Ottawa residents are using their green bins more, and landfills less, according to the latest figures from the city.

The amount of organic waste collected during the first three months of 2013 is up 29 per cent over the same period last year.

The amount of recyclables collected also rose.

Household trash sent to landfill dropped by 19 per cent.

The chair of the city's Environment Committee calls the numbers "encouraging," as the city continues to assess the effects of bi-weekly garbage pick-up, which started last fall.

It was anticipated that with the introduction of a new collection schedule, residents would begin using their green, black and blue bins more.