Chatham-Kent Organic Waste Diversion Program

Chatham-Kent Council has approved the Organic Waste Diversion Program following the completion of a comprehensive feasibility study and public engagement process. The program is designed to meet regulatory requirements, enhance waste diversion efforts, and provide long-term environmental benefits to the community.

The approved program consists of the following components:

1. Backyard Composter Program – Implementation in 2026

Residents will have the opportunity to purchase backyard composters at $20 per unit. This initiative will support the diversion of household food waste and promote at-home composting practices.

2. Enhanced Curbside Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Program– Implementation in 2027

Curbside collection of leaf and yard waste will be expanded and standardized across urban curbside communities. Collection will occur bi-weekly from April to November, with additional collections for natural Christmas trees in January.

Ridgetown and Thamesville are excluded from this program change and will maintain their current service levels.

3. Depot Food Waste Digester Pilot Program – Implementation in 2028

This one-year pilot project will introduce a food waste digester at the Harwich Waste Depot, which will accept source separated food waste.

Contingent on the success of this pilot, the expansion of the program to other waste depots will be assessed.

The Municipality extends appreciation to all residents who participated in the public engagement process that helped the development of the program.

Further updates will be provided as the program is implemented. Additional information and reports are available in the "Important Links" section.

Chatham-Kent Council has approved the Organic Waste Diversion Program following the completion of a comprehensive feasibility study and public engagement process. The program is designed to meet regulatory requirements, enhance waste diversion efforts, and provide long-term environmental benefits to the community.

The approved program consists of the following components:

1. Backyard Composter Program – Implementation in 2026

Residents will have the opportunity to purchase backyard composters at $20 per unit. This initiative will support the diversion of household food waste and promote at-home composting practices.

2. Enhanced Curbside Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Program– Implementation in 2027

Curbside collection of leaf and yard waste will be expanded and standardized across urban curbside communities. Collection will occur bi-weekly from April to November, with additional collections for natural Christmas trees in January.

Ridgetown and Thamesville are excluded from this program change and will maintain their current service levels.

3. Depot Food Waste Digester Pilot Program – Implementation in 2028

This one-year pilot project will introduce a food waste digester at the Harwich Waste Depot, which will accept source separated food waste.

Contingent on the success of this pilot, the expansion of the program to other waste depots will be assessed.

The Municipality extends appreciation to all residents who participated in the public engagement process that helped the development of the program.

Further updates will be provided as the program is implemented. Additional information and reports are available in the "Important Links" section.

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Page last updated: 19 Mar 2025, 03:45 PM