Ottawa councillors green light green-bin fees

Councillors on the city of Ottawa's planning and environment committee have voted to charge homeowners directly for curbside organics and recycling pickup.

The committee voted six to two on Tuesday to add a $68 fee for the new green bin service, as well as a $41 fee for blue and black box pickup.

If passed by city council, the new fees will be added to the $86 residents already pay each year for regular garbage pickup, and will appear as separate charges on their property tax bills.

News of the proposed fees has angered many residents, particularly those who don't want to pay for the green bin program because they already compost their organic waste.

But Coun. Peter Hume, chair of the city's planning and environment committee, said Ottawa needs the green bin program.

"We have the second lowest diversion rate in the province of Ontario, and for a city like Ottawa, leading from the back of the pack is not where we should be."

Hume said the new fees will be fair because the cost of the waste programs will be removed from the general tax base.

The proposed fees will be considered by city council in January.