Ottawa residents could soon be able to throw dirty diapers, dog waste and plastic bags into their green bins if the company that processes Ottawa's organic waste wins a fight currently before a provincial tribunal.
Right now, those items are banned from Ottawa's green bin program. Although the city's 20-year contract with Orgaworld gives the city the option to include those items in its organic waste program, the city chose not to pursue that option.
Orgaworld is now urging the City of Ottawa and Ontario's Environment Ministry to allow the facility on Hawthorne Road to expand its operations to include the ability to process plastic waste and dog poop.
The company says the city should keep all options open.
"We have to be prepared," said Ward Janssens, of Orgaworld.
The company has also said just because Ottawa's green bin program doesn't allow diapers, shouldn't mean the plant can't process that waste from outside the city.
However, the city is against plastic waste because it will cost more. City officials are also concerned it would cause unwanted odours in the surrounding community.
"Should some time in the future we want to do that, then we would both amend the certificate of approval. There's no need to do it at this time," said Coun. Peter Hume, who spearheaded the city's green bin program.
He said the city also has concerns about the quality of the final product that would be produced from organic waste that includes plastic and dog feces.
Orgaworld has a 20-year contract with the City of Ottawa to process 70,000 tonnes of organic waste per year. The contract gives the city final say on what kind of waste is allowed.
The hearing is expected to wrap up next week.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
