City of Windsor Green Bin Program Clarification: There is No New Charge to Residents for Green Bin Program in 2026
The City of Windsor is clarifying inaccurate information contained in a graphic currently circulating on social media regarding the new Green Bin Program.
The City of Windsor is not considering an additional charge to residents through property tax bills to cover the costs of the rollout or implementation of the mandatory Green Bin Program. Incremental program costs in 2026, as well as the cost of the new bins themselves, are proposed to be recovered through available capital funding sources, in keeping with the City’s commitment to affordability while implementing this provincially mandated program.
The Green Bin Program is required by the Province of Ontario and is being implemented across Windsor‑Essex in phases. While overall program costs are shared between the City of Windsor and the County of Essex through the Essex‑Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA), each municipality independently determines how it pays for its share of those costs.
Recently circulated information has incorrectly suggested that Windsor residents will face a new or additional charge related to the Green Bin Program on their 2026 property tax bill. This is not accurate for Windsor.
The Green Bin Program is designed to divert food waste and organics from the Essex‑Windsor Regional Landfill, which is projected to reach capacity by the year 2040. Organic diversion can reduce household garbage by up to 40%, lower greenhouse gas emissions, generate renewable energy, and produce nutrient‑rich fertilizer.
The City encourages residents to seek information from official City of Windsor channels and verified sources when questions arise.
Learn more about the Green Bin Program in Windsor.
Quote:
“While we cannot take responsibility for misinformation making the rounds, I am sorry that Windsor residents have been left questioning how the provincially mandated and important Green Bin Program is rolling out and being funded in the City of Windsor. Let me be clear: No, Windsor is not adding a separate charge to tax bills to cover the cost of the program nor of the new bins themselves. In Windsor, we are recovering costs for the program through capital funding and will not be levying an additional charge. Many Ontario cities have long-running programs that are successful in diverting organic waste from community landfills. Since rollout in Windsor in October of 2025, the results have been positive in our community. We’re working to divert waste from the landfill, extend its life, avoid the high costs of establishing a new landfill – which could be well over $600 million, and doing our part to reduce greenhouse gases. I encourage Windsorites to participate in the program to help make a difference today and for future generations.”
- Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens