Green Bin: FAQs

Green Bin Basics

What size bins can I get?

There are 3 sizes we recommend:

• 1.85 gallon beige bin for classroom use (school orders from vendor)

• 35 gallon green bin for lighter usage (caretaker contacts FTL to order) 

• front-end container for heavier usage (caretaker contacts FTL to order)

Whose responsibility is the Green Bin Program?

Like the recycling program, responsibilities are shared throughout the school. The Principal and Care­taker can decide on the best central locations for the outside collection containers and residential­ size bins. These larger bins will need to be emptied and lined by the Caretaker daily, or as needed, and always before a weekend or holiday. Staff and students are responsible for regularly emptying and cleaning any room sized bins they are using.

Is the school Green Bin program the same as the City of Toronto residential program?

Yes, the program is the same. Use the green bin posters and labels for guidance on what goes where.

Our school is interested in expanding our program on a larger scale. What do we do to receive additional bins?

Place an or­der for additional inside collection containers from the ?????; to request additional outside bins contact your Facili­ty Team Leader.

Bins and Bags

Should we be using compostable bags?

No. The City of Toronto does not want people to use compostable bags for the green bin pro­gram. Residential-sized bins and outside collection containers can be lined with plastic bags (these are removed during processing). To minimize waste, line your classroom-size green bin with clean paper towels, newspapers, or paper bags and empty regularly.

Who is responsible for purchasing bags and/or paper towels to line the room-size containers?

The cost of bags or paper towels for the room-size containers is covered by the school based budget.

How often do the classroom-size bins need to be emptied?

If they only collect paper towel you may be able to empty it at the end of the week. If you use it for food try to empty it every day to avoid smells and pests.

Where should the 35 gallon carts be stored during the week?

Storage of the 35 gallon carts during the week will be left up to the discretion of the Head Caretaker and Principal based on available indoor and outdoor space. To reduce smells and pests, tie off bags tightly before placing them in the bins and rinse out as needed.

Pests and smells

How do we avoid pests and smells?

Empty inside collection containers daily or as needed. Tie off plastic bags tightly before placing in outside collection containers. Always close the lids after use and clean the bins regularly. 

We have a few fruit flies, what should we do?

A fruit fly trap is a simple way to get rid of fruit flies. Pour half inch of apple cider vinegar in a jar and few drops of dish detergent. Cover with a piece of clear plastic wrap held in place with an elastic band and punch small holes in the plastic. Fruit flies will be attracted to the smell but once in are unable to escape. http://gardentherapy.ca/fruit-fly-trap/

What are some strategies for keeping the classroom-size bins clean?

Staff and students are responsible for keeping the classroom-size bins clean. Some tips for cleaning these bins include:

• Empty the bins regularly

• Line the bins with clean paper towels, newspapers, or paper bags. Learn how to make your own newspaper origami bin liners at https://youtu.be/BfEX85V9n8w

• One school created a small cleaning station with a vinegar and water spray bottle and paper towels beside their designated collection areas. Staff and students used these items to clean­ out their bin after emptying it.

Program planning

What are some ways that we could start a manageable small scale Green Bin Program at our school?

• Start collecting paper towels in the washrooms

• Place 35 gallon green bin(s) in the lunchroom/cafeteria

• Place 35 gallon green bin(s) to collect food waste created by the breakfast, snack, lunch, daycare, and/or hospitality program

Our school already runs a boomerang lunch program, do we need to start a Green Bin Program as well?

All schools are required to participate in the Green Bin Program as part of the Board's contract with the City. 

Now that we're running the Green Bin Program our bulk garbage bin is often half-full when it gets picked up. Can we have fewer garbage pick-ups?

Yes. If your school is currently on twice a week pick-up you could consider moving to once a week pick-up. If you are already on once a week pick-up your Caretaker can place a DO NOT DUMP sign on the bin (available from their Facility Team Leader).