Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Cart delivery is taking place from June 15 - 26, 2026. 

If:
  • You haven't received carts and you are supposed to be on the new curbside collection schedule,
  • You have received carts and they are faulty or are missing any parts (like handles),
please contact us through Contact GB or at 519-376-2729 and provide:
  • Your name
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number

  • No, you do not need to be home to receive your cart delivery.
  • Each cart has a barcode associated with the address it belongs to.

The following road sections are not wide enough to accommodate a cart collection vehicle. These roads will continue to receive manual collection, taking place weekly on Fridays. Organics bins will be provided to these sections and will be collected weekly.
  • Francis Drive, North of Spencer Street
  • Mallard Street & Spencer Street, off of Grey Road 1
  • Shepard Lake Road
  • Browns Lane and William Street
  • North Bass Lake Road, Sutherland Road, Grey Road 17, and Lakeview Drive in the Bass Lake area.
  • Ivy Drive
  • Private Drive & Dewar Street will be getting a community bin. 
All property owners that are impacted will be contacted directly by mail with further information about their collection.

The new curbside collection schedule will begin the week of July 6, 2026. Each household will receive a copy of the new schedule by mail. You can also click the link below, or scan the QR Code to download the new collection schedule, and find your new pick-up day. 
New Schedule:
  • Mondays – North Keppel
  • Wednesdays – Sarawak
  • Thursdays – Derby
  • Fridays – South Keppel
Quick links: 
Scan this QR code to find your pick-up day:
 

Council has approved refunds for bag tags that are returned to the Township office. Refunds will be provided in cash for returns below 20 bag tags. For returns of 21 bag tags or more, a cheque will be issued. Unused tags must be returned for a refund by September 30, 2026.

If you do not wish to use carts, you may alternatively bring your waste to the Miller Waste Transfer station in Owen Sound for a fee. You will not be given a refund for the carts you received as part of the new collection system. 
If you are unable to use the carts due to accessibility or mobility needs, you can apply to receive smaller bins that are easier to transport. Complete an Accessible Collection Service Application.

All About Carts

Each household will receive:
  • 1 Garbage Cart: 64 gallons (collected biweekly)
  • 1 Recycling Cart: 96 gallons (collected biweekly)
  • 1 Organics Cart: 32 gallons (collected weekly)

If a single 64‑gallon waste container does not meet a resident’s needs, a second container of the same size may be requested. Residents will be able to purchase one additional cart per stream with the following conditions: 
  • Cost: $130 per year + HST per cart
  • Must be requested by the homeowner (not tenant)

Larger carts are not available. With weekly organics collection and recycling handled separately, most households should find the standard cart meets their needs. To learn more about sorting waste, here is a guide to What goes Where. 
If a single 64‑gallon waste container does not meet a resident’s needs, a second container of the same size may be requested. Residents will be able to purchase one additional cart per stream with the following conditions:
  • Cost: $130 per year + HST per cart
  • The annual fee for the cart will be added to your property tax bill after the first year.
  • Must be requested by the homeowner (not tenant)

To request smaller carts, please contact us through Contact GB or at 519-376-2729 and provide:
  • Your name
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Which bin you will need a smaller size for

You can choose to opt out of the organics (green) bin if you prefer. 
To opt out, please contact us through Contact GB or at 519-376-2729 and provide:
  • Your name
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Which bin you would like to opt out of
Please note that the only cart available to opt out of is the organics (green) bin. All other carts are required. For more information on accessibility accommodations for carts, please Complete an Accessible Collection Service Application.

Do not put recyclable materials in clear bags. Please place recycling loose in the recycling box. This helps staff sort materials properly and reduces contamination.

 The carts will be equipped with wildlife-proof lid to discourage common wildlife from access.

To request a repair or replacement for your lost, stolen, or damaged container from Waste Management, complete a Residential Container Service Request on their website. On that page, you can complete a service request, ensure replacement can be completed, or track the status of the replacement cart. 
Note: All bins have a barcode registered to an assigned address. 

The Township understands that there is an adjustment period to be expected while we transition to the new waste collection system. There will be a window of tolerance for mishaps as the new system rolls out. If you accidentally sort waste into bins incorrectly or place the bins incorrectly for pick up, Waste Management will provide you the information needed to correct the mistakes. 
Please be aware that our By-Law prescribes all applicable fines for consistent incorrect waste uses and bin placements. 

Placing Carts for Collection

No, you do not need to unlock your bin. The carts are equipped with a weighted lock system that will open automatically when the bin is tipped during collection. 

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 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:
  • Place the enclosure on your property (not on the road allowance)
  • Do not block traffic or sightlines.
  • Ensure the cart can be easily rolled out for collection.
  • Keep the area clear of snow and obstacles.
There are also commercially-available vehicle accessories to allow towing or transportation of waste carts that residents may choose to purchase.

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