Kingsville, and Leamington will start their Green Bin Program in fall 2026, so they will get their Green Bins delivered in 2026.


For more information:

What Goes In The Green Bin?

While all Green Bin Programs in Ontario primarily accept food waste, there are other organic materials that are included and unique to each municipal program. Below are details on what materials are acceptable and not acceptable in the EWSWA Green Bin Program.

For more information see The Green Bin Guide FAQ.

FOOD WASTE

Cooked / Raw / Bones / Shells / Peels / Rinds

  • Fruits / Vegetables
  • Meat / Poultry / Seafood / Bones
  • Dairy Products / Yogurt / Butter / Cheese
  • Bread / Cereal / Pasta / Noodles / Rice
  • Eggs / Eggshells
  • Baked Goods / Candy
  • Dry Baking Ingredients / Herbs / Spices
  • Nuts / Seeds / Lentils / Beans
  • Coffee Filters / Grounds / Paper Tea Bags
  • Fats / Oils / Grease (FOG)
OTHER ORGANICS

Food-Soiled Paper Products

  • Compostable Bags
  • Soiled Food Paper Packaging / Pizza Boxes 
  • Paper Egg Cartons / Paper Trays / Wooden Utensils / Toothpicks
  • Dryer Lint
  • House Plants (no pots or soil)
  • Pet Food
  • Hair / Pet Hair & Fur
COMPOSTABLE BAGS AS LINERS

Compostable bags can be used as liners in the Green Bin Program, but you must use the following guidelines:

  1. Plastic bags that are non-compostable are NOT acceptable.
  2. They must have these certification logos to ensure the end-product (liquid fertilizer) does not contain residue that comes from plastics: 
     

 

 

 

 

GREEN TIPS:

  1. The green compostable bag that is in your Green Bin Kit is acceptable in this program as it falls within the required certification for this program.
  2. Not all compostable bags are created equally. Buy a reputable brand and like a garbage bag, it may take a few until you find the brand that works for you.
  3. Store compostable bags in a cool, dry place as they do decompose and expire. So don’t overbuy!

The following materials are not acceptable in the Green Bin Program:

  • Yard Waste
  • Stickers (off fruit / vegetables)
  • Kitty Litter / Pet Waste
  • Cans / Styrofoam / Plastic Containers
  • Chemical-Solied Paper Towels (bleach or cleaners)
  • Cigarettes
  • Plastic Utensils
  • Diapers / Sanitary Products / Wipes

Why Does Green Bin Set-Out Matter?

It is critical that the EWSWA Green Bin is set-out properly for collection as automated trucks will be used for this program. Use the P-P-S (Park-Point-Space) Method below.

GREEN TIPS:

  1. Set-out exceptions may include but not limited to: roads with street parking, homes with no driveway/space, roads with alternating street parking, one-way streets, etc.
  2. Only the EWSWA Green Bin will be serviced for the Green Bin Program in order to ensure compatibility with automated collection trucks.

What is the Green Bin Repair / Request (R&R) Program?

This is a new, enhanced service in this region. It is commonly used in new residential waste collection programs, especially if automated collection is used to service their bins. This is why the EWSWA Bin is scanned and linked to the address that is delivered to so that the corresponding Green Bin can be tracked for service, warranty issues.

Essentially, if your Green Bin needs a repair such as, but not limited to: a broken week, lid, axles, and/or lock, the resident can request service from this program. If a new home is built or a Green Bin is missing or stolen from a home, a request can also be issued through this program.

To put in a request through the R&R Program please use the following as a guide:

Green Tips:

  1. The resident must file the request as noted above. The collection contractor will not file your request.
  2. Write your address on the Green Bin delivered to your home in the space provided on the back of the Bin.
  3. Most requests will receive service within a week.

Contact Us

Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority
360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite 211
Essex, ON N8M 3G4
Customer Service Support
1-800-563-3377

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