The price of a garbage bag tag in Owen Sound could be rising by 20 per cent this summer.
Owen Sound’s operations committee endorsed a staff proposal to increase the price of a bag tag to three dollars each — a 50 cents hike — effective July 1.
City council still needs to formally approve the proposed increase, which was included in a fees and charges report to the operations committee at its May 15 meeting.
Owen Sound residents are required to purchase and attach a tag to each garbage bag placed curbside for pick-up during bi-weekly collection. The price of a bag tag is currently $2.50, and hasn’t increased since 2011.
In late 2023, council resolved to increase the price of a bag tag to $3.50 each, but later backtracked on the decision and maintained the status quo.
The city’s waste management service is expanding in June to include a new green bin program. It will offer weekly curbside collection of food waste and other compostable materials, while regular garbage and recycling pick-up will continue bi-weekly.
“While the exact financial impact of the fee increase is not yet clear, it is anticipated that the reduction in garbage volume, due to the increased participation in the green bin program, will affect the city’s waste management budget,” a staff report to the operations committee explains. “The increase in bag tag fees is expected to help offset the reduced revenue from garbage collection. After one year, the financial effects will be reviewed to determine if any further adjustments are needed.”
