Politicians back pilot project to allow pet waste in green bins

The proposal now heads to city council for final approval on July 21.

A city council committee has endorsed changes to London’s green bin program, including a pilot project that would allow about 1,900 households to add pet waste to their green bins starting this fall. In a brief discussion Tuesday, council’s infrastructure and corporate services committee unanimously endorsed the proposed 12-month pilot project for two London neighbourhoods. Accepted pet waste will include pet feces, but not animal bedding, such as hamster straw, or cat litter.

Residents who choose to participate will be required to place pet waste in a compostable bag before putting it in their green bin. Ward 12 Coun. Elizabeth Peloza questioned why hamster bedding would not be accepted during the pilot.

“I’m already getting questions about the hamster straw from this report, as residents have been waiting for it for two years and are hoping it’ll be included,” she said. Despite her concerns, Peloza voted in favour of the pilot, saying she is hopeful residents will follow the rules. “Already knowing that things that aren’t allowed are ending up in the bins without a pilot, I do question it, but I’m still interested in seeing where this one can go,” she said.

A city staff report estimates pet waste accounts for five to 10 per cent of landfill-bound waste by weight. The pilot is expected to begin in late September or early October in two Zone E collection areas, including parts of Wortley Village, Old South and White Oaks. According to the report, processing costs can be absorbed within the existing organics collection program budget.

The committee also voted to endorse expanding the green bin program to certain townhouse complexes after owners of those properties were given the option to opt out when the program launched in 2024. City staff recommended adding 67 of the 100 sites they reviewed, representing another 3,174 units, after determining many had the same characteristics as those already participating successfully. As well, the committee endorsed selling replacement green bins and kitchen containers at EnviroDepots and city hall beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

At current manufacturer pricing, replacement green bins are expected to cost about $25 and kitchen containers about $8. The report says selling them will allow homeowners and residents to offset the weight and overflow of existing bins. “Thank you to city staff.

I’m really excited for January 2027 coming,” Peloza said. “I know I’ve been asked by residents, and I think it’ll be well used.” The recommendations will go to city council for final approval July 21.