Garbage, Recycling, Composting
The City of Brockville’s contractor collects garbage and recycling at the curb once a week.
Collection is divided into four zones. Where you live will indicate what day of the week your garbage is collected. Garbage and recycling are collected on the same day according to your collection schedule.
Garbage Collection Requirements
- Waste and large items must be placed at the curb prior to 7:00 am on the day of collection only.
- Residents are allowed one bag of garbage (maximum 26” x 36”) per household per week.
- Garbage bags and cans must weigh less than 22.6 kilograms or 50 pounds to be collected.
- Any additional bags must each have a $3 bag tag attached to be collected.
- Large items must have 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 your regular waste and your large item being collected.
- Please ensure that your garbage is secure from wind and pests as much as possible. This includes avoiding early set outs and using a can with a removable lid, if necessary.
Bag Tags and Large Item Tags
When you want to place more bags than the permitted limit, you must attach a green bag tag. Green bag tags are sold individually for $3.
When you want to dispose of a large item (such as couches, dressers, chairs, mattresses, box springs, tables, etc.) you must attach an Orange Large Item Tag. Please check “What Goes Where?” on the Recycle Coach App to see if your large item is acceptable for collection. Orange Large Item Tags are sold individually for $10.
Green Bag tags and Orange Large Item Tags can be purchased at the following locations:
- Canadian Tire
- City Hall
- Home Hardware
- Metro
- Quickie Convenience Stores
- Superstore
Wintertime Garbage Collection
The winter months can be challenging for your waste and recycling collector. Following the suggestions below can make their job easier, safer, more efficient, and will reduce late and missed collection:
- Place your waste at the end of your cleared driveway or shoveled out part of the boulevard.
- Waste should not be placed on the road or sidewalk as it creates a hazard for pedestrians and snow plow operators.
- Don’t leave your waste on your front lawn, steps, against your house, on top of or behind snowbanks, away from the curb, or where it cannot be accessed by the collectors without difficulty.
Please consider that the collectors are coming from the roadside and place waste where it can easily be accessed without the collectors having to climb through snow or leave the roadside and go onto your property.
Your waste may 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 bag tag. Any additional bags over the one bag limit per household require a $3 bag tag to be collected.
- Late placement. Waste and large items must be placed at the curb prior to 7:00am on collection day only.
- Bag was oversize or overweight. The maximum size of a garbage bag is 26 x 36 inches and it must weigh less than 22.6 kilograms or 50 pounds.
- Unacceptable materials. Garbage in the recycling or unacceptable items at the curb (appliances, barbeques, electronics, construction waste, hazardous waste, tree branches, etc.)
- Recycling placed in a plastic bag. Recycling must be placed in a bin.
- Collection schedule delays. Due to a holiday or unforeseen circumstance. Check the RecycleCoach App and City Facebook page for updates.
If none of the reasons above apply, please contact the contracted collector.
For curbside collection issues, please call the contracted collector:
Contracted Waste Collector (garbage collection only):
L.A. Knapp Inc. 613-345-1941
Contracted Recycling Collector:
Emterra 888-597-1541
Recycling Collection Requirements
- As of January 1, 2025, Brockville’s recycling program will be managed by Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Ontario. Circular Materials have been hired by the province to run the program and have contracted Emterra to collect the recycling. Emterra can be reached at customercareont@emterra.ca or at 888-597-1541
- Recycling must be placed at the curb between 5:00 am and 7:00 am on the day of collection only.
- Recycling must be placed in a bin, not a plastic bag. Recycling placed at the curb in plastic bags will not be collected.
- There is no limit to the amount of recycling you can set out.
- Recycling can be co-mingled, meaning all plastics, metal, glass, and paper products can be placed together in the same recycling bin.
- Please ensure materials are clean.
- If garbage is found in the recycling it will be refused.
- Corrugated cardboard must be cut and folded into bundles with dimensions less than 76 centimetres (30 inches) in any direction.
- If your waste was not collected a red sticker indicating why will be placed on it.
- 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.
Please check “What Goes Where?” on the RecycleCoach App to see what is acceptable for recycling collection.
Some items require special disposal or may be brought to the Waste Management Transfer Station for a fee.
Recycling Do’s and Don’ts
The following items are accepted in the recycling program:
- Empty plastic containers including plastics numbered 1 through 7
- Glass containers
- Steel and aluminum cans, containers, pans, and clean foil
- Empty and dry paint cans, aerosol cans with lids off, and jar lids
- Newspaper, flyers, magazines, and catalogues
- Soft cover books, paper, and clean boxes
- Food and beverage cartons (milk, juice, broth, soup etc.)
- Corrugated cardboard (must be folded and cut into bundles less than 76 centimetres (30 inches) in any dimension)
Not all items are acceptable for curbside pick up. Here are some examples:
- Styrofoam
- Ceramics
- Film plastic (bags, shrink wrap)
- Windows and tempered glass
- Toys (donate)
- Footwear and clothing (donate)
- Pots and pans (donate)
- Oversized plastic pails, buckets or laundry baskets
- Products with mixed materials
- Chip bags
- Soiled Cardboard (pizza boxes, coffee cups, take out boxes)
- Broken glass (securely place in a box, tape up, and place beside your garbage bag with a note saying “Broken Glass”)
This is applicable year-round.
Please check “What Goes Where?” on the RecycleCoach App to see what is acceptable for recycling collection.
For curbside collection issues, please call the contracted collectors:
Contracted Recycling Collector:
Emterra 888-597-1541
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.
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:
Monday to Friday:
- April 1 to August 31: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- September 2 to November 2: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- November 4 – November 29: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Saturdays:
- April 1 to November 29: 10:00 am to 3:00 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
Curbside collection of leaves will take place during the following weeks:
October 21 – October 25, 2024
November 18 – November 22, 2024
- 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.
2024 Christmas tree collection will take place during the week of January 8th to 11th.
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 Household Hazardous Waste event is scheduled for Saturday August 23rd between 8:00am and 2:00pm and will be held 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.
When these products are disposed of in the garbage, poured on the ground or into drains, they can be harmful to our health and the environment. These items should be delivered to a stewardship retailer, if possible, or the Household Hazardous Waste Event.
More information on Ontario’s Hazardous and Special Products program can be found at http://www.RPRA.ca. Check their website for materials and participating drop-off retailers at: 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 are tire collectors and will take back tires to ensure that they are recycled. For more information on a location near you, please visit http://www.rpra.ca/tires and click on the “Find a Collection Site” link.
Batteries
Accepted at the following locations:
- Brockville Public Library, 23 Buell Street, 613-342-3936.
- Gord Watt’s Municipal Centre, 251 North Augusta Road, 613-342-8772.
- City Hall, 1 King Street West, 613-342-8772.
- Brockville Memorial Civic Centre, 100 Magedoma Boulevard, 613-342-8775.
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 location:
- Riverside Ford at 25 Eleanor Street: 613-342-0234
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 2024 are scheduled for June 15th and September 14th.
- 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 to 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.
Click here to download for iPhone.
Click here to download for Android.