Property Owners, Managers & Superintendents

Guidelines for Managing Your Building’s Waste

The property owner or manager is considered the primary contact and lead for waste collection services at your building(s). To ensure a successful waste management program, consider the following:  

• Promote waste diversion – Keep tenants informed about the recycling and waste programs available in your building and where to find disposal carts and bins. 
• Provide proper storage – Ensure garbage bins, blue carts, and green bins are stored in designated areas that are well-lit and easily accessible for tenants. 
• Maintain waste diversion programs – Work with new and existing superintendents to maintain the waste diversion initiatives already in place.
• Follow regulations – Ensure compliance with the latest Ontario Fire Code 213/07. The full Fire Code can be accessed on the on the website Government of Ontario e-laws website.

Important Waste Collection Reminders

To ensure smooth waste collection, please follow these guidelines: 

• Set out waste materials at the designated area between 7 pm on the evening before and 7 am on your collection day.
• Promptly return empty containers to their storage locations to prevent theft or them blowing away. 
• Remove all cords, ties, and locks from waste container lids before setting them out for collection. 
• Check bins daily to ensure they are not contaminated with materials that do not belong. Contaminated bins will not be collected. 
• Ensure loading areas for front-end bins are accessible on collection day. If not, bins will not be picked up. 
• Keep garbage and organics carts in good condition. If an organics cart is damaged, the City will replace it at no cost. For replacements, call 905-546-2489. 

Missed Collection

Look for an “Oops!” Sticker. If your green bin, garbage, bulk garbage, or yard waste was not collected, follow these steps: 

1. Check for an “Oops!” sticker and correct the issue. 
2. Set the waste out on your next scheduled collection day or bring uncollected garbage to a Community Recycling Centre. (Note: You have to pay to drop off garbage at a CRC)

Addressing Waste Challenges

If waste diversion is a challenge in your building, here are steps you can take to improve participation and proper sorting: 

• Educate tenants about the importance of recycling and composting. Consider adding a clause in tenant agreements that require participation in waste diversion programs. 
• Designate building representatives to help engage and educate tenants. 
• Schedule a waste presentation with City of Hamilton staff. 
• Request additional sorting guides and posters from the City by email [email protected]. 
• Share program rules about the green bin and garbage collection with tenants. 
• Clearly label all bins and post sorting posters in common areas such as elevators and waste storage rooms. 

Overcoming Language Barriers

• Use the City of Hamilton’s translation feature – Tenants can translate website pages by clicking the translate button at the top of the website and selecting their preferred language.
• Find bilingual tenants who can help communicate waste diversion information.
• Use visual aids and graphics to simplify messaging and improve understanding.

How we can help

The City of Hamilton offers FREE educational resources to support waste management in your building.

• Request Free Resources - Get sorting posters and tenant guides to help residents properly manage waste. Email [email protected] to request materials.

• Waste Education - The City provides FREE in-person waste presentations for residents, property managers, property owners, and superintendents of apartments and condominiums in Hamilton. Book your presentation today at Waste Education in the Community
• Download Hamilton’s Waste App - Encourage tenants to download it as well. Get the app to access the “What Goes Where?” search tool to learn how to sort and properly dispose of waste while also improving awareness and participation.

App Store Google Play