The company handling Ottawa's green bin program is making a pitch to get permission to process diapers and plastic bags at its new Ottawa plant.
Although the city's composting program does not include diapers, Orgaworld wants the Ontario government to grant the company permission to process the material.
The company says just because Ottawa's green bin program doesn't include diapers, it doesn't mean the plant can't process diaper waste from outside the city.
Meanwhile, Ottawa city council warns that if the company gets approval, it will likely create a stink in the surrounding area.
"We believe based on the experience of other municipalities -- particularly Toronto -- that has the potential to cause odours in the plants that are detrimental to the surrounding community and threatens the quality of compost," said Coun. Peter Hume.
However, Orgaworld insists that smell won't be a problem. A company spokesperson said even with plastic waste, the plant will still meet government odour standards.
Both sides will present their arguments before Ontario's environmental review tribunal in May.
The city says the dispute won't affect the rollout of Ottawa's green bin program, which is set to begin in January.
Meanwhile, a city committee is now recommending a $59-fee for the green bin, instead of a yearly fee of $68.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Vanessa Lee
