Major Changes Coming to Ottawa's Curbside Waste Collection Schedule
Starting March 30, approximately half of all Ottawa residents will need to adjust their weekly routines as the city implements significant changes to garbage, green bin, and yard waste collection schedules. The shift comes as a new curbside collection contract takes effect, bringing updated service levels that were approved by city council back in September 2023.
Contract Changes Aimed at Improving Efficiency
According to a recent memo from Shelley McDonald, Ottawa's director of solid waste services, the new collection contract focuses specifically on maximizing route efficiencies across the city's waste management operations. While collection frequency will remain unchanged—with green bin and yard waste continuing weekly pickups and garbage collected every two weeks—the specific days when residents must place materials at the curb will shift for many households.
"The schedule changes are focused on maximizing route efficiencies," the new contract states, indicating that the city aims to streamline operations and potentially reduce costs through more optimized collection routes.
How Residents Can Prepare for the Changes
Ottawa residents can find their updated collection schedules on the city's official website, and all households will receive mailed letters in February reminding them to check their new schedules online. The city has confirmed that holiday "push days" will remain in effect, meaning collection will typically be delayed by one day following statutory holidays.
One significant change involves leaf and yard waste, which must now be set out separately from green bin materials starting March 30. Residents can use either paper yard waste bags or clearly marked reusable containers for this purpose. This adjustment aims to support cost-effective processing, as leaf and yard waste will be redirected to the Barnsdale processing facility at the Trail Waste Facility Landfill under the new contract terms.
Recycling Collection Uncertainty
A notable question remains regarding recycling collection schedules. As of January 1, recycling responsibility shifted to a new province-wide program administered by the non-profit organization Circular Materials, with contractor Miller Waste Services handling curbside collection. While recycling days have historically aligned with garbage and green bin schedules, it's unclear whether this coordination will continue under the new waste collection contract.
Circular Materials has not yet confirmed whether it intends to adjust its recycling collection schedule to maintain alignment with Ottawa's updated garbage and green bin collection days. This leaves open the possibility that some residents might face multiple collection days each week for different waste streams.
Transition to Digital Communication
Looking further ahead, 2027 will mark the end of paper-based collection calendars being mailed to residents. The city plans to implement a fully digital model where residents can receive email or telephone reminders and access collection calendars through a mobile application. This transition reflects broader trends toward digital communication and service delivery in municipal operations.
The schedule changes represent the most significant adjustment to Ottawa's waste collection system in recent years and will require residents across numerous neighborhoods to develop new habits for placing their waste materials at the curb. City officials emphasize that the changes are designed to create a more efficient and sustainable waste management system for Canada's capital.
