Green Bin

Residents of Northumberland County can participate in the Green Bin program to help keep organic food waste out of the landfill, by recycling this material into compost instead. Through this program, it is anticipated that we will keep upwards of 3,000 metric tonnes of material out of the County's last remaining landfill every year.

Download the green bin flyer

Bin specifics

Green bin

The green bin holds up to 12 gallons. Please note that each bin can weigh no more than 20 kgs (44 lbs) for curbside pickup.

Purchase a Green Bin

Kitchen catcher

This smaller bin can be kept on your counter or under the sink to collect kitchen scraps. You can line your kitchen catcher with a compostable bag, paper bag, newspaper, or no liner at all. When full, empty the contents of the kitchen catcher, including your tied bag or liner, into your green bin.

Super tip: Keep a bag or container in your freezer for meat scraps and bones. On collection day, put these scraps in your green bin. This will keep pests and odours away, especially during the summer months.

What can I put in the green bin?

Materials accepted in the green bin
  • Meats
  • Bones
  • Poultry
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs
  • Table scraps and plate scrapings
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Bread, dough
  • Pasta and grains
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea bags
  • Food soiled paper
  • Kitchen paper towels
  • Paper bags
  • Greasy pizza boxes 
  • Certified compostable bags
  • Pumpkins

Materials that are NOT accepted in the green bin
  • Plastic bags
  • Leaf and yard waste
  • Diapers
  • Pet feces or litter/bedding
  • Plastic, metal or glass of any kind
  • Cork
  • Candles
  • Dryer lint
  • Vacuum cleaner bags
  • Large game carcasses (such as a deer)
  • Take-out coffee cups, t-discs, k-cups
  • Rubber bands
  • Painted or treated wood
  • Medicine and vitamins
  • BBQ ashes

Collection day tips

  • Green bins are collected weekly by a separate truck
  • Set your green bin at the roadside on your regularly scheduled waste collection day by 7 a.m. 
  • Place your green bin at the curb every week, unless empty—you do not need to wait until your green bin is full
  • Green bins on snowbanks will not be collected
  • Do not use your green bin for any other type of waste—it is for food waste only

Purchase a green bin

Green bins are available for $20 each at these locations:

  • Northumberland County Headquarters
    555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg
    Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.