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Waste Management in Muskoka

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Home/Live and Play/Waste Management in Muskoka

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Contact Us

Winter Waste Collection

Curbside Impacts to Waste Collection - Huntsville: Thursday, January 14, 2021  

Delays were experienced in the Town of Huntsville today, resulting in missed waste collection in the following areas - crews will return tomorrow (Friday, January 15, 2021) to collect. Please set out before 8:00 am.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

  • Selkirk Dr

  • Braeside Dr

  • Prestwick Dr

  • Homestead Lane

  • Hibbard Lane

  • Hibbard Rd

  • Spruce Glen Rd

  • Chaffey Township Rd

  • Highview Dr

  • Brookside Crossing

  • Spalding Cres

  • Kelsey Madison Court

  • Golf Course Rd

  • Earls Rd

  • Hilltop Dr

  • Cemetary Lane  
  • Silverwood drive

  • Hunters Bay drive

  • Serenity Place cres

  • Deerfoot Trail

  • Royal oak Cres

  • Hawk Ridge cres

  • Old Hemlock trail

  • Birchwood Drive

  • Highway 60 / Fairyview

If you continue to experience missed collection, please send us a service alert via our Muskoka Recycles mobile app or complete our online missed collection form. 

Bi-weekly garbage collection means winter has arrived in Muskoka. Our goal is to provide consistent waste collection for our community but prepare for impacts in challenging winter conditions. 

Winter weather can cause changes in collection times and delays as drivers navigate through difficult areas and amend their routes for safety. We ask residents for their patience and understanding as crews are also working hard to manage increased volumes and may be on the roads as late as 7:00 pm in the evening completing routes.

For those days we may experience severe weather and road conditions, here’s how to stay updated and how you can help our waste collection crews this winter: 

Stay updated! Weather can change quickly and we’ll let you know if there are delays.
If winter weather disrupts collection, updates will be posted below and will be available on our mobile app, Muskoka Recycles. Remember to leave material out until 7:00 pm in the evening.

What do I do if I think I was missed?
If your material is still at the curb later than 7:00 pm on your regular collection day, please check www.muskokarecycles.ca for more information or check your Muskoka Recycles app notifications for delays. We ask residents to set material back out at the curb the next business day, prior to 8:00 am as crews will attempt to return. (if your regular collection day is on Friday, set material back out on Monday morning). We are working to resolve issues at the curb to restore consistency to collection schedules. If you were missed, or have collection concerns - please complete our online form, here.

Set material at the curb on the morning of your collection day before 8:00 am.
This will prevent overnight snow cover – snow covered material could lead to missed collection due to visibility.

Do not place garbage bags, blue boxes or green bins on-top of snowbanks. 
Consider shovelling a spot at the curb or place your containers/bags in your driveway. Ensure your material is well out of the way of snow and sidewalk plows.

After collection occurs, bring your containers in as soon as possible.
This will prevent containers and bins from blowing onto the street and into ditches, or being hit by snow and sidewalk plows.

If using a roadside bin, it must accessible and clear of snow and ice. 
Passing snowplows often bury access to roadside bins. A clear path must be maintained so crews can collect safely and without snowbank obstacles – please make sure lids and latches are not frozen. 
My collection day falls on Christmas Day! What happens?
If you receive collection on Fridays, your schedule will change on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
If your regular collection days is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday – there are no changes or impacts to your collection schedule this season. For residents receiving collection on Christmas Day and New Years Day Fridays – please set your material out on Saturday, December 26 and Saturday, January 2.
For a full collection schedule/calendar, please visit www.muskokarecycles.ca or download the Muskoka Recycles mobile app.

 

Disposal Fees - 2021

As of January 1, 2021, updated disposal fees are in effect.

  • at a glance summary pdf of 2021 disposal fees 
  • link to by-law 2020-44 as amended  

 

Christmas Tree Disposal

There are many options to consider, but first, be sure to remove your decorations, tinsel and lights.

Christmas trees are not collected at the curb. Instead, consider the following options to get rid of your real tree:

  • deliver your Christmas tree to any waste facility in Muskoka at no charge (January and February)
  • use the branches to cover weather-sensitive plans in your yard
  • use it as firewood, or cut your tree up and compost it on your property
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Winter Collection

I live on a year-round route. What are my curbside bi-weekly garbage limits in the winter?

Urban area residents on year-round collection routes:
- up to 4 bags of household bagged garbage (bi-weekly)
- unlimited sorted recycling
- green bin organics

Rural area residents on year-round collection routes:
- up to 6 bags of household bagged garbage (bi-weekly)
- unlimited sorted recycling


I live on a seasonal road. What do I do with my garbage?

Weekly limits of garbage, recycling and organics can be delivered to any licensed waste facility at no charge. Summer curbside collection routes will resume the week of May 3, 2020.
In some communities, winter common collection points have been established through an approval process with District. For more information, please contact the District of Muskoka’s Waste Management Department at 705-645-6764 or publicworks@muskoka.on.ca. 


My winter bin site did not return. What do I do with my garbage?

At the direction of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), all of Muskoka’s unlicensed bin sites will be transitioned to alternate waste collection service by April 2023. For more information on our Bin Site Transition Plan and to find more about waste collection alternatives for your community, please visit www.EngageMuskoka.ca and click on the Bin Site Transition Plan project.

 Many of Muskoka’s bin sites are for summer service only and will be returned in May as we consult with communities on the plan for their permanent transition. Information on individual sites can be found at www.EnageMuskoka.ca.


What do I do if I think I was missed this winter?

If your material is still at the curb later than 7:00 pm on your regular collection day, please check www.muskokarecycles.ca for more information or check your Muskoka Recycles app notifications for delays. We ask residents to set material back out at the curb the next business day, prior to 8:00 am as crews will attempt to return. (if your regular collection day is on Friday, set material back out on Monday morning).


When does weekly garbage collection begin?

Weekly garbage collection resumes the week of May 3, 2020. 


Where can I find my collection schedule? Can I get a calendar?

Collection schedules for your community can be found online at www.muskokarecycles.ca or via the Muskoka Recycles Mobile App. If you don’t have access to a computer or smartphone and would like a printed version mailed, please contact the District of Muskoka’s Waste Management Department at 705-645-6764 or publicworks@muskoka.on.ca. 


I use a roadside bin in the winter – what do I need to do to receive collection in the winter?

A clear path to the bin must be maintained (shoveled) 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 must be sorted and in clear plastic bags. If using blue boxes, they must be placed outside of the bin as to not create spillage/overflow.


My collection day falls on Christmas Day! What happens?
If you receive collection on Fridays, your schedule will change on Christmas Day and New Years Day.


If your regular collection days is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday – there are no changes or impacts to your collection schedule this season.

 

For residents receiving collection on Christmas Day and New Years Day Fridays – please set your material out on Saturday, December 26 and Saturday, January 2. For a full collection schedule/calendar, please visit www.muskokarecycles.ca or download the Muskoka Recycles mobile app.


What do I do with my (real) Christmas Tree?

With the start of the new year comes a problem for many – what should you do with your Christmas tree?

There are many options to consider, but first, be sure to remove your decorations, tinsel and lights.

Christmas trees are not collected at the curb. Instead, consider the following options to get rid of your real tree:

-       deliver your Christmas tree to any waste facility in Muskoka at no charge (January and February)

-       use the branches to cover weather-sensitive plans in your yard

-       use it as firewood, or cut your tree up and compost it on your property 

 Bi-Weekly Winter Garbage Collection - November 1, 2020

Garbage collection transitioned to bi-weekly the week of November 1, 2020.
During the winter schedule, recycling and green bin organics (in urban areas) continue to be collected weekly.
 

Bi-Weekly Schedules

Muskoka Recycles App
Residents are encouraged to download the free Muskoka Recycles App on Google Play or the App Store. 
By entering a household address, receive instant access to bi-weekly garbage collection schedules, waste facility information and the Waste Wizard to find out how to properly dispose of any item. These schedules and reminders can also be imported into iCal or Outlook calendars so you’ll never forget your garbage day.

Online Collection Calendar
Instantly print and download a copy of your customized bi-weekly collection calendar/schedule by visiting our Online Collection Calendar page here. 
A drop-down at a glance listing by town/township is also available here: 
https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/live-and-play/When-is-My-Collection-Day.aspx


Request a Calendar

If you can’t access our online content and don’t own a smartphone – we’re here to help! 
Please call us at 705-645-6764 or email us at publicworks@muskoka.on.ca with your address, and we will mail you a copy of your collection schedule.

 

 

Waste Drop-Off Facilities

More information about our Waste Facilities can be found by visiting https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/live-and-play/Landfill-and-Transfer-Stations.aspx  

 
Bin Site Updates & Lakeside Waste Collection Pilot

Full information about Bin Sites and Bin Site Transition Plans are available at:

https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/bin-site-transition-plan

Household Hazardous Waste 

The 2021 Hazardous Waste schedule is coming soon.

The Bracebridge location is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

For more information on Household Hazardous Waste and how to safely dispose of this material, please click here.   

Curbside Collection - COVID-19 Updates

There are no changes to the curbside collection schedule.

Set material out no later than 8 am on your regular scheduled collection day. 

Get instant access to service delays and program impacts by downloading the Muskoka Recycles App on the App Store or Google Play, service requests and missed collections can also be submitted via this app. 

Please visit our Curbside Collection page for more information including setout guidelines and limits. 


Secure your material.
  • Garbage must be securely contained in a garbage bag, tied and sealed. Loose garbage inside cans and roadside bins will not be collected. 
  • Recycling still must be sorted. If using bags, clear/transparent bags must be tied and sealed. Blue boxes continue to be collected but please secure materials, don’t overflow boxes, and stack them to prevent litter.
  • Organics must be bagged in compostable bags, tied and sealed inside green bins.


Take care of our crews.

  • Only set out what you need to.  Weekly bag and weight limits are still being enforced.
  • Practice physical distancing by not approaching the collection vehicle or operator (smiles and waves are always welcome!)


Take extra precaution when disposing of certain items.

  • If you or someone in your household is sick or are self-isolating, place used tissues, paper napkins and paper towels in a bag and dispose of them in the garbage.
  • Place face masks and protective gloves in the garbage. 

COVID-19 Waste Management FAQ's

▶ Is my curbside collection schedule changing due to the recent lockdown announcement?

No. 
As this is a changing situation, we encourage residents to download our “Muskoka Recycles” app on the App Store or Google Play to receive service alerts for any collection impacts.

  

▶ How should I put my garbage out for collection?

Most importantly, all waste materials must be secured to protect our waste collection crews and to stop litter.

Garbage must be securely contained in a garbage bag, tied and sealed. Loose garbage inside cans and roadside bins will not be collected.

Recycling still must be sorted. If using bags, clear/transparent bags must be tied and sealed. Blue boxes continue to be collected but please secure materials, don’t overflow boxes, and stack them to prevent litter.

Organics must be bagged in compostable bags, tied and sealed inside green bins.

 

▶ What if I don’t have a garbage can? Can I still put my garbage bag out at the curb?

Yes. Black bags at the curb will be collected. Please just make sure all garbage is securely tied and sealed and weigh less than 25kg. If you have a garbage can or roadside bin, please use it for additional containment. If you don’t own one, you do not need to purchase a garbage can. 


▶ Are waste facilities open?
Yes, waste facilities remain open. 

 

▶ What can I expect at waste facilities?
The District has increased health and safety measures at waste facilities to protect our staff and our community.

  • Cashless payments only.
  • All reuse buildings closed.

 We remind customers:

  • Use waste facilities at your own risk.
  • Follow Public Health instructions on hand washing/sanitizing after visits.
  • Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres at all times while on-site.

 

▶ Is loose recycling accepted at transfer stations? Does it have to be in bags?

Loose recycling is still accepted. Please ensure, however, that materials are safely and securely deposited in the provided bins to avoid litter.

 

▶ Do you have an app to send me reminders or notify me of waste collection changes?
Yes. Download our “Muskoka Recycles” app in the App Store or Google Play for instant access to your personalized collection day, reminders, tips and more.

 

▶ I have a friend who doesn’t have a computer. Can you mail them a collection schedule?
Yes. Please contact our waste management team at 705-645-6764 or email us at publicworks@muskoka.on.ca. We would be pleased to supply a printed calendar via Canada Post. 

 

▶ Will you be increasing garbage limits during this time?

Currently garbage limits remain the same. The District’s main priority is to protect the well-being of our essential workers and maintain our waste collection services over the long term. Small adjustments from our residents can have a big impact and help protect our waste collectors. Taking extra precautions when setting out material and limiting extra garbage are two ways to help this service continue.

 

▶ Where can I find more information on impacts to District programs and services?

Visit our website at www.muskoka.on.ca/coronavirus 

 Township of Georgian Bay

Waste Facilities

We thank our community for continued support in helping to ensure the safety and wellbeing of critical waste management staff. When visiting our waste sites, please remember the following: 

  • physical distancing measures apply
  • longer wait times may occur due to limiting the number of vehicles on-site at one time
  • cashless payments preferred
  • please follow new on-site signage
  • reuse buildings are closed  
  • wash your hands before and after handling garbage and visiting waste facilities

Please do not abandon or illegally dump garbage – this includes outside the gates of waste facilities when closed. We are working hard to maintain services and illegal dumping activities puts our staff and the community at risk.


Bin Site Service and Drop-off Depots

Public health warnings are posted at these sites and residents are reminded that garbage must be secured and placed in the dumpsters to protect staff and the public. Bulky items must be taken to staffed transfer stations for disposal.

Stay updated on the Bin Site Transition Plan at www.engagemuskoka.ca


Large Item Shore & Barge Collection Events – Postponed

To help reduce the risk to essential frontline teams and to ensure the health of waste collection crews and the community, the annual large item collection events (shore and barge) servicing water-access properties have been postponed until further notice.

Furniture, household large items, appliances and weekly limits of household bagged garbage continues to be accepted at no charge at the Baxter Transfer Station and Tower Road Transfer Station during regular operating hours. For a full list of free items accepted at the Transfer Station for Township of Georgian Bay residents, please click here.


Stay Updated

Thank you for your understanding during these unprecedented times. 

Get customized waste management information including service, alerts, collection reminders, waste facility information including hours of operation and Waste Wizard by downloading the free Muskoka Recycles app on the App Store or Google Play.

For the latest updates on all District program and service impacts, and to learn more about the actions taken in response to COVID-19, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/coronavirus

Click here to discover more information about Waste Management in the Township of Georgian Bay. 

 

  

  • Garbage Collection Schedules
  • Landfill and Transfer Station Locations and Hours of Operation
  • Landfill/Lagoon Site Usage Credit Application - Commercial Only
  • Household Hazardous Waste
  • Where Does It Go? Waste Wizard Tool
  • Curbside Collection Information - What's Acceptable at the Curb
  • Two-Stream Recycling Poster 
  • Two-Stream Recycling Sign 
  • Two-Stream Recycling Brochure 
  • Green Bin Composting Rack Card


Downloads and Resources:

  • 2021 Tipping Fees
  • Fees for the use of solid waste disposal sites as set out in By-law 2020-44, as amended. 
  • Medical Exemption Form

 

 

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