To make Newmarket greener, the Town is aiming to educate residents on the benefits of using a green bin to dispose of organic waste. From July 20 to August 14, Town staff will be visiting randomly selected neighbourhoods to encourage the use of green bins. Households not currently participating in the green bin program may see a door hanger with important information on the program and how they can participate.
“Using your green bin for organic waste is the easiest and simplest way to reduce the amount of waste in landfills and help make Newmarket cleaner and greener,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Diverting organic waste from the landfill reduces harmful emissions and supports sustainable waste management practices. I encourage everyone to help us stretch our diversion goals even further by making the green bin part of your daily routine.”
Green bin use statistics
- In Newmarket, GFL collects an average of 7,200 metric tonnes of organic waste annually. Newmarket currently sends 77 kilograms of organic waste per person, surpassing the York Region target of 71kg/capita by 2031.
- Approximately one third of garbage collected could go into the green bin:
- 12% of food waste still goes into the garbage.
- 11% of waste from diapers, sanitary products, and pet waste is improperly disposed of.
- 9% of paper towels and tissues also end up in the garbage.
Newmarket residents each have a role to play in helping to divert more from the trash can and into the green bin. If you don’t have a green bin, you can purchase one for a reduced cost from July 20 to August 14.
Green bins are available for $20.92 (regularly $29.89), and kitchen catchers are $6.13 (regularly $8.76). Purchase your bins online through newmarket.perfectmind.com or by calling Customer Service at 905-895-5193.
Bins will be delivered to your home by GFL. Green bins and kitchen catchers are also available for purchase in-person using debit or credit at the following locations:
- Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive)
- Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive)
- Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle Street)
- Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place (474 Davis Drive)
- Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre (1275 Maple Hill Court)
Participate in a waste management survey for a chance to win!
Residents can complete a survey to provide their feedback on the Town’s waste management program for a chance to win one of three $50 gift cards to a local Newmarket business. Learn more and complete the survey by Sunday, August 2 at HeyNewmarket.ca/GreenBin.
Newmarket’s green bin program
The Town of Newmarket offers weekly green bin collection. Place green bins at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day (no earlier than 5 p.m. the night before). Items accepted in the green bin include:
Coffee filters/grounds and tea bags
- Eggs and eggshells
- Fat, grease, and lard (solidified)
- Fruits and vegetables
- Bread
- Pasta
- Herbs, spices, and sauces
- Meat, fish, and shellfish (including bones)
- Cardboard that contains food residue (e.g. pizza box soiled with sauce, cheese, etc.)
- Paper towels/napkins and tissues
- Diapers
- Sanitary products
- Pet food, litter, waste, fur and much more!
Use certified compostable bags to line your green bin or kitchen catcher, ensuring all organic waste is properly bagged and securely tied. While compostable bags are preferred, clear plastic bags are also accepted. Please do not place organic waste in black garbage bags, as it will not be collected.
For more information on the green bin program, visit Newmarket.ca/GreenBin.