Restaurants Invited to Participate in Community Green Bin Initiative

Peterborough, ON – A project to expand the City of Peterborough Green Bin program to a select number of restaurants and food-generating businesses, including within the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), will help inform the next phase of the successful organic waste diversion program. Businesses interested in participating in the project can fill out a form at peterborough.ca/GreenBin until March 6, 2026. 

Businesses not selected for the initial rollout of the project will be considered as the program expands. 

The City’s Green Bin program launched on October 31, 2023, with about 28,000 households starting organic waste collection service. The service has significantly increased waste diversion from landfill. The City is now beginning to extend organics collection to the commercial sector to further strengthen Peterborough’s sustainability efforts. 

The project for Phase 2 of the Green Bin program will begin with approximately 25 voluntary participants, primarily restaurants in the downtown and surrounding areas, with the potential inclusion of other food-generating establishments. This focused approach will allow the City to refine collection methods, address logistical considerations, and optimize service routes before broader expansion. 

By participating, businesses can: 

• Reduce garbage volumes; 

• Keep food out of the landfill; 

• Cut greenhouse gas emissions; 

• Turn food scraps into compost and valuable resources; 

• Demonstrate environmental leadership; 

• Support Peterborough’s sustainability goals. 

This start-up phase will help shape a future city-wide program while giving participating businesses early access to service.