Essex County Council May Lower Green Bin Fees After Resident Complaints in March 2024

Essex County is thinking about lowering green bin fees. This comes after many people complained about the new costs on their tax bills. The fees could be lower than the planned $150+ per year for some towns.
By Newsroom | Local Government, Environment |

Introduction

Essex County is currently debating whether to offer financial relief on green bin program fees for residents. The program, which started in October for some areas and aims to manage organic waste, has begun appearing on tax bills, leading to public questions and concerns. County council is scheduled to review potential adjustments to these fees in the near future, with a meeting set for March 18th.

Background

The implementation of a green bin program across Essex County has been a multi-stage process, involving various municipal approvals and planning phases.

  • Program Rollout: The green bin program was launched in Essex, LaSalle, Lakeshore, and Tecumseh in October 2023.

  • Phased Implementation:

  • Phase 1 Municipalities (Lakeshore, LaSalle, Tecumseh, Essex): Expected annual homeowner fees for 2026 are:

  • Lakeshore: $159.03

  • LaSalle: $158.28

  • Tecumseh: $154.13

  • Phase 2 Municipalities (Leamington, Kingsville, Amherstburg): Expected homeowner charges for the latter part of 2025 are:

  • Leamington: $33.80 (projected full year 2027: $159.93)

  • Kingsville: $33.66 (projected full year 2027: $159.07)

  • Amherstburg: $33.99 (projected full year 2027: $161.04)

  • Billing: Residents in municipalities that have already adopted the program will see a charge for three months of 2025 on their June tax bill.

  • County Council Decisions:

  • February 2023: The county budget was adopted, which included the planned green waste collection charge.

  • October 2021: Essex County Council passed resolutions related to the Regional Food and Organics Waste Program, approving a hybrid funding model combining a county levy with user fees.

  • January 2022: Council received correspondence from the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) and local municipalities regarding participation in the regional program, with a commitment to participate by March 31, 2022.

  • February 2026: Council approved the 2026 EWSWA Operational Plan and Budget.

Resident Feedback and County Response

Public reaction to the green bin fees has been notable, prompting discussions at the county level.

Essex County to consider relief from green bin fees - 1

  • Public Outcry: Reports indicate public dissatisfaction with the introduction of the fees.

  • Warden's Stance: Warden MacDonald has defended the inclusion of the green bin cost on tax bills, stating the program is provincially mandated and that Essex County is among the last in Ontario to implement it. The Warden noted there was no public input opportunity as participation was compulsory.

  • Cost of Living Concerns: Some residents and local officials have acknowledged the existing cost of living pressures, viewing the green bin charge as an additional burden.

  • Call for Transparency: There has been a call for greater clarity and transparency regarding the program's costs.

Potential Fee Adjustments and Funding Proposals

Recent county council meetings have focused on ways to address the financial impact of the green bin program.

  • Fee Deferral and Discussion: Essex County Council has postponed a decision on adopting user fees for the green bin program.

  • Proposal for Reserve Fund Use: A proposal suggests that the county utilize reserve funds to offset program costs. Specifics discussed include:

  • 2026: Reserve funds to cover 100% of Phase 1 program costs.

  • 2027: A 50% offset for Phase 1 municipalities and a 100% offset for Phase 2 municipalities.

  • 2028: A 50% offset for Phase 2 municipalities.

  • 2029: A move to full funding through the municipal tax levy.

  • Next Steps: County council is scheduled to consider these potential fee reliefs and funding models.

Expert Analysis and Context

The green bin program and its associated fees are part of a broader effort to manage waste and meet environmental objectives.

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  • Provincial Mandate: The program is described as "provincially mandated," suggesting a requirement driven by provincial environmental policies.

  • Waste Reduction Goals: Green bin programs are generally implemented to divert organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and extending landfill life.

  • Funding Models: The EWSWA has explored various funding models, settling on a hybrid approach combining general levy funding with user fees. This reflects a common challenge for municipalities balancing service costs with taxpayer affordability.

  • Timing of Implementation: The rollout and billing have occurred while many households are already managing increased living expenses.

Conclusion

Essex County is actively reviewing its approach to green bin program fees following resident feedback and the recent appearance of these charges on tax bills. While the program is presented as a mandatory provincial initiative aimed at waste management, council is now considering options, including the use of reserve funds, to mitigate the financial impact on residents. The upcoming March 18th council meeting is expected to provide further clarity on whether fee relief will be granted and how the program will be funded in the coming years. The county's decision will weigh the environmental objectives of the program against the current economic realities faced by its constituents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Essex County lower the green bin fees for residents?
Essex County Council is looking into options to reduce the cost of the green bin program. They will discuss using reserve funds to help pay for the program and lower the fees for homeowners.
Q: Why are residents concerned about the green bin fees?
The green bin program fees have started appearing on residents' tax bills, adding to current living costs. Many residents have spoken out about this new charge.
Q: When will Essex County decide on the green bin fee changes?
Essex County Council is scheduled to discuss potential fee relief and funding models at their meeting on March 18th.
Q: How much are the green bin fees expected to cost?
For Phase 1 towns like Lakeshore, LaSalle, and Tecumseh, the annual fee is expected to be around $150-$160 starting in 2026. Phase 2 towns will see smaller charges in 2025, rising to similar amounts by 2027.
Q: Is the green bin program required by the province?
Yes, the program is described as a provincial mandate, meaning Essex County is required to implement it to manage organic waste and meet environmental goals.
Q: What are the proposed ways to fund the green bin program?
The county is considering using reserve funds to cover a portion of the costs in 2026 and 2027, with a plan to move towards full funding through the municipal tax levy by 2029.