Waste Collection Safety

• Separate sharp waste. Sharp household items like broken glass, dishes, knives, mirrors, razor blades and scissors must be sealed in a cardboard box clearly labeled “BROKEN GLASS” or “SHARP WASTE” and placed on top of or beside your garbage bag. 
• Wrap breakable large items. Large mirrors and glass tables collected as bulk must be wrapped in cardboard and clearly labeled “SHARP WASTE”. Items not wrapped will not be collected. 
• No needles. Never put needles in your blue box or garbage. Place needles in a puncture proof, sealable plastic or metal container and drop off at a participating pharmacy, a designated needle drop off location or at a Community Recycling Centre.
• Face masks and gloves cannot be recycled. Household medical waste (medical and first aid supplies including face masks and gloves) should be double bagged in plastic, tied, and placed in a waste container or bag. 
• Properly dispose of household hazardous waste. Propane cylinders/tanks, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs/tubes and chemicals should never be disposed of in your blue box, garbage or green bin. Learn more about proper disposal.
• Remove cords and lids. Remove lids and bungee cords from waste containers before setting them out for collection. 
• Park off the street. If possible, park off the street on your waste collection day. If you are unable to move your car off the street, ensure it is at least 1 m (3 ft) away from any waste containers set out for collection. 
• Heavy waste will be left in place. Monitor the weight of your bins throughout the week to ensure they are not over the weight limit.
  • Each garbage bag/can or yard waste bag/container must not weigh more than 23kg (50lb) and must not be larger than 135L (35gal).
  • Each green bin must not weigh more than 23kg (50lb) and must not be larger than 120L (31gal).
  • Each blue box must not weigh more than 13kg (30lb) and must not be larger than 120L (31gal).
  • Do not overfill waste bags and containers.
  • Dispose of all food waste in the green bin, not the garbage.

Waste Collection Safety – Keep Safe and Separate Sharp Waste

​​Bulk Waste Collection - Tips for preparing bulk items

• Stay alert and avoid distractions when driving behind a waste collection truck. Be prepared to stop and keep at least one collection truck length behind the moving vehicle.
• Proceed with caution. If you are going to pass a collection truck. Only pass when you have a clear line of sight of possible oncoming traffic and always signal so the other motorists and cyclists can anticipate your actions.
• Make eye contact with the driver when crossing the street in front of a collection truck. Remember, if you can’t see the driver, the driver can’t see you.
• For your safety do not approach waste collection staff in their work area. Waste collection workers are required to wear personal protective equipment including boots, gloves and reflective colours.
• Avoid distractions while walking like texting or talking on the phone when close to a waste collection vehicle.

Stay Safe, Leave Space - Tips for Pedestrians

• Store your waste bins in a dry area throughout the week so that materials do not freeze to the bottom or sides and are safe from snow build up.
• Remove snow and ice and any cords or ties from your bins before placing them at the curb for collection.
• Line your bin with a piece of cardboard or newspaper to prevent material from freezing to the container. Materials frozen to your bin may not be collected.
• Ensure bottles, cans, cartons and jars are empty before placing in your blue box.
• Retrieve empty bins promptly to prevent them from getting buried with snow, blowing around or damaged.
• Clear snow from the end of your driveway or boulevard on your property that is close to the curb without blocking the sidewalk or road.
• Wait until morning (before 7 am) to place your waste materials curbside if a storm is occurring overnight.

• Ensure waste is accessible by placing waste containers on level ground and as close to the street as possible. NEVER on top of, behind, or in snow piles; this includes pre-scheduled bulk items. If they can’t see it or access it, it might get missed.

Clear a Safe Space for Your Waste