The City of Ottawa is organizing special garbage collection days for households affected by the record-breaking rainstorm and flooding that occurred on July 1. The city announced the initiative on July 4, 2026, to help residents dispose of flood-damaged items.
Collection details and schedule
Residents in flood-impacted areas can place damaged items at the curb on their regular garbage collection day, but must separate them from regular household waste. The city will deploy additional crews to pick up these items. Officials urge residents to have items out by 7 a.m. on their collection day.
The special collection applies to items such as carpets, furniture, drywall, and other materials damaged by floodwater. Regular garbage limits are waived for these flood-related items, but residents are asked to keep piles manageable and not block sidewalks or roads.
Safety and disposal guidelines
The city advises residents to wear gloves and masks when handling flood-damaged materials, as they may contain contaminants. Items should be bagged or bundled where possible. Hazardous materials like paint, batteries, or chemicals will not be accepted and must be taken to the city's household hazardous waste depot.
“We understand this is a difficult time for many residents, and we want to make the cleanup process as smooth as possible,” said a city spokesperson in a statement. “These special collections are part of our ongoing response to the flooding.”
Background on the flooding
The July 1 rainstorm dumped a record amount of rain on Ottawa, causing widespread flooding in low-lying areas and near the Ottawa River. Many homes experienced basement flooding and property damage. The city declared a state of emergency on July 2 and has been coordinating cleanup efforts since.
Residents are encouraged to check the city’s website for updates on collection schedules and additional resources. The city also reminds residents to report any flooded roads or drainage issues through its 311 service.
