In the fall of 2024, Ottawa residents will have to cope with a new trash limit — starting September 30, all homes will be able to throw away just three items of trash every two weeks.

Environmental Assistants (EEAs) will be visiting homes in September, October and November to provide information about the new rules and answer questions. They will not be entering homes, but will be interacting with residents at local events. The goal of the change is to reduce unnecessary waste and extend the life of the Trail Road landfill until 2049 as part of a new waste management program.

The three-item limit is the biggest change to trash rules since 2012. One item of trash is a trash bag, a 140-litre container up to 140 litres, or a large item such as furniture. For example, a combination could include one 140-litre container, a bag and broken furniture. The transition to the new rules will be gradual: in October, garbage will be collected, excess will be noted, and from December, excess items will be left with a notification.

Yuri Natchetoy