Garbage, Recycling, Composting
Garbage collection takes place once per week. Collection is divided into four zones and where you live will determine what day of the week your waste is collected.
Garbage Collection Requirements
- Residents are allowed one bag of garbage per household per week.
- Place waste and large items at the curb prior to 7:00am on collection day only.
- Garbage bags and cans must weigh less than 22.6 kilograms (50 pounds) and be less than 26” x 36” to be collected.
- Any additional bags require a $3 green garbage bag tag attached to be collected.
- Large items require a $10 large item tag attached to be collected.
- If you need an exemption from bag limits for medical reasons, send us an email.
- If your waste was not collected, a red sticker indicating why will be placed on it.
- There may be a delay between waste and large item collection.
- Please ensure that waste is secure from wind and pests. This includes avoiding early set outs and using a can with a removable lid, if necessary.
Bag Tags and Large Item Tags
Green garbage bag tags are sold individually for $3.00, and orange large item tags are sold individually for $10.00. They can be purchased at the following locations:
- City Hall
- Metro
- Superstore
- Canadian Tire
- Home Hardware
- Quickie Convenience stores
- Oxford Mini Mart
Wintertime Garbage Collection
Snowbanks are challenging for your waste collector. To ensure safe and effective collection of your waste, please place it:
- At the edge of your cleared driveway.
- A level cleared spot on the boulevard.
- Waste should not be placed on top of snowbanks, on the road or on sidewalks.
Waste will be left behind if it cannot be safely and easily accessed.
Items Not Accepted for Collection
Not all items are acceptable for curbside pick up. Here are some examples:
- Appliances
- Air conditioners
- Dehumidifiers
- Auto parts
- Fuel tanks
- Pools and pool liners
- Hazardous waste
- Propane tanks
- Needles (please use a Sharps program)
- Electronics (computers, TVs, radios, speakers, printers, etc.)
- Demolition, construction, and renovation materials (drywall, lumber, windows, tempered glass, doors, shingles, stones, bricks, tiles, cupboards, cabinets, toilets etc.)
- Large metal items (these can be brought to Waste Management or to a scrap metal recycler)
Some of these items require special disposal or may be brought to the Waste Management transfer station for a fee. Please contact beforehand.
Why Wasn’t My Waste Collected?
If your waste was not collected, please see the following list for possible reasons:
- Additional bags without a garbage bag tag.
- Large item without a large item tag.
- Late placement.
- Bag was oversize or overweight.
- Unacceptable materials.
- Collection schedule delays due to a holiday or unforeseen circumstance. Check the City Facebook page for updates.
If none of the reasons above apply, please contact the contracted collector.
For garbage collection issues, please call the contracted collector:
Contracted Waste Collector:
L.A. Knapp Inc. 613-345-1941
Recycling Information
As of January 1, 2025, curbside collection of recycling in the City of Brockville is being managed by Circular Materials Ontario.
- For information on the recycling program in Brockville, please visit: https://www.circularmaterials.ca/resident-communities/brockville/
- Circular Materials will be launching their own App to replace Recycle Coach in 2026. Stay tuned for more information.
For recycling collection issues, please contact Circular Materials Ontario’s contracted collector:
Emterra call 888-597-1541 email customercareont@emterra.ca
Blue Box Transition
In 2021, the Ontario government released the Blue Box Regulation that shifts the financial and operational responsibility of recycling programs to producers – those that produce and supply blue box materials to residents. In this new extended producer responsibility framework, producers become financially and operationally responsible for collecting and recycling blue box materials.
Visit this website for more information on the Blue Box Regulation.
Questions and Answers
What’s happening to Ontario’s Blue Box Program?
In 2021, the Ontario government passed a new regulation that shifts the financial and operational responsibility of blue box recycling programs to producers – those that produce and supply blue box materials to residents. In this new extended producer responsibility framework, producers will become fully responsible for collecting and recycling blue box materials.
Transition to extended producer responsibility will take place between 2023 – 2025, with the new framework fully in place by January 1, 2026. As a result, Brockville’s blue box recycling program will be managed by Circular Materials, who is the administrator of the common collection system and a not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Ontario.
What can I expect when Circular Materials manages my recycling program?
There will be no change to how you currently recycle your materials or to your recycling collection schedule. More information on recycling in Brockville can be found at circularmaterials.ca/brockville.
When will Circular Materials be managing my recycling program?
Circular Materials will begin managing Brockville’s blue box program as of January 1, 2025. More information on recycling in Brockville can be found at circularmaterials.ca/brockville.
Who do I contact for recycling collection questions and inquiries now?
As of January 1, 2025, please contact Emterra for recycling-related questions: customercareont@emterra.ca or 888 597-1541.
Why is the program changing?
Historically, Ontario’s blue box programs were operated by municipalities who were responsible for paying about half of the costs of the program, with producers responsible for the other half. Now, under the Blue Box Regulation, Ontario is transitioning to a new model where producers – the organizations that produce the products and packaging – are 100% responsible for operating and funding the program.
How does Circular Materials Ontario fit into this?
Circular Materials is the administrator of the common collection system and a not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Ontario. Brockville is collaborating with Circular Materials to deliver a best-in-class system that continues to deliver recycling services and support our residents.
During the transition period, there will be no change to how and what residents can recycle. Following transition, Ontario can expect to have a convenient, consistent, and effective recycling system in place that will improve recycling rates and meet the needs of Ontarians. Learn more about Circular Materials by clicking this link.
What does extended producer responsibility mean?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a framework in which producers – the businesses that supply paper and packaging to residents – are responsible for managing the end-of-life management of these materials. EPR enables innovation, operational efficiencies, increased standard levels, and access to materials. It is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates.
What advantages are associated with this new system?
EPR is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates and advance circular economy where materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producers for use as recycled content in new products and packaging.
Non-Eligible Sources
According to the Blue Box Regulation, industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) properties, municipal buildings, daycares, places of worship, and not-for-profit organizations are not eligible to receive curbside recycling services. We understand this is a significant change for ICI properties that are currently actively participating in the curbside recycling program.
Effective January 1, 2025 Non-Eligible Sources that are not a part of the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will no longer receive curbside recycling services and will need to make private arrangements for the disposal of their recycling.
Green Bin
Starting October 6, 2025, the City of Brockville will provide weekly Green Bin collection for household organic waste. The program is being implemented in accordance with Ontario’s Food and Organic Waste Policy Statement. Pick up will be on the same day as your regularly scheduled garbage collection. Find your pick up schedule by entering your address in the Recycle Coach App below or checking the Collection Days Map in our Waste Collection Calendar.
Tips for using your kitchen container and green bin:
- Ensure all packaging materials are removed before putting food in the bin.
- Leftover meat, fish and bones can be put directly into the bin.
- Food scraps may be wrapped in paper towel or newspaper before being placed in the bin to reduce mess and odours.
- Leftover foods, including meat and fish, can be kept in the freezer until collection day to help reduce odours.
- Only the large curbside Green Bin provided by the City will be emptied at the curb. Do not place the kitchen catcher container or any other alternative container at the curb for collection.
How to get a Green Bin?
Starting September 2, 2025, distribution will begin of green bins, smaller containers for use in the kitchen and information about our collection program to eligible households. Green bins are provided to addresses with 5 units or fewer. You do not need to call and request a bin.
If you need a Green Bin replaced, or have a broken or missing bin, please call the Solid Waste Division office at 613-342-8772 extension 3220.
The green bin is a mid-capacity pest-proof wheeled cart with a secure front latch to eliminate spills and trap odors. The Green bin holds 45 liters (12 gallons), up to 40 lbs. and is 26.9 inches tall, 15.5 inches wide, 17.7 inches long and weighs 7.2 pounds.
What if I am moving?
If you are moving within the City of Brockville, leave the Green Bin at the address where it was delivered. Don’t take it with you when you move. Green bins are registered by a serial number to your residential address.
If you are moving to the City of Brockville, the Green Bin that was delivered to your address should still be there. If your green bin is not at the home, please call 613-342-8772 ext. 3220.
If you are moving to a new build, please call 613-342-8772 ext. 3220 when you take occupancy to arrange a delivery.
Green Bins are provided to addresses with 5 units or fewer
Accepted in the Green Bin
Food Scraps
- Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish & bones
- Eggs & dairy products
- Table scraps & plate scraps
- Fruits & vegetables
- Bread, dough, pasta, grains
- Coffee grounds, filters & tea bags
Food Soiled Paper
- Kitchen paper towels
- Uncoated paper take-out containers
- Pizza delivery boxes
- Paper napkins
- Waxed cardboard & paper
- Uncoated paper cups, plates (no lids, straws, or creamers)
Not accepted in the Green Bin
- Plastic bags
- Plastic tubs & bottles
- Glass bottles & jars
- Metal
- Produce baskets & netting
- Burlap
- Plastic wrap
- Cork
- Coated or plastic take-out containers
- Paper dairy cartons
- Plastic plates, cups, & utensils
- Latex & plastic gloves
- Styrofoam
- Foil
- Wire & rubber bands
- Grease & liquids
- Restroom tissues & paper towel
- Painted & treated wood
- Pet waste
Compostable bags and bin liners
Residents may choose to use a certified compostable liner to help keep the green bin clean.
Two types of liner bags are accepted:
- Paper liner bags: these are made specifically for the green bin and are available at local grocery and hardware stores. These bags do not need certification logos. You can also use any other type of paper bag as a liner. When you set out your green bin to the curb for collection, loosen the liner bag away from the rim, sides and bottom of the bin.
- Certified compostable liner bags: these bags are made from plant-based material and are tested to ensure that they compost fully. Certified compostable bags are the only type of compostable product that is allowed in our green bin program and can be processed at our organics facility.
Please note that products that are not certified BNP or BNQ compostable, such as “oxo-degradable” products, cannot be processed by our composting facility and will not be accepted in green bin collection.
Taking care for your Green Bin
Keeping your green bin clean and pest-free
- Line your bin with cardboard, newspaper, yard waste bags, paper towels or certified compostable bags.
- Sprinkle with baking soda to reduce odors.
- Clean your kitchen container and green bin regularly. Bins can be cleaned with dish detergent or vinegar and baking soda.
- Place your Green Bin out for curbside collection every week, even if your bin is not full.
- Always lock your green bin. The Bin can be collected with the lid locked.
Winter Green Bin tips
- Layer up: to prevent the contents of your Green Bin from freezing to the sides or bottom of the bin and not being fully collected, you can line the bottom of your bin with a layer of cardboard, a cardboard egg carton (no plastic) or a few layers of newspaper. Adding layers between contents (for example, a layer of newspaper between the compostable liner bags from your kitchen catcher) will further help to prevent liquids from pooling and freezing in your bin.
If possible, keep your Green Bin in a shed, garage or in a sheltered area against an exterior wall to prevent ice and snow from building up on the lid.
No access to a sheltered area for storage?
- Keep the bin in a sunny location
- Clear off the top of your bin when snow and ice is accumulating
Leaf and Yard Compost Site
The Leaf & Yard Compost Site accepts leaves, indoor and garden plants, small amounts of soil, brush, hedge trimmings, and tree limbs.
- Grass clippings, sod, weeds, and household organic wastes are not accepted at the compost site.
- Leaves are accepted loose or in paper leaf bags only.
- Paper leaf bags must not be taped or stapled.
- Plastic Bags are not permitted on site.
- Brush must be debagged.
- Tree limbs must be less than four (4) feet in length and less than eight (8) inches in diameter.
- Brockville residents are entitled to two (2) free wheelbarrow sized loads of compost per year. Residents are responsible for loading and transportation on of small quantities of compost.
Compost Site Location, Hours, and Site Fees
Location:
Gord Watts Municipal Centre, 251 North Augusta Road
Brockville, ON, K6V 2Y2
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday to Friday:
- April 1 to August 30: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- September 2 to November 1: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- November 4 – November 29: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturdays:
- April 1 to November 29: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Closed Statutory Holidays
Site Fees in Cash Only:
Tree Limbs, Brush, Hedge Trimmings (price includes HST):
- Car: $3
- Trailer less than 10 feet in length: $6
- Truck, Van or SUV: $6
- Car and Trailer: $8
- Truck and Trailer: $11
- Trailer more than 10 feet in length: $20
- Tandem wheels: $20
- Leaves: No charge
Compost Sales in Cash Only:
- $25 per load Pickup, Van, or Trailer
- $40 per load Pickup or Van with Trailer
- Single axle dump: $100 per load
- Tandem axle dump: $200 per load
- Triaxle Dump Truck: $300 per load
Dump trucks are loaded by the City by appointment only. To arrange call 613-342-8772 ext. 3220.
Regulations and prices quoted are subject to change during the calendar year. The City reserves the right to limit type or quantities of waste accepted, or of compost given or sold.
Fall Curbside Leaf Collection
2025 Curbside collection of leaves will take place during the following weeks:
October 27th – October 31st
November 17th – November 21st
- Place the leaves out for collection prior to 7:00am on your regular collection day.
- Leaves are collected in a separate vehicle and may be picked up before or after garbage and recycling.
- Leaves will be collected in paper bags or reusable containers only.
- Reusable containers are to be labeled that they contain leaves.
- Leaves in plastic bags of any kind will not be collected.
- Paper leaf bags must not be taped or stapled.
Christmas Tree Collection
The City of Brockville collects natural Christmas trees once a year for one week in January.
2025 Christmas tree collection will take place during the week of January 6th to 9th.
Please place your natural Christmas trees out by 7:00 am on the same day as your recycling and garbage collection date during that week. Be sure to remove all decorations, tinsel, and tree bags or it will be left behind. No artificial trees please.
To prevent Christmas Trees from being left behind, please ensure that they are not on top of a snowbank or frozen into a snowbank. This helps us collect the Christmas trees in a time efficient manner.
Please refer to the Waste Collection Calendar and Information Guide for collection dates.
Hazardous and Special Products (HSP)
Some items cannot be collected at the curb and must be disposed of properly. Examples of hazardous and special products include batteries, paints, motor oil, antifreeze, herbicides & pesticides, propane tanks, light bulbs, and prescription drugs, etc.
The City of Brockville hosts an annual Household Hazardous Waste Day for these items. The 2025 event is scheduled for Saturday August 23rd between 8:00am and 2:00pm at the Brockville Youth Arena. Traffic will be one way. Please enter from the north on Oxford Avenue and turn right on Broadway Avenue only. Please monitor our website, Facebook page, local papers and radio stations, or call for information and updates.
To locate a stewardship retailer that will accept Hazardous and Special Wastes outside of the Household Hazardous Waste Event, please use the following website https://rpra.ca/where-to-recycle/
Paints
Accepted at Dulux Paints at 7748 Kent Boulevard: 613-342-3762
Please always call ahead.
Prescription Medications
Accepted at the following locations:
- Pharmasave at 173 King Street West: 613-345-3030
- Shoppers Drug Mart at 126 King Street West: 613-345-1486
- Shoppers Drug Mart at 2399 Parkedale Avenue: 613-342-6701
- Rexall Pharma Plus at 30 Pearl Street West: 613-342-2672
- Brockville Medical Pharmacy at 100 Strowger Boulevard, Unit 108: 613-498-1100
Needles and Syringes
Needles NEVER belong in the garbage or recycling. The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit provides information on Needle Disposal & Safety. Please visit: https://healthunit.org/health-information/drug-use-harm-reduction/needle-disposal-safety/
Tire Recycling
Most locations that sell tires in Brockville will take them back to ensure that they are recycled. To find a location near you, please visit https://rpra.ca/where-to-recycle/
Batteries
Accepted at the following locations:
- Brockville Public Library, 23 Buell St., 613-342-3936
- City Hall, 1 King Street West, 613-342-8772
- Brockville Memorial Civic Centre, 100 Magedoma Boulevard, 613-342-8772
- Brockville Youth Arena, 138 Broadway Avenue, 613-342-8772
These locations accept consumer dry cell batteries weighing less than 5kg or less each and do not accept automotive batteries.
Empty Oil Containers, Oil Filters, Antifreeze
Accepted at the following locations:
- Jiffy Auto Service, 500 Stewart Blvd, 613-342-1661
- Benson Tire, 1000 Oxford Ave, 613-345-1419
Donation, Reuse, and Recycle Partners
Whenever you are throwing something away, please consider reuse or donation options for anything still in good, usable condition. Many charities and thrift shops in the Brockville area accept donations of items that are in reasonable condition.
Secondhand shops and charitable organizations
Please drop off donations during open hours only. Dropping off or leaving donations at these locations outside of open hours can cause issues with removal and may be considered illegal dumping. Please always call ahead to confirm items accepted for donations.
- The Score at 260 King Street West: 613-345-5353
- The Greater Good at 2400 Parkedale Avenue: 613-498-1985
- May Court Thrift Shop at 75 King Street West: 613-342-2251
- Habitat ReStore at 3039 Country Road 29: 613-342-3521
- Salvation Army at 181 King Street West: 613-342-1616
- Hock Shop Canada at 358 Stewart Boulevard: 613-345-2274
- Thrifty’s In Tincap at 4501 Rowsome Road East: 613-341-7775
Electronics Recycling and/or Repair Companies
- Waste Management Transfer Station
- Eastern Independent Telecommunications at 100 Strowger: 613-342-9652
- Habitat ReStore at 3039 County Roads 29: 613-342-3521
- Staples at 2399 Parkedale Avenue: 613-498-2616
- Compu-Silv Computers at 144 Waltham Road: 613-342-1377
- Kinda Electronics at 176 King Street West: 613-342-9098
Scrap Metal Dealers
- Zigman Metals at 700 Central Avenue: 613-342-2929
- Glenview Iron and Metal at 2411 Lyn Road: 613-345-3263
Community Treasure Days
The garage sale where everything is free!
Brockville’s Community Treasure Days for 2025 are June 14th and September 13th.
- Leave any unwanted, but still useful, items at the curb by 9:00 am
- Remove any uncollected treasure from the curb and cease collecting by 6:00 pm
- Please do not remove items from anyone’s property: only collect items from the curb.
Waste Management Transfer Station
Residents may bring waste, recycling, construction and demolition waste, electronics, and some other items that are not accepted for curbside collection to the Waste Management Transfer Station. Please call ahead for materials accepted and fees that may apply.
Waste Management also provides many other services for homes. Please visit their website for details. https://www.wm.com/ca/en
Brockville Transfer Station
1380 California Avenue,
Brockville, ON
K6V 6K8
Scale House Phone Number: 613-342-1081, ext. 1
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fees: (Please Call to Confirm)
- Waste Up To 160 kg: $50 Flat rate
- Recycling & Metals: FREE (Recycling must be separated and plastic bags are not accepted)
- Non-refrigeration Appliances: FREE
- Refrigeration Appliances including air conditioners: FREE (Freon must be removed by a technician and service slip presented to Waste Management)
- Electronic Waste: FREE
Methods of Payment:
- Accepts Debit, Visa, Mastercard
- No Cash or American Express
Solid Waste Bylaw
The City of Brockville has enacted a Bylaw to Regulate Solid Waste Management which outlines the rules for garbage and recycling management.
Recycle Coach App
The City of Brockville is proud to partner with Recycle Coach to provide you with access to information about your waste on your smartphone.
Download the FREE Recycle Coach App on your smartphone, tablet or use the plug-in below to set reminders, search instructions on disposing of items, get waste updates, and more.
Check out the discovery zone for educational recycling activities which come in free downloadable packets for kids, ages 3-12. Try the Recycle Right game and test your knowledge of what’s accepted in our recycling program. Find out if you’re really recycling right.
Please note that Circular Materials will be launching their own App to replace Recycle Coach in 2026. Stay tuned for more information.
Click here to download for iPhone.
Click here to download for Android.