District of Muskoka new waste plan includes bag tags and new levy

Each household will receive 80 bag tags per year as part of the new Solid Waste Master Plan

District Council received recommendations outlining a new long-term approach to waste management, as part of the Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) – Final Master Plan and Short-Term Implementation Plan, in the June 15^th, 2026, Council meeting.

The recommendations included a proposed bag tag system and solid waste levy intended to support implementation of the District's Solid Waste Master Plan.

According to the staff report, the SWMP is intended to serve as the District's strategic framework for solid waste management over the next 30 years.

The plan would guide future waste diversion, collection, disposal and funding decisions while providing a phased approach to implementation.

One of the key recommendations calls for the introduction of a mandatory bag tag system for all curbside and drop-off garbage including an initial annual allotment of 80 bag tags per household as a base service level.

The proposed program would take effect in 2028, with details to be finalized through future reports and updates to the District's Waste Management By-law. Future adjustments could be considered based on program performance, participation rates and ongoing monitoring.

To support the transition, staff outlined a phased education and communication program beginning with planning and program development in 2026, followed by a public engagement campaign in 2027 and ongoing education leading up to implementation in 2028.

The recommendations also direct staff to bring forward updates to the Waste Management By-law and any related user fees required to support the bag tag system.

In addition, the report outlines a funding model that would maintain the District's existing hybrid approach to waste management financing while increasing the user-pay component. To support that model, staff were directed to prepare a by-law establishing a Solid Waste Levy and associated fee structure, with implementation proposed to begin in 2027.

The report states that future by-law amendments, fees and program details would be brought forward to Council as implementation progresses under the phased approach outlined in the SWMP.

A long debate ensued about concerns Council members had about the new bag tag program, lack of costs outlined for them to feel comfortable approving the go ahead with implementation with projects outlined in the report, and the lack of priority put on construction waste and commercial composting.