Garbage

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

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

Curbside collection set out instructions

We accept up to four clear garbage bags for bi-weekly household 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 set-out

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.

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

Residents of the DBIA

Garbage and recycling collection will continue on the current schedule. Residents and businesses in the DBIA are not included in the first phase of Green Bin collection.

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. Residents can learn more about additional residential units online.
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.

With the introduction of the weekly Green Bin (organic waste) collection alongside weekly Blue Bin (recycling) collection, the amount of garbage for landfill will be greatly reduced. Food waste and most household organics will be collected weekly through the Green Bin program.

The implementation of Green Bin programs in other communities has shown that there’s no longer a need for weekly garbage collection.

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

Large item collection

We provide a large item collection service for items that are too big or heavy for our regular curbside collection service. The cost is $30 for the first item and $15 for each additional item, except for mattresses and box springs. Mattresses and box springs are $30 each and do not count as a first item for qualifying for the reduced rate.

Large Item Pickup is available monthly from April to September. Booking for the 2024 season starts in March 2024. For further information contact 705-742-7777 ext. 1657.

We define large items as items weighing more than 13.6 kg (30 lbs) and longer than 1 m (3 ft).

Complete list of accepted items for large item collection service

Air conditioner*
Air hockey table
Area rug/carpet/underpad (rolled)
Bath tub
BBQ (no propane tanks)
Bicycle
Box spring/bed frame
Chair (any type)
Change table
Chesterfield (sectionals – each piece counts as one item)
Crib
Cushion/vinyl flooring (rolled)
Dehumidifier*
Desk
Dishwasher
Dresser
Dryer
Entertainment centre
Exercise equipment
Exhaust hood
Filing cabinet
Floor lamp
Freezer*
Furnace
Garden tools
Golf cart
Humidifier
Ironing board
Ladder
Laundry tub
Lawn mower
Lounge chair
Love-seat
Mattress (any size)
Metal storm/screen door
Microwave
Ottoman
Outdoor furniture (each piece = 1 item)
Packing/Steamer trunk
Patio umbrella
Planter
Pool cover
Portable heater
Refrigerator*
Shower stall
Sink
Snow blower
Stove
Swing set
Table (any size)
Toaster oven
Toilet (tank + stool = 1 item)
Washing machine
Water heater (domestic)
Wood stove

* A licensed technician must remove the Freon from these items before collection. Most appliance dealers offer this service for a fee. We won't collect these appliances unless they bear this certification. Items still containing Freon can be dropped off at the landfill, 1260 Bensfort Rd., for a fee of $20 per item, which includes Freon removal.

Items we don't accept for large article collection

Televisions, computers, electronics (take to Household Hazardous Waste Depot)
Freon items without certification that the Freon has been removed
Fluorescent Tubes, propane tanks (take to Household Hazardous Waste Depot)
Construction and demolition waste
Tires or other automobile parts
Fuel tanks, 45-gallon drums
Metal garage doors
Mirrors, windows
Stones, blocks, bricks, aggregate
Roofing materials and eavestroughing
Fluorescent light bulbs (take to Household Hazardous Waste Depot)
Cupboards, cabinets, wooden doors
Above ground pools
Fencing (wood or wire), fence stakes or posts
Outdoor storage sheds, dog houses
Hot tubs
Piano/organ

Frequently asked questions

What if I have children in diapers?

Households with two or more children under the age of 3 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 3 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.

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.

How do I dispose of my old television?

We don't pick up televisions during large article collection or the regular curbside collection. You can take televisions to our Household Hazardous Waste depot at no charge.

How do I dispose of drywall?

We don't accept drywall through curbside collection. You can take your drywall to the landfill, 1260 Bensfort Rd., fees will apply.

Where do I dispose of my old fridge, freezer, air conditioner or water cooler?

We accept these items on large article collection days as along as they are tagged by a licensed technician to certify that the Freon has been removed before the pickup. Otherwise, you can take these items directly to the landfill site, 1260 Bensfort Rd., where you will be charged $24 per item for the Freon removal.

Where can I take scrap metal?

You can take scrap metal to the public drop-off depot for recycling at the landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. There is a $7 charge for the first 100 kg, then a charge of $95 per tonne for scrap metal for quantities greater than 100 kg.

How can I dispose of Asbestos?

We don't accept Asbestos through curbside collection. You need to get pre-approval before taking it to the landfill. Please call 705-742-7777 ext. 2150 at least 24 hours before disposal to get pre-approval. Fees will apply.

How do I dispose of hangers?

You can put plastic hangers in your regular garbage for curbside collection. You can also take them to the public drop-off for recycling at the landfill, 1260 Bensfort Rd. Fees may apply at the landfill.

Where can I take my old lawnmower or boat?

You can take lawnmowers, boats and other large metal items to the landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. for recycling in the scrap metal bin. Fees may apply.

How do I dispose of my old mattress?

We only pick up mattresses and other large pieces of furniture through curbside collection on large item collection days.

How do I dispose of my old fridge or freezer?

These items, as well as other large appliances, can be picked up on our large item pickup days for a fee or you can take them to the landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd., where you will be charged $24 per item for items containing Freon.

Where do I dispose of my old air conditioner or water cooler?

For a fee, we can pick them up through curbside collection on large item pickup days as long as the items are tagged by a licensed technician to certify that the Freon has been removed before pickup. You can also take them directly to the landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. where a charge of $24 per item will apply for items containing Freon.

My neighbour has a mattress/chair/couch/appliance sitting at the curb. What can I do about it?

You can enter a complaint at Property Standards Complaint Form - Peterborough

How do I dispose of my old microwave?

You can take your old microwave to the drop-off depot at the landfill, 1260 Bensfort Rd. Fees may apply.

How do I get rid of my old computer monitor?

You can take old computer monitors to the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off depot at 400 Pido Rd.

Commonly asked questions about the new garbage collection program

Why is the City of Peterborough implementing a clear bag program?

The primary reason for implementing a clear bag (garbage) collection program revolves around worker safety and protecting the collector from cutting themselves on sharp objects such as broken glass or needles.

The collector is also able to conduct a quick scan to assess the contents within the clear bags to ensure that the contents does not contain recyclables or hazardous items such as oil, paint, pharmaceutical products of corrosive wastes are in the bag – these items should be disposed of at an appropriate facility (e.g. the Peterborough Household Hazardous Waste Depot).
We know that mistakes can occur and sometimes some recyclable material may end up in the clear bag. Our collectors also recognize this and use judgement when determining what to collect and what not to. A reasonable, practical tolerance level will certainly be observed when taking that quick look at the bag.

Does the use of clear bags for garbage increase the diversion of waste from landfill?

Yes. In fact, waste audits undertaken over the past two years in the City of Peterborough have illustrated that approximately 8–10% of residential garbage actually contains items that should presently be placed in a blue box for curbside recycling.

To date, over 2 million Canadian households now participate in clear bag garbage collection programs and the municipal waste diversion achievements are typically over 55%, some as high as 80% (e.g. Markham).

Why is garbage shifting to bi-weekly collection?

With the introduction of the weekly Green Bin (organic waste) collection alongside weekly Blue Bin (recycling) collection, the amount of garbage for landfill will be greatly reduced. Food waste will be put out weekly through the Green Bin program.

The implementation of Green Bin programs in other communities has shown that there’s no longer a need for weekly garbage collection.

What will be accepted in the Green Bin

Food waste

tea bags
coffee grounds and filters
eggs and egg shells
corn cobs and husks
meat, fish and bones
vegetable scraps and peels
shellfish
dairy products
cereal, flour
pasta, bread, grains, rice
nuts and shells
fruit cores, pits, peels
poultry (including bones)
halloween pumpkins (remove candles)
desserts, candy, chocolate
baked goods
food grease and fats
herbs & spices

Paper waste

tissues
paper napkins
food-soiled pizza boxes
paper towels
paper muffin cups (not waxed or parchment)
newspaper from bottom of bird cages
microwavable popcorn bags

Other materials

house plants
household pet waste (no plastic bags)
sawdust from untreated wood only
kitty litter (no plastic liner bags)
hamster / guinea pig cage bedding (wood and cedar shavings)
feathers and hair (animal or human)
cold wood ashes (wet and in a compostable bag)

What will not be accepted in the Green Bin

The following items can not be processed at our organics facility and should be disposed of in the garbage or recycling:

plastic bags and milk bags, baggies
plastic food containers
wax or plastic coated paper plates
plastic stir sticks
coffee pods
plastic-lined paper packaging
diapers
popsicle sticks
toothpicks
chopsticks
cotton balls
condoms
artificial plants
carpets and rugs
gum
make-up pads
cigarette butts
meat/fish tray absorbent pads
take out containers
pet pee mats
feminine hygiene products (sanitary pads)
dental floss
wax (candles)
clothing & rags
aluminum pie plates, trays
hot and cold drink cups
baby wipes
wine corks
dead animals
roasting pans
wax and parchment paper
aluminum foil wrap
cotton swabs (Q-tips)
dryer sheets & lint
vacuum bags
disposable mop sheets

What about my privacy and items I don’t want anybody to see?

The City will include a “privacy bag” allowance whereby you will be able to place up to three smaller (kitchen catcher size) bags within each larger clear bag. This provides an adequate method to shield items.

Key items that you may choose to place in a privacy bag include sanitary products, diapers, incontinence products, shredded financial information, medical / pharmaceutical objects (bags, tubes – not needles).

Who will be included in this program to use clear garbage bags?

Anyone who presently receives curbside garbage collection from the City will be required to use clear bags. This includes single family households, townhouses, row houses, businesses and places of worship.

As a resident, I am already diverting as much material from the garbage as I can, why do I have to do this?

As a resident already doing the best you can, congratulations, you are an Environmental Ambassador of our community, please keep it up – this program transition should be very seamless for you. The intent is to use clear bags as a tool to assist to encourage residents that presently do not recycle or only choose to recycle a little bit of material, to work diligently to divert more material from the garbage stream.

Curbside collection issues

If your garbage isn't collected or if you have other issues with curbside collection, please contact Public Works at 705-745-1386.