Changes to Recycling Collection Now in Effect

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Province of Ontario has taken over responsibility for residential recycling collection.

The Township will no longer provide recycling services. Instead, recycling collection will be managed by Circular Materials Ontario (CMO) on behalf of producers.

✅ Garbage collection will continue as usual.
📅The recycling collection schedule will continue as usual.
♻️ For materials accepted and service questions, please visit:
👉 www.circularmaterials.ca

For more information on the upcoming change, visit the Circular Materials Website:

 [Circular Materials Ontario Site]

Starting June 2026

Changes Coming to Your Garbage Pickup

Starting June 2026, your garbage pickup is getting overhauled. You’ll receive wheeled carts, organics will be collected weekly, garbage will move to bi-weekly pickup, and bag tags will be eliminated. Collection days will also change as we move to a new, more streamlined system. Here’s what these changes mean for you, and how to get ready.

Your waste collection service is changing in June 2026.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • You will receive a wheeled garbage cart and wheeled green bin (organics) cart.

  • Green Bin (organics) will be picked up every week.

  • Garbage will be picked up every two weeks.

  • Bag tags will no longer be used.

  • Your collection day may change.

Waste Management will continue to provide collection services as the Township’s contracted provider.

What’s Changing

1. Wheeled Waste Carts

Each household will receive a Township-issued garbage cart and green bin (organics) cart.

  • Carts have wheels and attached lids.

  • Collection trucks will use automated lifting arms to lift and dump the waste into the truck.

  • Carts help improve safety for collection staff and increase efficiency.

Two Cart Sizes Available

You will be able to choose:

  • Standard cart (included with regular service)

  • Larger cart (available for an additional cost)

We will share cart dimensions, pricing, and how to select your preferred size before delivery.

2. New Collection Schedule

Starting June 2026:

  • Green bin (organics): Weekly pickup

  • Garbage: Every two weeks

  • No more bag tags

Weekly organics collection will help reduce waste going to landfill.

3. Collection Days and Routes Will Change

Your pickup day will likely change.

Current Schedule

  • Pickup routes are completed on Monday and Wednesday.

  • Two routes are completed on each day.

Expected New Schedule (to be confirmed)

We anticipate the new schedule will include pickups Monday through Thursday, with one route completed per day.

The final collection schedule is still being confirmed. We will post updated schedules and route maps before the new system begins.

What You Need to Do

Right now:

  • Nothing changes! We’ll share more details soon.

Before June 2026:

  • Watch for information about cart delivery.

  • Choose your cart size (if upgrading).

  • Check your new collection day.

  • Make space at the end of your driveway for your cart.

Cart Use FAQ

We know you may have questions about using wheeled carts. Here are the answers to the most common questions we've received.

  • Tilt the cart slightly toward you.

  • Roll it using the wheels.

  • Keep the lid closed while moving it.

Carts are designed to be easier to move than carrying multiple garbage bags.

If you have a long or rural driveway, you must bring your cart to the end of your laneway on collection day.

You can either transport the cart to the end of your laneway on your pickup day, or there are many rural residents who prefer to build a small garbage enclosure at the end of their driveway.

This allows the cart to:

  • Stay near the road.

  • Be easily accessed for pickup.

  • Reduce the need to move it long distances each week.

If you build an enclosure, just make sure that you:

  • Do not block traffic or sightlines.

  • Ensure the cart can be easily rolled out for collection.

  • Keep the area clear of snow and obstacles.

This is optional, but it can be a helpful solution for long driveways.

The wheeled carts are designed to move well in all weather, but our harsh winters can pose a challenge. Sometimes using a small plastic sled under the cart can help it glide over heavy snow in the winter months.

To make sure your cart is collected in winter:

  • Clear a path to the cart.

  • Place it on level, shoveled ground.

  • Do not place it behind snowbanks.

  • Keep the lid fully closed.

If the cart is blocked or not safely accessible, it may not be collected.

Before launch, we will provide detailed set-out instructions. In general:

  • Place the cart at the end of your driveway.

  • Face it toward the street.

  • Leave space around it (away from vehicles, mailboxes, and snowbanks).

  • Make sure the lid is fully closed.

If you regularly produce more waste, you may choose the larger cart for an additional cost.

With weekly organics collection and recycling handled separately, most households should find the standard cart meets their needs.

Why We’re Making This Change

The new system will:

  • Reduce waste going to landfill

  • Support weekly organics collection

  • Improve safety for workers

  • Modernize equipment and service

  • Eliminate bag tags

Timeline

Now – Spring 2026
Planning and public updates

Spring 2026
Cart delivery and education campaign

June 2026
New wheeled cart collection begins

More Information Is Coming

Before the new program starts, we will share:

  • Confirmed collection days

  • Route maps

  • Cart size options and pricing

  • Cart delivery timing

  • Accepted materials lists

  • Set-out instructions

Check back here for updates as we get closer to June 2026.

Contact Us

Township of Georgian Bluffs
177964 Grey Road 18,
Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5

Send Email to Georgian Bluffs
Phone: 519-376-2729
Fax: 519-372-1620