Clear garbage bags could soon become the norm throughout Muskoka.
Renee Recoskie, director of waste management and environmental services for the District of Muskoka, outlined during the June 19 Engineering and Public Works Committee meeting they’re looking to mandate residents district-wide use clear garbage bags rather than black ones.
“We do expect there will be lots of public interest and questions about this,” she added.
Recoskie clarified a report will be in front of district council next month which will go in-depth on the changes and outline how it will be communicated to residents.
She said they’re researching what other municipalities – like Peterborough – did when they switched to clear bags. Recoskie added during the spring Municipal Waste Association meeting, the topic of transitioning to clear bags came up and attendees were given guidance on how to make the change is a smooth one.
Recoskie explained how the timing of the change aligns with changes to how recycling is collected. Ontario began transitioning to producer responsibility for the blue box program on July 1, 2023, with the program expected to be fully implemented by Dec. 31, 2025.
A definitive timeline for when the program will be rolled out wasn’t detailed, but Recoskie did say the conversation will likely resume during the budget deliberation process.
District Chair Jeff Lehman suggested providing free clear bags along with an information pamphlet when the program is rolled out to help with the transition.
“Communication is everything but we can support them by making the change as easy as possible,” he continued.
Recoskie detailed how the communications strategy will be wide-reaching, and notice will be given well ahead of the change happening.
“I was in a municipality when clear bags came into effect,” she shared, adding the transition was managed well.