Bracebridge Deputy Mayor, Brenda Rhodes, deemed regional waste diversion rates “disappointing,” in the December 11, 2024, meeting.

As a member of the District of Muskoka’s Engineering and Public Works Committee, she said it’s not the first time she’s expressed this. She added, “More than half the materials set out in the garbage didn’t need to take landfill space.”

According to Rhodes, organic matter makes up 43% of the general waste stream, which “includes people that should be using their green bins that are currently not.”

She continued that 7% of recycling is included in waste as well, and 3% is divertible material, such as batteries, needles, and hazardous waste.

Rhodes referred back to the audit she attended over the past year as disappointing too. She said, “It really was heartbreaking to see the things that are put in there. We really aren’t doing a great job with diverting.”

Regarding recycling, “30% of the materials in the Blue Bin should be set out as either garbage or organics,” said Rhodes.

She added that the remaining 70% of recycled materials properly streamed is an improvement, but there is still room for greater efficiency considering 21% of recycling contains garbage, and 8% organics.

Rinsing containers and keeping plastic bags together so they don’t blow away when in the truck and can be recycled are also areas that can be improved, continued Rhodes.

“One of the most disappointing things that I witnessed at that audit was we opened up a black garbage bag and inside that black garbage bag was organics – a proper organics bag filled with organics but then put into the black garbage bag, which could have easily been diverted,” she said. So, the initial steps were correct, however, they didn’t put it in the green bin for pick up.

She expressed understanding that it’s a learning experience for everyone, however, encourages the public to use the Muskoka Waste App, a tool where you can punch in the waste that you’re unsure of and get information about what stream it goes in. She suggested it can be a fun thing to do with your family.

“For those that are not doing their best to stream their garbage and limit the waste, one only has to be reminded what the costs associated with an expansion of a landfill. The capacity at the Rosewarne site is diminishing.”

Mayor, Rick Maloney, advised that the community has a responsibility to “take care of our garbage.”

He said there’s “a lack of motivation” and suggested coming up with a new one “for folks to do their part.”

Rhodes added that the provincial government is not allowing new landfills, which could result in trucking garbage elsewhere and increased costs “exponentially.”

Maloney added, “Those costs end up on levies.”

Councillor, Archie Buie, indicated that it’s obvious what houses aren’t using green bins for organic matter because you don’t see them on their curb, and suggested following up with them.

Rhodes advised that they’ve flagged neighborhoods but will have discussions with staff about it and report back, indicating it as something that “can be an interesting campaign to consider.”