Organics Program

One of the best ways we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save space in our landfills is through the reduction and proper disposal of our household organic waste. There are many options when it comes to disposing of our organics and Trent Lakes is committed to providing an organics program that works for everyone.

Organics at the Transfer Station

This fall we will be accepting organic waste at all four of our transfer stations! Semi-underground organic waste receptacles have been installed at tall four of our Transfer Stations. Organic waste must be contained in a brown paper bag or a BPI Certified compostable bag before being disposed of in one of our underground organic waste receptacles. Alternatively, residents may bring organic waste in a container of their choice and dump the contents into one of the receptacles.

How Can I Help?

If you've got space in your yard why not get a composter or a digester?

A composter is a great place to put any leftover food scraps. Plus, it leaves you with a nutrient dense compost that can be used for gardening or houseplants.

A digester is great if you are worried about bad smells or attracting wildlife. Digesters are buried underground, reducing odors, which means less unwanted visitors. You won't be able to harvest the compost though!

Click here to see what products we have available for purchase at the Municipal Office.

The best way to reduce the amount of organic waste going into our landfills is by not having any in the first place!

Rethink the way you buy groceries. Am I buying more than I need? Do I usually end up throwing out this vegetable? Am I buying more than I need because there's a sale?
Keep an inventory (write it down or keep it in your head) of what you have in the fridge.
Every couple days, check on your produce. How long before it starts to go bad?
If you are ever overwhelmed with how to use those leftover veggies, just make a stew!

What Counts as Organic Waste?

What Can Go Into Organics

food waste
tea bags
coffee grounds and filters
eggs and egg shells
corn cobs and husks
meat, fish and bones
vegetable scraps and peels
shellfish
dairy products
cereal, flour
pasta, bread, grains, rice
nuts and shells
fruit cores, pits, peels
poultry (including bones)
halloween pumpkins (remove candles)
desserts, candy, chocolate
baked goods
food grease and fats
herbs & spices
paper waste
tissues
paper napkins
paper towels
paper muffin cups (not waxed or parchment)
newspaper from bottom of bird cages
microwavable popcorn bags
other materials
house plants
sawdust from untreated wood only
hamster / guinea pig cage bedding (wood and cedar shavings)
feathers and hair (animal or human)

Note: Yard waste (like brush and leaves) is collected separately and should be disposed of separately.

The following items cannot be processed at the Peterborough organics facility and should be disposed of in the garbage or recycling:

What Cannot Go Into Organics?

The following items cannot be processed at the Peterborough organics facility and should be disposed of in the garbage or recycling:

plastic bags and milk bags, baggies
plastic food containers
wax or plastic coated paper plates
pizza boxes
plastic stir sticks
coffee pods
plastic-lined paper packaging
diapers
popsicle sticks
toothpicks
chopsticks
cotton balls
condoms
artificial plants
carpets and rugs
gum
make-up pads
cigarette butts
meat/fish tray absorbent pads
take out containers
pet pee mats
kitty litter (no plastic liner bags)
household pet waste (no plastic bags)
feminine hygiene products (sanitary pads)
dental floss
wax (candles)
clothing & rags
aluminum pie plates, trays
hot and cold drink cups
baby wipes
wine corks
dead animals
roasting pans
wax and parchment paper
aluminum foil wrap
cotton swabs (Q-tips)
dryer sheets & lint
vacuum bags
disposable mop sheets
wood ashes

Sign up to our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the municipality's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.

Sign Up Today!