Let's be clear about garbage!
Starting in 2025, the City of Cornwall will require garbage to be contained in clear bags, or loose in garbage cans. A clear bag program supports diversion initiatives such as the blue box recycling collection and a green bin organics (kitchen waste) collection, which is provincially mandated and will operating in 2025.
The privacy of residents is important. With a clear bag collection program, a small 25 litre opaque (non transparent) bag is permissible to be contained within the clear bags. Residents and businesses would still be able to use garbage cans, as long as the waste is loose in the garbage can or is contained in clear bags.
The clear bag program officially began in January, 2025. There will be a three month 'soft launch' period before enforcement of the program begins. This soft launch period will allow City staff to communicate with the residents and answer any questions or concerns about the program. The soft launch will also provide additional time for residents to use any existing stocks of opaque bags they may have.
If you have any questions or comments about the new program, please email the Waste Management Team at wm@cornwall.ca or call 613-937-1777.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is Cornwall’s Clear Bag Program? |
| Starting January 1st, 2025, we are asking Cornwall residents to switch from dark garbage bags to clear garbage bags. You can set out up to 4 clear bags of non-recyclable/non-compostable garbage per week. |
| When should I start using clear bags? |
| The program takes effect January 1st, 2025. A soft launch period will take place until April 1st, 2025. This gives residents time to use up their dark bags. |
| Why is Cornwall changing from dark bags to clear bags? |
| Black garbage bags can hide a multitude of materials that should not be in the garbage such as toxic items - paint, solvents, batteries as well as recyclables. Progressive municipalities audit what is in residents’ garbage bags to improve waste management practices. Recent audits and audits performed by the province indicate high amounts of textiles, paint, household hazardous waste, food, paper, recyclables and thousands of household batteries are being sent for disposal. Clear bags will aid our collectors to identify materials that are banned from disposal. Unfortunately, our collectors have been injured from hidden glass, nails and other sharp items hidden in the dark bags. Using clear bags keeps our collectors safe from injuries. |
| Will someone be looking through my garbage? |
| No. Collectors will not be going through or opening your garbage bags. A quick visual inspection will occur. If collections staff notices 10% or greater of divertible material within the clear bag, a notice will be given to the resident or business. |
| Will clear bags cost more and where can I buy clear bags? |
| No, clear bags will be similar pricing as dark bags. Clear bags can be purchased at any retail location that sells garbage bags. |
| What about my privacy? |
| If you have security concerns, use one small opaque bags (25L or less) inside the clear bag or place your clear bag inside a garbage can. Reminder – items such as confidential papers / bills, tissues, soiled paper, feminine products go in your Green Bin which is collected weekly. |
| What if I use solid colour bags under my sink throughout my home (i.e. grocery bags), can I tie them and throw them in? |
| Each household is permitted to use one small opaque bag (25L or less) within your clear bag. Your privacy is important to us; please remember that most bathroom waste (tissue, paper, feminine products) should be placed in your Green Bin. |
| What happens if I don’t use clear bags as of April 1st, 2025 effective date? |
| Clear bags will help Cornwall identify residents who do not recycle or compost at all. After several reminders during the soft launch period, dark coloured garbage bags set out for collection may not be collected. Our priority is to encourage everyone to participate. |
| Can I use a clear bag for my recyclables? |
| No. Recyclables need to be loose in your Blue Box or in blue transparent plastic bags. Residential blue box recycling programming is transitioning to Full Producer Responsibility in 2025 as well. The collection requirements could change when the transition occurs. |
| Can I use a garbage can instead of a clear plastic bag? |
| Yes! Residents can skip the clear bag altogether and place their waste directly into their garbage container. This is considered the ‘best practice’ as it helps eliminate plastic waste from the Landfill Site. |
| Do other communities use clear garbage bags? |
| Yes! Many communities have transitioned to clear bags over the last 20 years. Other communities include: Markham, Guelph, Orillia, Massena, Peterborough, Leeds and Grenville, Dufferin County, Grand Valley and the majority of communities in Nova Scotia and all of Prince Edward Island just to name a few. |
| Why does Cornwall keep changing collection rules? |
| Waste management has had many changes over the years. Changes in collection services as part of a sustainable waste management system. Cornwall is looking to increase the current diversion rate from 40% to a target of 80%. Increasing diversion extends the life of our Landfill Site, saves taxpayers money and aligns the City with municipal, provincial and federal sustainability goals. |
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