Owen Sound Rolls Out New Garbage Bag Tag Design With QR Codes and Weatherproofing
Owen Sound residents will begin seeing new square garbage bag tags with weatherproofing and updated features as part of ongoing service changes.
Owen Sound is changing how it labels household garbage. A new garbage bag tag design is being introduced across the city, replacing the old strip-shaped version with a square format featuring a scannable QR code and upgraded materials that will withstand extreme weather conditions, the City says.
The new tags are designed to function in a wide temperature range, with a minimum application temperature of -29°C and a service range between -54°C and 94°C.
The update on November 21 stated that the change is intended to improve visibility for collection contractors and provide residents with easier access to waste-related information.
The QR code links to online resources, including garbage pickup schedules and disposal tips.
Despite the format change, the price of each tag remains $3.00. The new square tags will begin appearing at retail locations as vendors run out of their current supply. Both the old and new designs will be accepted during the transition.
The introduction of the new design comes six months after Owen Sound City Council approved a fee increase for bag tags as part of its 2025 fee schedule review. The cost per tag rose from $2.50 to $3.00 following a unanimous council vote on May 26. A similar fee increase had been proposed and defeated in January 2024.
Residents are reminded that all garbage placed at the curb must have one tag per bag, and that tags are available for purchase at multiple vendor locations listed on the city’s website. Each tag must be affixed directly to a garbage bag and be clearly visible to ensure pickup. The City warns that bags without visible tags will not be collected.
Those enrolled in the city’s green bin program are encouraged to continue using it to reduce overall garbage output and minimize the number of tags needed. The city also recommends using the Recycle Coach app to check proper disposal methods for specific materials.