Apr 13th, 2026

Make a Difference in Your Community by Being a Waste Ambassador 

Do you want to live in a cleaner, greener community? Join the City of Ottawa’s Waste Reduction Champions program! This is your chance to make a real difference by helping your family and neighbours waste less, recycle better, and keep your neighbourhood beautiful. The program is open to anyone living in apartment buildings, condos, co-ops, or townhome communities with six or more homes. 

Who is eligible? 

• Anyone over the age of 18 

• Youth between the ages of 14 and 17 with a parent’s consent. 

What is a waste champion? 

Waste Reduction Champions people who volunteer to help their community waste less, recycle better, and compost more. All it takes is one hour a week for a year to make a big impact. Together, you can protect the environment and set a great example. 

Here are some of the ways you can help. 

• Organizing resident events such as:  

• Litter and debris cleanups around the property  

• Clothing, toy, or book swaps  

• Zero-waste and upcycling workshops  

• Community garage sales  

• Earth Day celebrations  

• Starting a green team, or eco-club, within your building to share responsibilities and ideas for waste diversion, recycling and reuse. 

• Supporting proper recycling and composting by helping neighbours understand how to use them, as well as tips and tricks. 

As a Waste Reduction Champion, you’ll get a list of fun activities to help your whole family get started. Pick the events and projects that work best for your building and your neighbours. Before you plan something, talk with your Tenant Experience Manager or Community Developer—they can help make your ideas a success. Ready to take action? Visit ottawa.ca/en/garbage-and-recycling/apartment-and-multi-unit-programs?page=3041009 to learn more and sign up today!