How Does Garbage Segregation in Canada Work?

As a newcomer to Canada, there are a number of things you’ll need to get used to. While it may not be the most exciting subject, understanding how to lawfully dispose of household waste can differ significantly from what you are used to in your home country.

Recycling and rubbish disposal rules in Canada can be complicated at times, and they frequently differ between towns. It’s important to understand what goes where and how it’s collected before you put your trash out.

Garbage Segregation in Canada for Household Waste

Everything does not go in the same bin. Depending on the substance, Canadians are strongly encouraged to sort their rubbish into blue, green, and black bins. Sorting is essential for reducing the environmental impact of your waste. 

When you recycle, the objects you throw away are sold to reprocessors who turn them into new products. Meanwhile, biogas and compost are made from organic waste. It’s necessary to check local regulations because they can differ by the municipality, but here’s a general idea of what belongs where.

Green Bin – Organic and Food Waste

Organics, such as food trash and paper bags, are disposed of in green bins.

What Can Go in the Green Bin?

Vegetables, meats, dairy products, nuts, shells, and baked goods can all go in the green bin, both cooked and uncooked. Paper products like pizza boxes and paper plates (as long as they’re not coated with wax or plastic) are also permitted, as are coffee grounds, filters, and tea bags. Pet waste, as well as diapers, can go in the green bin, depending on where you live.

In reaction to COVID-19, several towns have amended their green bin bylaws, requiring that paper napkins, towels, or tissues be disposed of in the garbage rather than the green bin.

Green Bin Capacity

Most municipalities provide green bins that hold between 45-120 litres, with the standard residential size being around 80 litres. You can typically fill your green bin to capacity as long as the lid can close properly.

Since organic waste is collected weekly in most areas, you shouldn’t have trouble fitting a week’s worth of food scraps and organic materials. If you generate more organic waste than your bin can handle, many municipalities allow you to use additional containers or paper bags placed beside your green bin, though some may charge extra for this service.

Blue Bin – Recycling

Items that can be recycled go in the blue bin. Non-recyclable objects can cause an entire batch of otherwise fine recyclables to be thrown out, therefore sorting them properly is essential. Recyclables are usually thrown into the blue bin without being bagged.

What Can Go in the Blue Bin?

Glass, rigid plastics, soft and stretchy plastics, metal, paper, paper containers, cardboard, and foam polystyrene are all acceptable.

Blue Bin Volume Guidelines

Blue recycling bins usually range from 60-120 litres, with most households receiving an 80-litre bin. Unlike other bins, you can often overfill your blue bin slightly since recyclables are typically lightweight and bulky.

Many municipalities allow recyclables to extend above the rim as long as they won’t blow away or fall out during collection. If you have excess recyclables, you can usually place additional items in clear bags or boxes next to your blue bin. However, avoid cramming materials down too tightly, as this can make sorting difficult for recycling facility workers.

Black Bin – Garbage

What Can Go in the Black Bin?

Everything that doesn’t fit in the green or blue containers goes into the black bin, also known as the garbage bin. Hazardous materials, electronics, yard debris, and big goods are the main exceptions. Garbage collection prices in many towns are determined on the size of your black bin.

Black Bin Restrictions and Fees

Black garbage bins are where municipalities often implement the strictest limits, as reducing landfill waste is a key environmental goal. Standard residential black bins typically hold 80 litres, and many cities have adopted “bag limits” or “bin limits” to encourage waste reduction.

Some municipalities only collect what fits in your bin with the lid closed, while others may allow one or two additional bags but charge extra fees ranging from $2-5 per additional bag. In cities like Toronto, residents can be fined for consistently exceeding their garbage limits. Check with your local waste management department to understand your specific limits and any associated fees for excess garbage.

Garbage Segregation in Canada for Specific Waste

Yard waste

Yard garbage is usually collected every other week, such as raked leaves or branches. To find out when yard waste is collected in your neighbourhood, consult your municipality’s garbage collection schedule. Yard garbage can also be taken to drop-off locations where it is composted and reused.

Cooking Grease

Cooking grease should never be flushed or rinsed down the drain since it can easily clog your pipes. Wait for the grease to solidify before scraping it into your green bin. It can be composted because it is an organic material.

Pet Waste and Hair

There are several options for disposing of pet waste and fur. It can be placed in the green bin in most communities. Other alternatives include flushing it down the toilet, burying it, or double bagging it so it can be thrown in the garbage.

Oversized Items

Large household items like kitchen appliances, televisions, furniture, and mattresses require special disposal arrangements that vary significantly by municipality and housing type.

Single-Family Homes

Most municipalities offer curbside collection for oversized items, but with important requirements:

• Scheduling: Many cities collect bulky items on specific dates (often bi-weekly or monthly) rather than with regular garbage pickup. Check your municipal collection calendar.
• Placement: Items typically need to be placed at the curb the night before or morning of collection, often with specific distance requirements from regular bins (usually 0.5-1 meter away).
• Size and Weight Limits: Most municipalities have limits (commonly 50-70 kg per item or specific dimensions). Items exceeding these limits may require special arrangements.
• Fees: Many cities charge fees for bulky item collection, ranging from $10-50 per item or offer annual limits on free pickups.

Multi-Unit Buildings (Condos/Apartments)

Residents of condominiums and apartment buildings typically cannot use municipal curbside pickup because:

• Buildings often have private waste collection contracts
• Municipal trucks may not access private property
• Building management usually coordinates all waste disposal

Your options include:

• Contact your building management or condo board about disposal procedures
• Hire a private junk removal service
• Transport items to municipal drop-off depots yourself
• Check if your building has scheduled bulky item collection days

Alternative Disposal Options

• Municipal Drop-Off Depots: Most cities operate transfer stations where residents can bring oversized items, often for a fee
• Donation: Consider donating working appliances and furniture to charities
• Retailer Take-Back: Some retailers offer removal when delivering new appliances
• Special Collection Events: Many municipalities hold annual or seasonal collection drives for bulky items

Important Notes

• Electronics may require special e-waste disposal due to hazardous materials
• Some items like refrigerators need professional handling due to refrigerants
• Always check your specific municipal website or call their waste management department for exact rules, fees, and schedules

Remember: Oversized item disposal rules are among the most variable aspects of waste management in Canada, so local research is essential before attempting disposal.

When to Consider a Dumpster Bin

For larger projects that exceed regular municipal waste limits—such as home renovations, major decluttering, construction work, or estate cleanouts—a dumpster bin rental may be your most efficient solution.

When you’re dealing with substantial amounts of debris, multiple oversized items, or time-sensitive disposal needs that can’t wait for regular pickup schedules, renting a dumpster ensures your project stays on track. If you’re planning a project that will generate significant waste, contact us to discuss your specific needs and explore our bin rental services available in your city: