Who Runs the Green Bin Program — County or Municipality?

The Green Bin Program is a regional program run by the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) — a joint board of the County of Essex and the City of Windsor — with the County of Essex responsible for setting service levels. It is not operated by the Municipality of Lakeshore, even though the fee appears on Lakeshore tax bills.

Who is responsible for the green bin program?

EWSWA, established as a joint board of the County of Essex and City of Windsor in 1994, operates the program. The County of Essex is responsible for establishing service levels, and Ontario's organics-diversion requirements sit behind the whole effort. County Council approved the regional program in 2022 and the user-fee funding model in 2024.

Then why is it on my Lakeshore tax bill?

Although the decision is made at the County/regional level, the user fee is collected through local property tax bills. That split — a County decision on a local bill — is exactly why many residents are unsure who to ask about it.

Who do I contact with questions?

Questions about the program itself (service, materials, results) go to the County of Essex / EWSWA; questions about the charge on your bill go to the Municipality of Lakeshore. Clearer signposting of that is one of the things Sam is calling for.

In Sam's words

“Clear and easy-to-understand information would help residents understand which level of local government is responsible for different services and where to direct their questions.”

Sources: County of Essex — Green Bin Program FAQ; Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA); Sam Sinjari campaign statement.

Green Bin FAQ → · Sam's full statement →