Town Services

Organic Waste Collection

The Town of Calmar provides an organic waste collection program to help reduce landfill waste and turn food and yard materials into compost.

When is organic waste collected?
  1. May to October: Collected weekly on Mondays
  2. November to April: Collected once per month
What goes in the organic waste bin?

You can place the following items in your organic roll‑out bin:

  1. Food scraps (fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, bones, dairy, leftovers)
  2. Food‑soiled paper (paper towels, napkins, pizza boxes)
  3. Coffee grounds and filters, tea bags
  4. Grass clippings and yard waste (leaves, small branches, plant waste)
  5. Pet Waste

Accepted materials are based on the requirements of the processing facility. Please follow the guidelines to ensure your material can be properly composted.

What does NOT belong in the organic bin?

Do not place the following in your organic bin:

  1. Plastic bags or packaging
  2. Diapers or sanitary products
  3. Glass, metal, or cardboard
  4. Treated or painted wood
  5. Hazardous waste
  6. Cat Litter
Organic bins

Organic roll‑out bins are provided to residents and are associated with each property. If your bin is damaged or missing, please contact the Town Office for assistance.

Tips for keeping your bin clean

Concerns about odours and pests can be minimized by:

  1. Using approved compostable liners
  2. Draining excess liquid from food scraps
  3. Keeping the lid closed
  4. Rinsing the bin occasionally
  5. Setting the bin out regularly, especially during warmer months

These simple steps help keep the program clean and manageable year‑round.

Why organic waste collection matters

Organic waste is taken to a processing facility where it is turned into compost instead of going to landfill. The finished compost is used to improve soils for agriculture, landscaping, and environmental projects.

There is no additional cost to residents for this program, and diverting organic waste helps reduce overall waste management costs. (Tipping fees are lower for organic waste)

Stay informed

  1. View the Green Bin Program – Resident Information (PDF)
  2. View the updated collection schedule
  3. View the one‑page guide to sorting waste
  4. Review the list of accepted organic materials

For more information please contact the Town Office Monday through Friday, 9am – 4:30pm at 780-985-3604