Solid Waste Master Plan

The District of Muskoka is planning for the future of waste management through its Solid Waste Master Plan, a 30-year roadmap focused on reducing waste, increasing diversion, improving services and preserving landfill capacity.

The bag tag program is one of the initiatives identified in the Plan. It is intended to support a fair and consistent approach to garbage management across Muskoka while providing residents with more flexibility.

Why is the District planning this change?

Rosewarne Landfill has limited remaining capacity. Reducing the amount of garbage sent to landfill and increasing recycling, composting, reuse and other diversion will help extend its useful life.

The bag tag program is one part of the District’s long-term approach to managing waste responsibly and making the best use of existing waste services and infrastructure.

Is the bag tag program being introduced now?

No. There are no changes to current garbage collection or drop-off requirements at this time.

The bag tag program is planned for 2028 and will be introduced as part of the phased implementation of the Solid Waste Master Plan.

The District will provide residents with clear information about how the program will work, when it will take effect and what residents need to do well before any changes are introduced.

Will other waste services also change?

The bag tag program is one of several initiatives included in the Solid Waste Master Plan. Changes will be introduced gradually, and some initiatives will require additional planning or future decisions.

Residents will receive information about individual changes well before they take effect.

District Council approved Muskoka’s Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) on June 15, 2026, establishing a long-term roadmap to guide waste management decisions over the next 30 years.

With the Master Plan approved, the District is moving forward with the evaluation, planning and phased implementation of priority initiatives. Each initiative will require further assessment and, where applicable, additional Council consideration before implementation.

One of the first major initiatives moving forward is a Garbage Bag Tag Program, planned for implementation in January 2028. Detailed program development is now underway, including evaluation of the program framework, administration, distribution and public education needs.

Other priority initiatives identified through the SWMP will continue to be evaluated and advanced over the coming years as part of the District’s commitment to reducing waste, increasing diversion and protecting Muskoka’s remaining landfill capacity.

Residents can learn more about the Master Plan and its 23 recommended options through the resources below:
View the solid waste playbook for more information.
View the one-page summaries for more information.
View the final solid waste master plan document.
Listen to the supported podcast that explains in further detail online. Disclaimer: This service uses an artificial-intelligence tool to support information processing. District staff review and approve all final content and outcomes.

The Project Team is excited to announce that the Final Solid Waste Master Plan is being presented to District Council on June 15, 2026.

The Solid Waste Master Plan provides a clear, 30‑year framework to address these challenges by reducing waste generation, increasing diversion, and improving how services are delivered across the District. The Plan is informed by technical analysis, industry best practices, and extensive public engagement, and establishes a phased, flexible approach to implementation.

This report seeks Council endorsement of the Solid Waste Master Plan as the District’s long-term strategy and direction to proceed with implementation, including development of the necessary by-laws and program elements.

Links to report documents can be found below:

Final Solid Waste Master Plan

Final Solid Waste Master Plan - Technical Options One-pagers

Final Solid Waste Master Plan - Podcast