Garbage

Garbage Collection in Durham Region

In 2009, the Regional Municipality of Durham standardized collection services Region-wide, with weekly Blue Box and Green Bin collection, and bi-weekly (every two weeks) garbage collection with a four bag limit per household. All waste materials must be set out at the curb before 7 a.m. on the collection day. Garbage and Green Bin pick up for Oshawa and Whitby residents is the responsibility of the individual municipalities, not the Region of Durham. Oshawa and Whitby residents requesting information in the collection of these items will be redirected to the municipality's website.

Garbage Bag Size and Limits

Collected biweekly on your regular collection day, garbage bags or reusable containers, when full, must not exceed 20 kilograms (44 pounds) each. A standard-size garbage bag, or garbage can, counts as one bag. Garbage bags that break when lifted will not be collected. There is a limit of four untagged bags or containers of garbage for bi-weekly collection per household. A standard size garbage bag or garbage can counts as one bag.

Garbage Bag Tags

Residents setting out more than four bags of garbage every two weeks are required to tag each bag over the four-bag limit. Garbage Bag Tags are special peel-and-stick labels that can be attached to your garbage bag. Residents setting out more than four bags of garbage are required to tag each bag over the four bag limit. Residents can purchase bag tags at locations throughout the Region. Garbage Bag Tags are easy to use:

• Simply peel the tag and flag it around the top of any additional bags above the four bag limit.
• Do NOT use as a twist-tie.
• When using garbage cans, tags should be placed on the top item inside the can.
• There is no limit to the number of properly tagged garbage bags set out for collection, provided they are tagged.

Extra Bag Tags may be purchased at the following locations for $1.50 each.

Special considerations to bag limits

Residents who require special consideration to the bag limit due to medical conditions, or who have three children under the age of three, should contact the Region at 905-579-5264 or 1-800-667-5671 for more information.

Consider the environment

Help protect the environment and do not discard household hazardous waste, electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) or tires in your curbside garbage. Dedicated loads of tires and household hazardous waste are accepted free for disposal at Durham's Waste Management Facilities. Municipal household hazardous waste such as batteries, paint, chlorine, pesticides, and motor oil should be taken to a local Waste Management Facility for proper disposal. See locations and hours of operation or visit www.dowhatyoucan.ca for more information on "return to retailer" options.

Location for purchasing bag tags