Since the implementation of weekly Blue Box and GreenCart collection and once every other week collection of garbage, the Region has received very few inquiries/complaints from residents regarding the disposal of diaper waste. Because of the volume of calls received to date, in addition to the public's acceptance of the new curbside program, the Region did not see a need to change the current waste collection schedule. Regarding the garbage bag limit, residents are allowed to place up to six bags at the curbside every other week.
Diapers and regular plastic items do not break down through the compost process and as a result lessen the quality of the finished product. Due to the contamination of plastic in the compost it is very difficult to market this material and therefore may not be reused in agricultural applications as intended and eventually end up in landfill. Halton Region has decided to keep diapers and plastics out of the GreenCart program as we have seen other municipalities like York, Peel, and Niagara struggle with their compost programs that contain plastic.
At the request of Regional Council we did investigate a number of options for the disposal of diapers, including a review of services offered in other municipalities with a collection service similar to ours. Here is the link to the Council report for your information http://sirepub.halton.ca/cache/2/kx1za0ugmgq44fa05ehw5555/6829611072008120209982.PDF.
The Diaper Bag Tag program recently approved by Regional Council permits households with young children in diapers or households that use diapers as a result of a medical condition, to dispose of diapers at no additional charge at the Halton Waste Management Site in Milton. These households may also utilize the Diaper Bag Tag to place more than the allowable six bags of garbage at curbside on their scheduled garbage collection day. Residents that have registered for the Diaper Bag Tag program will not receive weekly garbage collection; they will continue to have garbage collected once every other week. More information, including diaper service providers, can be found on our website at http://www.halton.ca/ppw/waste/diapers.htm.
Residents may call in to Halton Region at 905-825-6000 to request an application to join the program. Once the application has been accepted, residents will receive 30 bag tags that can be used throughout the year. The Region will monitor and evaluate the Diaper Bag Tag program and will report back to Council on the progress and findings of the program.
