Curbside Garbage Collection

Bi-weekly garbage collection begins Oct. 30, 2023

Reminder: crews start at 7 a.m.

Waste app

Download the Muskoka Recycles app in the App Store or Google Play and receive waste collection reminders, weather-related impact alerts, search what goes where in the Waste Wizard and locate a transfer station near you.

Find your collection schedule

Find your collection schedule. If you're in a new subdivision your address may not appear yet.

Curbside garbage limits and weight restrictions

Please note, garbage limits differ for those receiving curbside green bin collection and those who don't. Bag limits are based on standard 75L garbage bags or 75L garbage cans.

Residents with curbside green bin collection: 1 garbage bag weekly (summer) / 2 bags bi-weekly (winter)

Residents without curbside green bin collection: 2 garbage bags weekly (summer) / 4 bags bi-weekly (winter)

Long weekends
Curbside residents can set out one extra garbage bag for curbside collection on your regular collection day the week of Family Day, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, the Civic holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas day.

Set-out reminders

all waste must be securely bagged and tied shut
garbage bags must not exceed 25 kg / 55 lbs
bags must be standard, household sized garbage bags (no oversized or contractor bags)
please set materials at the curb for 7 a.m.

Approved garbage containment

The District operates a manual curbside collection system, which means collection crews physically lift and dispose of your garbage bags into the truck by hand.

Residents must ensure that their garbage is placed at the curbside in a proper container and/or standard-sized bag, meets weight restrictions and will not rip open when collecting.

The following are approved containment options to secure your garbage at the curb on your collection day:

Garbage can

maximum 78 cm/31" tall, 50 cm/20" diameter
have a removable watertight lid - do not attach lid with rope or bungee cords
no loose garbage inside container - all garbage must be bagged
must not exceed 55lbs including contents for safe lifting

Roadside bin

Stationary roadside bins (metal/wood) are permitted for rural use in approved locations. Please affix your 911/address or unit number directly onto the bin (vinyl, permanent marker, paint, etc.) so it is visible to the driver.

It is recommended a roadside bin be secured to a concrete pad.

A clear path to the bin must be maintained (shoveled in winter, cleared of brush in the fall) to ensure safe access and bin visibility. Please ensure the lid is clear of snow and the latches/lid is not frozen shut.

If storing recycling inside of the bin, it can be in clear plastic bags, a blue box or any open-top container that can be manually lifted. For example, a tote, cardboard box, laundry basket, etc.

If organics collection is available in your area, green bins can be stored in roadside bins.

Before installing a roadside bin, please contact our office for support on identifying an approved location.

Garbage bag tags

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.

Garbage collection for businesses / commercial establishments

The District of Muskoka is responsible for providing curbside collection to residential households.

Commercial properties who have the ability to adhere to the residential limit of curbside garbage limits and are on a current curbside collection route may be approved to take advantage of curbside collection.

Approved commercial locations can set out a maximum of two garbage bags weekly (summer) / four bags bi-weekly (winter) and a maximum of four blue boxes, pending eligibility review with MPAC and approval by the District.

Businesses are encouraged to contact local private waste management services that meet the waste diversion goals of your establishment, and can provide custom options to meet your needs.

Garbage collection for apartments / condominiums

The District of Muskoka extends curbside collection to multi-residential buildings up to four units.
For more information regarding waste management in multi-unit apartment and condominium buildings, please contact your landlord or property manager.

Put waste in its place. Use our Waste Wizard to learn what goes where.

Wondering what goes where? Use our Waste Wizard to learn where it goes.

Donations to charitable organizations, using buy-sell groups, etc. are a great way to avoid sending reusable items to our only landfill. Please consider donating or repurposing your items before disposing of them at a waste facility.

Green Bin Organics

Organics collection is available to residential households in Bracebridge, Huntsville and urban areas of the District. We are working to expand the green bin organics collection program to all residents in Muskoka. Alternatively, residents can deliver organics to any District transfer station.

Recycling

Recycling right makes a difference. When we recycle, it benefits the environment in several ways – material and natural resources are preserved, energy is saved during the manufacturing process, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced that contribute to climate change, and less waste is sent to our only landfill.