Collection Programs

Download our Muskoka Waste app in the App Store or Google Play and find out where things go, get your curbside collection calendar, set reminders, see waste facility locations and hours, and more!

Extreme heat curbside collection

Extreme heat can impact curbside waste collection. Our crews work hard to complete routes safely during high temperatures, but delays can happen. Here's what to do when a heat event is declared:

Set out waste by 6 a.m.: Early placement ensures crews can start before peak heat hours.
Leave it out until 7 p.m.: Crews may be delayed. Please keep your material curbside until 7 p.m. unless otherwise notified.
Secure waste overnight if not collected: If your material isn't picked up by 7 p.m., bring it in overnight to avoid animal encounters and set it back out by 7 a.m. the following day.
Crews will return: If your route is missed due to heat-related delays, collection will resume the next day. Please note, there's no need to report a missed pick-up.
Be heat-wise and safe: If you see our crews out working, give them space and allow for extra time during hot weather. Your patience helps keep everyone safe.

Summer curbside tips

Warm weather brings busy days, weekend visitors, and lots of time outdoors, so it’s extra important to manage household waste the right way.

Follow these simple curbside tips to help keep our roads tidy, animals safe, and collection running smoothly all summer long:

1. Use approved containers and clear bags

By-law 2025-4 mandates clear, colourless plastic bags (75 L or smaller, max 25 kg/55 lb) for curbside garbage. Opaque or coloured bags won’t be collected.

Tip: Use clear bags, and if you prefer, place them inside approved rigid containers for extra durability.

2. Set out responsibly

Place bins/bags no more than 5 m (16 ft.) from the road by 7 a.m. on collection day, not the night before to prevent wildlife scavenging. If animals are a nuisance a roadside bear bin can help. Please contact us at waste@muskoka.on.ca to confirm proper placement for a bear bin at your driveway.
Remove any items from the curb by 7 p.m. the same day.
Tip:Download the waste app to set collection reminders.

3. Know your setout limits

Only set out the designated number of bags per week. Remember, extra bags need a bag tag, which can be purchased at any transfer station. Garbage bag tags cost $8 each or five tags for $35.

Tip: Keep extra tags on hand for unplanned occasions requiring an extra bag.

4. Prohibited at the curb

Certain items are not collectable curbside under the by-law, including household hazardous waste, automobile parts, appliances with refrigerants, and oversized/bulky items.

Tip: Bring these items to the nearest waste facility or special collection events. You can use the Waste Wizard in the app or online to learn what goes where.

5. Be ready for heat adjustments

Heat warnings or air quality notices issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada or Simcoe Muskoka District Health may disrupt regular collection to keep collection crews safe.
Tip:Download the free Muskoka Waste app to receive collection alerts directly to your phone.

Know where it goes

Do you know where it goes?

Every item you place in your garbage bag can significantly impact Muskoka's environment.

It’s important to make informed decisions about where things go. Small actions at home lead to big impacts.

Search for an item on our online Waste Wizard or download our Muskoka Waste App to search at your fingertips.

Diapers and incontinence products

As we work together to reach our diversion targets, residents can deliver one clear bag of diapers or incontinence products per week at no charge to any transfer station

Garbage bag tags for purchase

Garbage Bag Tags are available for instances you may produce more garbage than normal. Garbage bag tags cost $8 each or five tags for $35.

Garbage Bag Tags can be purchased from any transfer station.

A maximum of 10 tags (bags) are permitted for use, per garbage collection day.

Garbage bag tags are intended for additional household bags of garbage, over and above your regular limit. We do not collect large items or appliances at the curb.

Green bin request form

If you require a new green bin, we're here to help - fill out our Green Bin Request Form.
Green bins can also be purchased for the at cost price (currently $24.81) at any transfer station. For a list of locations and hours visit our Drop-off Locations and Landfill page.

Resources

Clear Bag Program

Electronic Waste Guide

2025 Fee Guide

Green Bin Organics Guide

Household Hazardous Waste Guide

One-page Waste Sorting Guide

Garbage