Lake of Bays updated about solid waste changes coming

In January the bag limit will drop to one per week

Lake of Bays Council was updated about solid waste changes that are coming, in the July 8, 2025, meeting.

The District of Muskoka recently introduced their clear bag program because of poor diversion rates in the region.

District staff told Council, “50% of what goes into garbage bags in Muskoka doesn’t belong there… It’s having a huge impact.”

They explained that food compressed in landfill produces methane gas that contributes to high greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

They added that it consumes energy to produce products and then adding to methane in landfills makes the problem worse.

Food waste in general in Canada is an issue because half of food is wasted, said staff, which is concerning given that there are many people without access to food.

According to their report, “Every year Canadians throw away enough good food to feed over 17 million people.” It adds, “41.7% of this food could be redirected to support Canadians.”

It continues, “124.5 billion pounds of greenhouse gases created annually from wasted food is the same as 17.3 million cars.”

The good news is that the District is seeing improvements with the new Solid Waste Program, with a rise in organics separated in green bins by 80%, said staff. Less than ¼ of trash is going to the landfill.

Staff also announced that the new clear bag program will start to take effect at drop off facilities this January.

Other changes include the number of clear bags allowed. Staff said the District currently allows 2 bags per week, however, come January it will be reduced to 1 bag per week.

They added that they won’t be reducing the organics people bring to transfer stations. Unlimited organics drop off will remain.

They continued that they now have Bin Buddies available for people interested in having small containers that fit under the counter before it gets dropped off at the waste facility.

As of mid-September, operational changes will align with service adjustments said staff, who emphasized that commercial waste, tires or scrap metal will not be included in recycling.

Regarding Blue Box recycling, producers of residential containers will be responsible for management of products to the end of their life.

Staff also announced that at the end of this week waste facilities will have recycling compacters, which will be managed by Circular Materials.

Mayor, Terry Glover, spoke about his home practices with waste, indicating that they compost and only have a small garbage bag each week. “It’s incredible the amount of compost you can pull from garbage.”

Councillor, Rick Brooks, highlighted that “the landfill only has so much space.”

The next public consultation with the District will be mid-September, where people can provide their feedback.

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