Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question please e-mail us.

Can I put liquor and wine bottles in with my container recycling (yellow can)?

Yes, liquor and wine bottles are acceptable with your container recycling, but we encourage you to "Bag it Back" to the Beer Store. Effective February 5, 2007 all liquor and wine bottles, glass and/or plastic, aluminum cans and tetra paks (soft sided containers) purchased at LCBO stores can be returned to the Beer Store for a refund. Click for More>>

Can I use bio-bags (plastic compostable bags) in my Green Cart Program?

NO, your Green Cart Organics Program runs on a "NO PLASTIC" policy although
there are several plastic bag products on the market that claim to be
biodegradable or compostable. These so called bio-bags while technically
compostable do not conform with our program since in our experience they
do not always break down in the process and we tend to get a lot more non-compostable plastic bags (grocery, milk, bread, etc.) than those that claim to be compostable.

Click here to see a picture of bio-bags and plastic bags that did not compost
during our composting process.

What products can I use in my mini-bin and green cart?

If you wish to have a product to collect kitchen food waste, several stores
in the area carry paper bags designed for your green cart. Otherwise, as
you are aware material can be placed loose, in newspaper or other paper
products to help absorb moisture and odours.

Which way should my cart be turned at the curb?

Your cart should be placed approximately 5ft from the road with the handle
and wheels facing away from the road to ensure complete and safe dumping
of the material. There should be sufficient space between your green cart and
blue box to allow for proper collection.

My cart is broken. Where can I get a new one?

Your Municipal Office is responsible for repairing or replacing Green Carts
due to damage from Collection. Please contact them directly to make
arrangements.

Town of Petawawa - 613-687-5536
City of Pembroke - 613-735-6821 x1410
Township of Laurentian Valley - 613-735-6291

Why wasn't my garbage/organics/recycling picked up today?

If your material was not picked up at your curb you need to ask yourself
the following questions:

• Is it the correct day for my pick up?
• Did I have it out to the curb by 5:00 a.m.?
• Is it the right day for the material I placed at the curb?

If you have received a rejection sticker on your material it will say why it
was not picked up. If you have any questions or your material was missed,
please contact your municipal office or the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre Hotline.

What are your hours of operation?

The hours of operation for the facility are as follows:

Winter Hours - December 1 - March 31

Summer Hours

April 1 - July 1, 2008

July 2 - September 30, 2008

October 1 - November 30, 2008 - To Be Announced

Please Note:  Hours Subject to Change

When can I take my hazardous waste to the facility?

Hazardous or Special Waste (HSW) is accepted year round at the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre (during regular operating hours).  Residents can drop off hazardous waste free of charge.   Click here for information on items accepted, municipalities accepted and alternatives to HSW.

When will I be able to get compost from the facility for my garden?

Compost screening is usually done in the spring and fall of each year so
watch the papers for Compost Sale Dates (available while quantities last).
Click Here for Sale Dates

What if I use a backyard composter?

We encourage you to continue using your backyard composter. You can use
your organic cart for items you wouldn't normally place in your backyard
composter such as meat, bones, fish, fat, non-recyclable paper products
and any surplus leaves or yard waste.

When is curbside Spring and Fall Clean-Up?

Your Spring and Fall Clean-Up dates are noted on your collections schedules.  Please ensure that all items are placed curbside on the date specified.  Please check your collection schedule for acceptable items. Click here for more information

Should I place my Green Cart out for every Green Cart collection if it is
not full?

It is a good idea to place your Green Cart out for collection when scheduled
even if you only produce a small amount of compost. This is a good practice
in the summer as it will help your Green Cart stay cleaner and keep odours down.

I have too much yard waste and it won’t fit in my green cart. What
can I do with it?

Residential Leaf & Yard waste can be dropped off at the OVWRC during regular operating hours free of charge when free of plastics. For Leaf & Yard Waste
collection dates in your Municipality please click here.

What do we do about animals getting into the cart?

The carts are designed with vent holes that promote air circulation which
will minimize odours. With fewer odours the carts will be less likely to attract
animals. A piece of rope or a ‘bungee’ cord will hold the lid down.

How do I keep my Green Cart clean?

All waste collection containers can become unsanitary if not properly managed, including your Green Cart, especially during the summer months.  Try some of the following suggestions to help minimize unsanitary conditions in your Green Cart this summer.