Ottawa

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Waste Management

Services for garbage, recycling, and compost collection in residential areas of Ottawa.

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Ottawa

Ottawa's waste management system is divided into three main categories: Garbage, Recycling, and Organics (Green Bin). Additionally, there are special programs for hazardous waste, bulky items, and yard waste.

a. Garbage (Black Bin)

  • What goes in the garbage?
    • Non-recyclable and non-compostable items such as:
      • Plastic bags and wrappers
      • Styrofoam
      • Broken glass (wrapped for safety)
      • Non-recyclable plastics (e.g., chip bags, straws)
      • Diapers and sanitary products
  • What does NOT go in the garbage?
    • Recyclables, organic waste, hazardous materials, or electronics.

b. Recycling (Blue and Black Bins)

Ottawa uses a dual-stream recycling system:

  • Blue Bin (Containers):
    • Glass bottles and jars
    • Plastic containers (with recycling symbols #1-7)
    • Aluminum and steel cans
    • Milk and juice cartons
  • Black Bin (Paper and Cardboard):
    • Newspapers, magazines, and flyers
    • Cardboard boxes (flattened)
    • Paper packaging (e.g., cereal boxes)
    • Books (remove hardcovers)

c. Organics (Green Bin)

  • What goes in the Green Bin?
    • Food waste (e.g., fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, bones, dairy)
    • Yard waste (e.g., leaves, small branches, grass clippings)
    • Soiled paper products (e.g., napkins, paper towels, pizza boxes)
    • Pet waste (e.g., dog feces, cat litter in compostable bags)
  • What does NOT go in the Green Bin?
    • Plastic bags (unless compostable), diapers, or hazardous materials.

d. Yard Waste

  • Yard waste is collected seasonally (spring and fall) and includes:
    • Leaves, grass clippings, garden waste, and small branches.
  • Place yard waste in paper yard waste bags or bundle branches with twine.

e. Hazardous and Electronic Waste

  • Hazardous materials (e.g., paint, batteries, propane tanks, chemicals) and electronics (e.g., TVs, computers) must NOT go in regular garbage or recycling bins.
  • These items can be dropped off at special Household Hazardous Waste Depots (see below for details).

f. Bulky Items

  • Large items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances can be placed curbside on garbage collection days. Some items (e.g., appliances with refrigerants) may require special arrangements.

2. Collection Schedules

Ottawa provides curbside collection for garbage, recycling, and organics. The schedule depends on your address.

a. How to Find Your Collection Day

  • Use the "Collection Calendar" tool on the City of Ottawa website or download the Ottawa Collection Calendar app.
  • Enter your address to view your specific collection days.

b. Frequency of Collection

  • Garbage: Every two weeks.
  • Recycling: Every two weeks (alternates weekly between Blue Bin and Black Bin).
  • Green Bin (Organics): Weekly.
  • Yard Waste: Seasonal (spring and fall).

c. Time of Collection

  • Place bins curbside by 7:00 AM on your collection day.
  • Ensure bins are not obstructing sidewalks or roads.

3. Disposal Procedures

a. Preparing Your Waste

  • Use city-approved bins for garbage, recycling, and organics.
  • Ensure bins are not overfilled, and lids can close properly.
  • Flatten cardboard boxes and rinse recyclables to remove food residue.

b. Bagging Rules

  • Garbage must be placed in plastic garbage bags or directly in the black bin.
  • Green Bin organics can be placed loose or in compostable bags (plastic bags are allowed but discouraged).
  • Recycling should be placed loose in the appropriate bin (no plastic bags).

c. Missed Collection

  • If your waste is not collected, report it to the City of Ottawa by calling 3-1-1 or using the online reporting tool.

4. Costs and Fees

  • Residential Waste Collection: Covered by property taxes; no additional fees for regular curbside collection.
  • Bag Limits: Residents can place up to 6 garbage bags/containers per collection. Additional bags require a $3 "Garbage Tag," available at local retailers or online.
  • Special Items: Some items, like appliances with refrigerants, may incur additional fees for disposal.

5. Special Sites and Facilities

Ottawa has several facilities and programs for waste that cannot be disposed of through regular curbside collection.

a. Household Hazardous Waste Depots

  • The city hosts Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Events throughout the year.
  • Accepted items include:
    • Paint, solvents, and chemicals
    • Batteries
    • Propane tanks
    • Fluorescent light bulbs
  • Check the City of Ottawa website for event dates and locations.

b. Landfill and Waste Facilities

  • Trail Road Landfill: Ottawa’s main landfill site for non-recyclable waste.
    • Location: 4475 Trail Road, Ottawa, ON.
    • Open to residents for specific waste disposal needs.
  • Take It Back! Program: A city initiative where local businesses accept specific items (e.g., electronics, batteries) for recycling or disposal.

c. E-Waste Recycling

  • Drop off electronics at designated depots or retailers participating in the Ontario Electronic Stewardship Program (e.g., Best Buy, Staples).

6. Tips for Effective Waste Management

  • Download the Ottawa Collection Calendar App: Get reminders and updates about your collection schedule.
  • Use the Waste Explorer Tool: Available on the City of Ottawa website, this tool helps you determine how to dispose of specific items.
  • Compost More: Ottawa allows pet waste in the Green Bin, which is unique compared to many cities. Take advantage of this to reduce garbage.
  • Participate in Hazardous Waste Events: Safely dispose of hazardous materials to protect the environment.

7. Contact Information

  • City of Ottawa Waste Management Services:
    • Phone: 3-1-1 (within Ottawa) or 613-580-2400 (outside Ottawa)
    • Website: ottawa.ca
  • Trail Road Landfill:
    • Phone: 613-580-2424 ext. 33221

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your waste in Ottawa while contributing to the city’s sustainability goals. Let me know if you need further assistance!