London’s new green bin program a hit. . . with squirrels

London’s new green bin program hasn’t launched officially yet, but the bins already are being serviced by neighborhood critters.

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Ahead of the Jan. 15 start date for the city’s overhauled garbage, recycling, and now compost collection, residents already are reporting problems with pests getting into their brand new bin for food scraps.

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In a post to the Old East Village Community page on Facebook, resident Taylor Conley shared an image of their green bin on a patio with a gaping hole seemingly chewed through the corner. “Wonder what the city’s plan is to manage this kind of damage,” the post reads.

Commenters shared similar experiences with other pests for both their composting and garbage bins, and offered tips. Some commentators complimented the prowess of the squirrel.

“I am pretty positive the OEV wildlife have superpowers. They are much stronger and more resilient than any other wildlife I’ve encountered,” comment Kelly Bromley said.

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A post about similar damage also popped up on Reddit, in the r/londonontario communityasking for remedies to keep squirrels out of the green bin.

Many offered similar home remedies, and other solutions such as keeping compost inside metal bins, or imploring others to keep their bins inside. Others continued to poke fun at the damage.

“Food waste, in THIS economy? Eat your egg shells!” posted a reddit user who goes by Emotional_Guide2683. A followup reply from a user who goes by TragicMagic81 helpfully suggested eating the squirrel, too.

Jay Stanford, city ​​hall’s director of waste management, said he has faith Londoners will come up with solutions to keep animals out of their green bins. He points out the program rolling out in the city is based on similar programs in other cities that have been operating for years.

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The bins have a built in-locking mechanism. When it comes to animals that take a more hardcore approach, Stanford said many of the methods Londoners may have used on their garbage to deter animals should work the same.

“It will become a little more consolidated, no doubt about it, but a lot of people have practices in place,” he said. “Now, we’re encouraging them to accommodate the green bin into those practices.

“I don’t think anyone has a perfect solution for a crafty raccoon.”

Stanford said the city will release a more comprehensive guide to deterring pests in the spring, as temperatures rise and the potential for maggots increases, but offered some tips to help keep away invaders.

Keeping bins inside a garage or shed is the most effective way, he said, but for those who don’t have that option:

• Keep bins away from fences, railings and walls to keep animals from climbing above and jumping down onto the bins
• Make sure the bin is shut tight
• If possible, keep the bin off the ground to determine ground level animals
• Use certified compostable bags, or wrapping or covering compost in paper or newspaper to contain the smell

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