Garbage | City of Peterborough

Curbside garbage collection takes place biweekly, usually on the same day of the week, except for on statutory holidays.

If we missed your garbage, let us know by completing our form

Curbside collection set-out guidelines

We accept up to four clear garbage bags per household for bi-weekly curbside collection.

Please ensure your clear garbage bags (no bins or containers for garbage) are set out at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day, but not set out before 6 p.m. the preceding day.
Each clear garbage bag should be no larger than 89 cm (26 in) by 90 cm (36 in) and weigh no more than 13.6 kg (30 lbs). Garbage must be in a clear transparent bag. Tinted bags will not be collected (blue, green, or black).
Garbage can not be set out in bins or containers – please set out the bag only.
Privacy bags: up to 3 smaller, opaque privacy bags may be placed in each clear bag. Privacy bags should be approximately 22 inch x 22 inch, 25 litre bags.
For bulky items, an acceptable “lift” is no longer than 1 m (3 ft) and weighs no more than 13.6 kg (30 lbs)
Commercial properties can put out up to 12 clear garbage bags every other week
Any bags over the limit are tagged and left behind
If your garbage isn't collected by 8 p.m. on your collection day, please remove it from the curbside.

Winter tip

To ensure safe and effective collection of your garbage, please ensure that bags are placed on a clear, level location - for example, at the edge of your driveway or on a cleared spot on a boulevard. Bags will not be collected if they cannot be safely reached by the collector.

Residents of the DBIA

Bag limit: Up to six bags (13.6 kg or 30 lbs each) can be set out per property, per collection day (a total of twelve bags per week per property).
It is not permitted to set garbage out in bins, pails or any other containers. Only clear bags will be accepted for curbside collection.
Clear garbage bags are mandatory for all residents in the DBIA that receive City garbage collection.
Privacy bags: Up to 3 smaller (approximately 22 inch x 22 inch, 25 litre), opaque privacy bags can be placed in each larger, clear garbage bag. An unlimited number of small clear bags can also be placed inside the larger clear bag.
No changes to weekly recycling collection.

DBIA set-out and removal times for collection:

Recycling containers shall be placed out for collection by the occupant not later than 6 a.m. on the day of collection, and not earlier than 5 p.m. on the previous day.
Recycling container removal: any container not collected shall be removed by the occupant by 9 a.m. on the day of collection.
Garbage (bags only) shall be placed out for collection by the occupant or owner not earlier than 5 p.m. and not later than 10 p.m. on the day of collection.

Multi-residential units

There are different services provided for household, depending on how many units are legally registered to a residential property.

Residential households and approved condos getting Green Bins

Green Bins get every week collection.
Clear bag garbage is every other week

Residences with between 2 and 6 units

Green Bins collection every week collection.
Clear bag garbage is every other week collection.
Only houses with legally registered secondary suites or additional residential unit will receive multiple Green Bins.
If not legally registered, residents may share one Green Bin for the entire property.

Condos – that are not getting Green Bins

Clear bag garbage will have collection every week
Green Bin service will be considered during a future phase

Multi-residential buildings – 7 Units or more

Clear bag garbage will be collected every other week. 2 lifts per unit, weekly.
Properties will not receive Green Bin services. This service will be considered during a future phase.

Condos and Multi-residential buildings with 7 units or more

Clear bag garbage will continue to be collected according to the existing conditions and schedule, pending Council review of the service.

Administrative Orders or Penalties may be issued to persons in contravention of the Waste Collection By-Law.

Items that are not accepted in curbside collection

Construction and renovation materials, including shingles, drywall, tiles, concrete, bricks and wood waste
Household Hazardous Waste
Tires and automotive parts
If your item is too large, you can book a Large Item Pickup

Search our Waste Wizard

Find out how to dispose of items like old appliances, electronics and construction materials. Click on the 'Wizard' icon below and enter the name of your item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Someone in my household uses diapers. Can I get weekly garbage collection?

Households with two or more children under the age of three in diapers may generate diaper waste resulting in a need for increased curbside collection. Complete the Diaper Exemption Application Form.

In cases where households that currently receives curbside collection of garbage by the City of Peterborough that have at least two children under the age of three who are in diapers residing in the residence, an exemption is available to provide up to two (2) clear bags (maximum of 13.6 kg / 30 lbs each) curbside on the week not scheduled for regular garbage pickup.

If approved, the term of the exemption will be for a maximum of 24 months from date of approval. All agreements will terminate immediately upon expiration of approved timeframes.

If you would like to request a diaper exemption due to a medical condition, please contact our Waste Management team by calling 705-742-7777 ext. 1657#.

What is the City doing about litter, and how can I help?

Keeping our streets, sidewalks, and green spaces safe and clean for everyone to enjoy is our priority. Litter looks bad, is harmful to the environment and animals, and is expensive to clean up. Help keep our streets, sidewalks, trails, parks and green spaces clean by properly disposing of waste. Reducing litter protects local ecosystems, wildlife and our drinking water.

Visit our Litter page to learn more about what the City does to clean up litter, and how to organize a litter clean-up event in your neighbourhood or favourite park, greenspace or trail.