Winnipeg

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Waste Management and Recycling

Guidance on garbage disposal, recycling, and composting services in Winnipeg.

Sections

1. Waste Management and Recycling Overview in Winnipeg

The City of Winnipeg provides waste management services to residents, including garbage collection, recycling, and yard waste programs. The city aims to reduce landfill waste and encourage recycling and composting through its programs.

2. Categories of Waste

Winnipeg’s waste management system is divided into several categories:

a. Garbage (Non-Recyclable Waste)

  • Includes items that cannot be recycled or composted, such as:
    • Plastic bags and wrappers
    • Styrofoam
    • Broken glass
    • Non-recyclable plastics (e.g., #6 plastics)
    • Diapers and sanitary products

b. Recycling

  • Includes items that can be processed and reused, such as:
    • Paper and cardboard
    • Plastic containers (#1, #2, #4, #5)
    • Aluminum and tin cans
    • Glass bottles and jars

c. Organic Waste (Yard Waste)

  • Includes:
    • Grass clippings
    • Leaves
    • Branches (under 10 cm in diameter and 1 meter in length)
    • Garden waste

d. Hazardous Waste

  • Includes items that require special disposal, such as:
    • Batteries
    • Paint
    • Electronics
    • Fluorescent light bulbs
    • Household chemicals

e. Bulky Waste

  • Includes large items like:
    • Furniture
    • Mattresses
    • Appliances (e.g., fridges, stoves)

3. Costs and Fees

The City of Winnipeg funds waste management services through property taxes, so there are no direct fees for regular garbage, recycling, or yard waste collection for residential properties. However, there are costs associated with specific services:

a. Bulky Waste Pickup

  • Residents can schedule bulky waste collection for free by contacting 311 (Winnipeg’s municipal service line). However, there may be limits on the number of items collected per request.

b. Landfill Disposal Fees

  • If you transport waste directly to a landfill, fees apply:
    • Brady Road Resource Management Facility (main landfill site):
      • $15 minimum fee for loads under 100 kg
      • $105 per tonne for loads over 100 kg
    • Additional fees may apply for specific items like tires or appliances with refrigerants.

c. Hazardous Waste Disposal

  • Hazardous waste drop-off is free for residents at designated depots (e.g., Miller Environmental Corporation).

4. Procedures for Recycling and Waste Disposal

Winnipeg has a structured system for waste and recycling collection. Here’s how to navigate it:

a. Garbage Collection

  • Frequency: Weekly curbside collection.
  • Procedure:
    • Use the black garbage cart provided by the city.
    • Place the cart at the curb by 7:00 AM on your collection day.
    • Ensure the lid is closed, and the cart is not overfilled.

b. Recycling Collection

  • Frequency: Weekly curbside collection.
  • Procedure:
    • Use the blue recycling cart provided by the city.
    • Rinse containers and flatten cardboard boxes before placing them in the cart.
    • Do not bag recyclables; place them loose in the cart.

c. Yard Waste Collection

  • Frequency: Bi-weekly (seasonal, typically from April to November).
  • Procedure:
    • Use compostable paper yard waste bags or reusable containers labeled “Yard Waste.”
    • Place bags or containers at the curb on your collection day.

d. Hazardous Waste Disposal

  • Procedure:
    • Drop off hazardous waste at designated depots, such as:
      • Miller Environmental Corporation (1803 Hekla Avenue)
      • Check the city’s website for mobile collection events.
    • Ensure items are properly sealed and labeled.

e. Bulky Waste Pickup

  • Procedure:
    • Schedule a pickup by calling 311 or using the city’s online service request form.
    • Place items at the curb on the scheduled day.

f. Landfill Disposal

  • Procedure:
    • Transport waste to the Brady Road Resource Management Facility (1777 Brady Road).
    • Follow on-site instructions for sorting and disposal.

5. Local Considerations

Here are some important tips and considerations for navigating Winnipeg’s waste management system:

a. Collection Schedule

  • Use the City of Winnipeg Collection Calendar tool to find your garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection days. You can also download the Winnipeg 311 app for reminders.

b. Cart Placement Guidelines

  • Place carts at least 1 meter apart and away from obstacles like parked cars, fences, or trees.
  • Ensure the wheels of the cart face your house.

c. Recycling Contamination

  • Avoid placing non-recyclable items in the blue cart, as contamination can lead to entire loads being sent to the landfill.

d. Community Recycling Depots

  • If you have excess recyclables, you can drop them off at community depots located throughout the city.

e. Illegal Dumping

  • Dumping waste in unauthorized areas is illegal and subject to fines. Report illegal dumping to 311.

f. Special Programs

  • Winnipeg offers special programs to encourage waste reduction:
    • Leaf It With Us: Drop off leaves and yard waste at designated depots.
    • Compost Winnipeg: A paid service for residential and commercial compost collection.

6. Key Resources and Contacts

  • City of Winnipeg 311: For all waste management inquiries, scheduling bulky waste pickup, or reporting issues.
  • Brady Road Resource Management Facility:
    • Address: 1777 Brady Road
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Miller Environmental Corporation:
    • Address: 1803 Hekla Avenue
    • Phone: 204-925-9600

7. Practical Tips for Newcomers

  • Understand the System: Familiarize yourself with the waste categories and collection schedule as soon as you move in.
  • Labeling: Clearly label yard waste containers to avoid confusion.
  • Stay Updated: Check the city’s website or app for updates on collection schedules, especially during holidays or extreme weather.
  • Participate in Recycling Programs: Take advantage of free hazardous waste drop-offs and community depots to reduce your environmental footprint.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively navigate Winnipeg’s waste management and recycling system while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable city.