Collection zones and schedule

Garbage and recycling are collected every second week, on alternating weeks. Organics, including kitchen and yard waste, is collected weekly.

To ensure your waste is collected, make sure your carts are at their collection point between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day.

Your collection day depends on where you live. The City has five collection zones to improve efficiency and reliability. Your collection day will shift by one day after each weekday statutory holiday (the add-a-day schedule).

Waste Wizard

Sign up for weekly reminders and service alerts using our interactive Waste Wizard tool. You can also use it to print a calendar customized for your address:

  1. Enter your home address in the search box under the calendar.
  2. Scoll down and click "Get a reminder!"
  3. Pick the reminder you'd like to receive. You can sign up for multiple reminders.

Collection zones

To view the collection schedule for your zone:

Collection guide

  • Place carts at the curb between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on your collection day.
  • Position carts close to the roadway without blocking traffic, sidewalks or bike lanes.
  • Leave at least 1 metre (3 feet) of space around each cart.
  • Ensure there is 3 metres of clearance above the carts.
  • Lids must be completely closed with the arrows pointing towards the street.
  • Garbage carts: Secure all garbage in tied or sealed bags. Do not loop bags around the top of the cart.
  • Recycling carts: Place materials loose in the cart — do not use clear plastic bags. Contain shredded paper in a paper bag or cardboard box.
  • Organics carts: Do not use biodegradable or compostable plastic bags. Only use unlined paper bags, newspaper or food-soiled cardboard.

For full details, refer to the automated curbside cart collection guide [PDF - 1 MB]

Assisted set-out service

Residents with mobility challenges can request an assisted set-out service for an additional fee. Contact Operational Services to register.

Waste collection fees

Solid waste collection fees cover:

  • Contracted collection services (Emterra Environmental)
  • Regional landfill tipping fees
  • Regional organics processing costs
  • A 2 per cent administration fee

Fees are self-funded, meaning they directly reflect service costs. Charges appear on your annual property tax notice.

For more information on billing, contact Emterra Environmental: