Clear Bag Transition in Muskoka Begins March 3rd
Bracebridge Deputy Mayor, Brenda Rhodes, announced a reminder that the clear garbage bag transition begins on March 3rd in Muskoka, in the February 12, 2025, Bracebridge Council meeting.
Rhodes, who is also on the District of Muskoka’s Engineering and Public Works Committee, clarified that “no other coloured bags are allowed.”
She advised that residents could continue to drop off dark bags at waste management sites until January 2026, until they transition to the clear bag system as well.
For people that are concerned about lack of privacy using clear bags, Rhodes suggested putting them in a bin while on the curb.
She continued that the first three weeks of the transition will allow for flexibility, with notices placed on bags.
She added that Glad has given the District coupons for residents, for purchasing clear bags.
The goal of the campaign is education first, advised Rhodes, while encouraging everyone about the importance of the transition. She said she understands that it may be frustrating, however, past waste diversion efforts haven’t worked, which led up to the decision to this new process.
During a recent visit to the Rosewarne landfill site Rhodes said “I wanted to pull my hair out” because the first truck that dumped garbage had a bag in it that was half filled with recyclables. Other concerns included people not using the green bins for composting.
Another issue the clear bags addresses is needles, said Rhodes.
She added that the waste management by-law is also being “cleaned up” to reflect the recent changes and to ensure there is clarity about bag limits, times, and so on.
She also warned that bags are not to be put out on the curb days before pick up, and suggested “it’s worth it to have a look at the by-law.”
For more information about the transition, she encourages people to visit the District website, under “waste management.”
Bracebridge Mayor, Rick Maloney, indicated there’s been a 10% increase in waste diversion since the introduction to clear bags.
Councillor, Debbie Vernon, inquired about the types of communication being used to inform the community, and whether the information has been mailed to residents.
Rhodes advised that the District has a “robust campaign,” including reaching out to businesses about clear bags, and other efforts that are indicated on their website, and said she will look into the mail outs.
Councillor, Barb McMurray, inquired about whether seasonal residents have been informed about the change, especially if they don’t have pick ups from the waste conversion trucks.
Rhodes advised that they have until January 2026 at the landfill sites, and the Lake Associations may inform them as well.
Councillor, Archie Buie, suggested that notifications be included in the upcoming tax bills.
Maloney emphasized that changes are required in behaviours and the process, which will all have an impact, and confirmed that the goal is to approach the transition from an educational standpoint, rather than a “heavy handed” one.
He continued that the diversion rate “has always languished compared to other municipalities,” with Muskoka in approximately a 30% rate versus the 65% in other areas. He said “it doesn’t make sense” given the pride the community expresses about their environment.
Maloney also warned, “The province is not issuing new licences for new land fills” which presents a challenge because the sites are getting full, hence this new initiative.
