Sudbury·Audio

Sudbury releases 'Waste Wizard' trash sorting app as bag limit drops from 3 to 2

The curb-side garbage bag limit is about to drop in Greater Sudbury — and more help has come for residents who have questions about which of the city's three collection bins should be used for waste.

City says nearly 90 per cent of households are already putting out fewer than 2 bags a week

Starting on Mon., Sept. 10, Sudbury residents will be limited to putting out two garbage bags on collection days.

The curb-side garbage bag limit is about to drop in Greater Sudbury — and more help has come for residents who have questions about which of the city's three collection bins should be used for waste. 

The "Waste Wizard" app was developed by the city to alleviate some of the confusion surrounding where to toss certain types of trash: blue bin, green bin, or garbage pail. 

Starting Mon., Oct. 10, residents will be limited to putting out two garbage bags on collection days in the ongoing effort to divert waste from landfills.

Councillor Mike Jakubo thinks providing a simple-to-use app will help answer questions residents may have about their trash.

"It could be garbage. It could be organic and go in a green cart. Or, it could go in a blue box. But this Waste Wizard will tell you where that piece of whatever will go, and which box it should go into," Jakubo said.

According to the city, nearly 90 per cent of Greater Sudbury residents already put out two bags of garbage or less to the curb each week.

There are exceptions to the incoming two bag rule. Greater Sudbury offers a program for people with children under the age of four who are in diapers.

There is also an exception for people living with medical conditions that result in a lot of of non-recyclable waste.

In 2019, Greater Sudbury will further reduce the number of allowable garbage bags for pick up from two down to one.

More information on waste collection, and the Waste Wizard app can be found here.