Garbage

Curbside garbage collection takes place weekly, 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 two garbage lifts – bags, cans or bulky items that meet the requirements for acceptable lifts – each week for household curbside collection.

Please ensure your garbage is at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day, but not before 6 p.m. the preceding day
Each household can put out up to two garbage “lifts” each week
- An acceptable “lift” for a garbage bag is a plastic garbage bag that's no larger than 89 cm (26 in) by 90 cm (36 in) and weighs no more than 22 kg (50 lbs)
- An acceptable “lift” for a garbage can is a garbage can that's no larger than 120 L (30 gallons) and weighs no more than 22 kg (50 lbs)
- For bulky items, an acceptable “lift” is no longer than 1 m (3 ft) and weighs no more than 22 kg (50 lbs)
For commercial properties, you can put out up to four containers per week
The collection limits are doubled for the week after Christmas
Any bags over the limit are tagged and left behind
Overflowing garbage cans don't meet the definition of one lift
Remove bungee cords or bricks that are holding down your garbage before collection
If your garbage isn't collected by 8 p.m. on your collection day, please remove it from the curbside

Curbside: unacceptable items

Construction and renovation materials, including shingles, drywall, tiles, concrete, bricks and wood waste
Household Hazardous Waste
Tires and automotive parts

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 $10 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. Book your large item pickup online. For further information contact 705-742-7777 ext. 1657.

We define large items as items weighing more than 23 kg (50 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

The six large item collection days in 2023 are:

April 24 (cut off date for booking is April 18 at 4:30 p.m.)
May 29 (cut off date for booking is May 23 at 4:30 p.m.)
June 26 (cut off date for booking is June 20 at 4:30 p.m.)
July 24 (cut off date for booking is July 18 at 4:30 p.m.)
August 28 (cut off date for booking is August 22 at 4:30 p.m.)
September 25 (cut off date for booking is September 19 at 4:30 p.m.)

Frequently asked questions

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?

Please call 705-742-7777 ext. 1891 to report large articles stored at the curbside.

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.

Changes to garbage collection program, fall 2023

As part of the City's Waste Management Master Plan Update, changes to the residential garbage collection program were approved by City Council on February 27, 2023. Among the changes being considered:

A weekly household organic waste (Green Bin) collection program, expected to start October 31, 2023
Along with the Green Bin program, clear garbage bags would be required for curbside collection of garbage
With the introduction of weekly Green Bin collection alongside weekly Blue Bin (recycling) collection, changing to every-other-week garbage collection since much of the waste generated will be diverted through the Green Bin and Blue Bin waste collection

Commonly asked questions

Why does the City of Peterborough want to implement 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).

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 one smaller (kitchen catcher size) bag 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).

Where does food waste go?

The City is proceeding with the implementation of a source separated organics (food waste) collection program at the same time as the clear bag garbage collection program for all single family residences.

All households will be receiving a green bin for the collection of their food waste as well.

How do I get a Green Bin?

Green Bins will be delivered to eligible properties beginning in September 2023 and is expected to be completed by mid-October. After receiving their Green Bins, residents are encouraged to wait until about October 20, 2023 before starting to use them to store food waste for collection.

Informational material will be distributed with the Green Bin.

The Green Bin for curbside collection is a heavy duty, pest-proof cart with a locking mechanism on the lid.

How many clear bags will we be able to place at the curb on collection day?

All residences presently receive two lifts per collection schedule (presently weekly). The City is pursuing implementing the collection of garbage every-other-week to coincide with the weekly collection of recycling and organic waste.

This is happening because so much material will be diverted through weekly Green Bin (organic waste) and weekly Blue Bin (recycling) collection that garbage amounts will be greatly reduced.

Will my collection schedule change?

The City is presently working on optimizing collection routes and schedules, so there is the potential that some residences will see their day of collection change. However, everyone will get the same level of service, regardless as to where they live.

Once routes are finalized, the City will provide updated information accordingly, including a Waste Management Collection Calendar that will identify all collection schedules effective October 31, 2023.

Collection calendars will be included in the new program information kits delivered to all single family residences between mid-September and mid-October.

The City will also make collection calendars and schedules available online (targeting summer 2023).

Won’t there be too much garbage to hold until collection day if garbage is collected every other week?

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.

When does this program start?

The City is working towards the launch of this program for late October 2023.

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

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

Do I have to participate in this program and use clear bags for garbage placed at the curb?

Yes, the City is in the process of updating the waste management collection bylaw. It will be mandatory, effective October 31, 2023, that only large clear bags placed curbside by single family households will be collected.

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.

My blue boxes are already full, what do I do?

There is no limit to the number of blue boxes residents can place at the curb. Blue boxes continue to be sold at the subsidized rate of $8 per box – either the tall box for container items or wider box for paper items, and the smaller box with handle for accessibility at $5.

Blue boxes can be purchased at the following locations:

City Hall (500 George St. N.)
Peterborough Green Up (378 Aylmer St. N.)

Will local retailers offer clear bags in their stores?

Yes. In fact, as all of the townships within the County of Peterborough have already transitioned to a clear bag garbage collection program, clear bags should be readily available now.

However, the City is interacting closely with local retailers and their head offices, and companies that supply plastic bags to local stores to ensure that stores offer appropriate product and load up on adequate supplies to meet the community demand.

Do clear plastic bags cost more than opaque (black) plastic bags?

No, the costs of plastic garbage bags should be the same. Both clear plastic and opaque (black) plastic bags are manufactured from the same type of plastic resin – typically linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film. The only difference between the bags is that dyes (colouring) would have been added to colour the bag.

From a sales perspective, the manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) should be equal (if not less) between the two products.

Price differences may occur based on individual bag sizes, package counts, closure type (e.g. drawstring, easy-tie), brand name vs. private label/no-name.

What should I do with my leftover opaque garbage bags?

The City will provide notice of the upcoming change several months in advance of the program implementation. Ideally, residents will be able to use them up before the program begins.

How do I get more information on this program?

The City will be sending information on the changes to garbage collection and the new organics collection program to all households through the mail well ahead of the changes.

Information will be posted on the City website with key, timely information to assist all residents.

Information will be shared through local media (e.g. radio, television, newspaper, online news outlets) as well as through roadside display boards and social media channels to support awareness.

To kick off the program, informational material will be distributed along with Green Bins to all eligible properties starting in September.

Residents are welcome to call the City Waste Management Division during regular business hours at 705-742-7777 ext. 1657.

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.