Collection Calendar
Waste Drop-Off Locations
| What's the reasoning for switching to clear garbage bags? |
| Muskoka’s waste management services are evolving to maximize diversion and extend the life of our one and only operating landfill. Read the details on our Clear Bag Program page. |
| I see garbage, recycling, and/or green bin material going into one truck. Is it all going to the landfill? |
| No. Our curbside contractor has some collection trucks with two compartments. Often, you will see drivers place garbage in one compartment and divertible materials (recycling or green bin organics) in another. These materials are dropped off separately at the end of the day. Garbage is brought to the landfill, recycling to our transfer station and organics to one of our two composting facilities. |
| I’m a new resident, how do I receive waste collection? |
If you moved into an existing residence, use our Find Your Schedule page to look up your waste collection schedule. If your house is a new build or your address can’t be found, please contact us at waste@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2100.
|
| Why can't pet waste and kitty litter go in the green bin? |
| Pet waste is not accepted in Muskoka’s green bin program because it increases pathogens in our final compost product, which greatly reduces the quality of our compost. Kitty litter is also not accepted in the green bin program because quality compost can only contain a minimal amount of clay/rock/sand in it before greatly compromising its condition. Kitty litter is also made differently from brand to brand and often has added chemicals that can impact the quality of the compost. |
| What are waste facility hours? |
| Site hours vary by location. Visit the Drop-off Locations and Landfill page for more information. |
| What do I do if I think my collection was missed? |
|
Material must be at the curb no later than 7 a.m. as routes may be collected at different times. We ask residents for their patience and understanding as crews may be on the roads as late as 7 p.m. in the evening completing routes.
If your material is still at the curb later than 7 p.m. on your regular collection day, please check www.muskokawaste.ca or check your Muskoka Waste app notifications for delays and collection impacts. We ask residents to set material back out at the curb the next business day, prior to 7 a.m. as crews will attempt to return. (If your regular collection day is on Friday, set material back out on Monday morning unless directed otherwise.)
We encourage all residents to register for our Muskoka Waste mobile app to receive notifications on collection impacts and possible missed collections in your neighbourhood. Please note, the app is for single-family residences.
|
| Where do I report curbside collection issues? |
| If you’re experiencing issues with curbside collection, please contact GFL at muskoka@gflenv.com or 1-855-344-2439. |
|
What are my eligible waste limits? |
|
If you’re unsure of your weekly limits please use our Find Your Collection Schedule tool if you receive curbside collection. You may also contact us at waste@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2100. |
| I use a roadside bin, what do I need to do to receive winter collection? |
|
| I live on a seasonal road without curbside collection in the winter, what do I do with my garbage? |
|
Two standard-size garbage bags, and unlimited household recycling and organics can be delivered to any licensed waste facility at no charge per week. |
| Where can I find my collection schedule? Can I get a calendar? |
| Collection schedules can be found on our Find Your Collection Schedule page or via the Muskoka Recycles Mobile App. |
|
What do I do with my real Christmas tree? |
|
NEW! This year residents in Muskoka's urban areas can set their real Christmas tree at the curb for collection the weeks of Jan. 8 and Jan. 15. Please remove all lights and decorations. Place the tree out by 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8 or Monday, Jan. 15. Collection will occur at some point during the week, not necessarily on your regular collection day. Please check your calendar if you're unsure whether you are in an urban area. Residents in non-urban areas can deliver their Christmas tree to any waste facility in Muskoka at no charge (January and February only). |
|
What are the tipping fees? |
| Our fees are available on our Drop-off Locations and Landfill page. |
| What can I put in my green bin? |
| Visit our organics page for information on what is acceptable for organic collection or organic drop off. |
|
Where can I take hazardous waste? |
|
Muskoka residents can drop off household hazardous waste free of charge at scheduled events or at our year-round facility in Bracebridge. Visit our Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off page for details. |
| What do I do with mattresses? Furniture? |
| Mattresses and box springs can be delivered to a transfer station for a fee.
We recommend trying to sell or donate furniture that is still in good condition. Otherwise, items are charged by weight. |
| Are the Reuse Depots open? |
| Yes, our Reuse Depots are open. Please note, items intended for the Reuse Depot shall be brought to the attention of the site attendant upon arrival at the booth to be weighed. The site attendant will inspect the item(s) and at their discretion, approve or refuse items - damaged or broken goods are unacceptable. For a list of acceptable and unacceptable items visit our Donate Reusable Items page. Textiles, children’s toys, sporting equipment and electronics won’t be accepted. Please look for an alternative option to donate these items. |
| Why are bin sites being removed? |
|
For information on our Bin Site Transition visit EngageMuskoka.ca and follow the links to our Bin Site Transition Plan page. |