Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Mastering Ottawa’s waste collection system saves you from missed pickups, contamination fines, and the frustration of overflowing bins on the wrong day.
Ottawa garbage collection 2025 operates on a comprehensive system designed to maximize recycling and minimize landfill waste. With separate streams for garbage, blue box recycling, black box recycling, green bin organics, and seasonal yard waste, understanding what goes where is essential for every Ottawa household. This guide covers everything from collection schedules to proper sorting, helping you become a waste management expert.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa collects garbage biweekly and recycling/green bin weekly. Use the Ottawa app or website to find your collection day. Blue box = containers, black box = paper/cardboard, green bin = food scraps. Bag limits apply to garbage.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗑️ Garbage | Every other week |
| ♻️ Recycling | Weekly (blue + black boxes) |
| 🍃 Green Bin | Weekly (organics) |
| 🍂 Yard Waste | Seasonal (spring/fall) |
| ⏰ Set Out Time | By 7:00 AM on collection day |
| 📦 Bag Limit | 6 bags/containers per collection |
Understanding Ottawa’s Waste System
Ottawa’s waste system includes multiple streams for different materials
Ottawa operates a multi-stream waste collection system designed to divert as much material as possible from landfill.
The Five Streams
1. Garbage (Grey/Black Bin)
- Items that can’t be recycled or composted
- Collected every other week
- 6-item limit per collection
2. Blue Box Recycling
- Containers: bottles, cans, plastic containers
- Collected weekly
- No limit
3. Black Box Recycling
- Paper and cardboard
- Collected weekly
- No limit
4. Green Bin (Organics)
- Food scraps and soiled paper
- Collected weekly
- No limit
5. Yard Waste (Seasonal)
- Leaves, grass, branches
- Spring and fall collection
- Paper bags or bundles
Why Separation Matters
Proper sorting:
- Increases recycling efficiency
- Reduces contamination
- Lowers waste management costs
- Supports environmental goals
- Avoids collection issues
Weekly Collection Schedule
Find your collection day using Ottawa’s online tools
Ottawa’s collection schedule varies by neighbourhood. Here’s how to find yours.
Finding Your Collection Day
Online:
- Visit ottawa.ca/garbage
- Enter your address
- View your complete schedule
Ottawa App:
- Download “Ottawa” city app
- Set up collection reminders
- Get holiday schedule alerts
Phone:
- Call 311 for schedule information
- Report missed collections
- Ask questions
Collection Day Rules
Set out by 7:00 AM:
- Trucks start early
- Don’t set out night before (animals)
- Items must be at curb
Placement:
- At the curb or end of driveway
- Not on sidewalk
- Away from obstacles (cars, snowbanks)
- Lids facing the street
Retrieval:
- Bring containers in by evening
- Don’t leave at curb overnight
- Bylaws may apply
Collection Schedule Types
| Collection | Urban | Suburban | Rural |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garbage | Biweekly | Biweekly | Biweekly |
| Blue Box | Weekly | Weekly | Weekly |
| Black Box | Weekly | Weekly | Weekly |
| Green Bin | Weekly | Weekly | Weekly |
| Yard Waste | Seasonal | Seasonal | Varies |
Blue Box Recycling
The blue box is for containers - bottles, cans, and plastic
The blue box is designated for containers - anything that held a product.
What Goes IN the Blue Box
Plastic containers:
- Water and pop bottles
- Milk jugs and containers
- Yogurt and food containers
- Shampoo and soap bottles
- Cleaning product bottles
- Margarine and butter tubs
Metal containers:
- Aluminum cans (pop, beer)
- Steel food cans
- Aluminum foil and trays (clean)
- Metal lids
Glass containers:
- Bottles (wine, beer, sauce)
- Jars (pickles, jam, baby food)
- Any colour glass accepted
Cartons:
- Milk and cream cartons
- Juice boxes
- Soup and broth cartons
What Does NOT Go in Blue Box
- Plastic bags (return to store)
- Styrofoam
- Coffee cups (lined with plastic)
- Chip bags and candy wrappers
- Ceramics or drinking glasses
- Broken glass
- Hazardous containers
Blue Box Tips
- Rinse containers - Remove food residue
- Leave lids on - Small lids get lost
- Don’t bag recyclables - Loose in box
- Crush containers - Saves space
- No plastic bags - They jam machines
Black Box Recycling
The black box is for paper and cardboard products
The black box is for paper and cardboard - anything made primarily of paper fiber.
What Goes IN the Black Box
Paper:
- Newspapers and flyers
- Magazines and catalogs
- Office paper and envelopes
- Junk mail
- Paper bags
- Shredded paper (in paper bag)
- Books (remove hardcovers)
- Phone books
Cardboard:
- Cereal and food boxes
- Shipping boxes (flattened)
- Shoe boxes
- Tissue and toilet paper rolls
- Paper towel rolls
- Egg cartons (paper)
- Pizza boxes (no heavy grease)
What Does NOT Go in Black Box
- Waxed cardboard (juice boxes = blue box)
- Heavily soiled paper
- Paper towels/napkins (green bin)
- Photos
- Stickers and labels
- Plastic-coated paper
Black Box Tips
- Flatten all boxes - Saves space
- Remove plastic - Tape and windows
- Keep dry - Wet paper isn’t recyclable
- Stack neatly - Prevents blowing away
- Shred securely - Put in paper bag, staple shut
Green Bin Organics
The green bin accepts all food scraps and organic materials
The green bin program diverts organic waste from landfill, turning it into compost.
What Goes IN the Green Bin
Food scraps (all):
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Meat, fish, and bones
- Dairy products
- Bread and grains
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags
- Egg shells
- Plate scrapings
Soiled paper:
- Paper napkins and towels
- Pizza boxes (greasy)
- Soiled cardboard
- Paper plates
- Tissues
- Paper coffee cups
Other organics:
- Pet food
- House plants
- Hair and nail clippings
- Cotton balls
- Dryer lint
What Does NOT Go in Green Bin
- Plastic bags (even “compostable”)
- Styrofoam
- Diapers (garbage)
- Pet waste (garbage)
- Yard waste (separate collection)
- Liquids
Green Bin Tips
Line your bin:
- Use newspaper or paper bags
- Certified compostable bags (with logo)
- Makes emptying cleaner
Reduce odors:
- Freeze scraps until collection day
- Line with newspaper layers
- Sprinkle baking soda
- Clean bin regularly
Winter:
- Store in garage if possible
- Use paper liners to prevent freezing
- Don’t add water or liquids
Yard Waste Collection
Seasonal yard waste collection handles leaves, grass, and branches
Ottawa provides seasonal yard waste collection in spring and fall.
Spring Collection (April - May)
Dates: Usually 4 weeks in April/May
- Check ottawa.ca for exact schedule
- Same day as garbage collection
- Unlimited quantities
What’s accepted:
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- Garden waste
- Small branches
Fall Leaf Collection (October - November)
Dates: Usually 6-8 weeks Oct-Nov
- Weekly collection
- Largest volume period
- Extra trucks deployed
How to Prepare Yard Waste
Paper bags:
- Use paper yard waste bags
- Available at hardware stores
- No plastic bags (not accepted)
- Max weight 20 kg per bag
Branches:
- Bundle with string
- Max 4 feet long
- Max 6 inches diameter
- Max 20 kg per bundle
No containers:
- Don’t use garbage cans
- Don’t use cardboard boxes
- Paper bags or bundles only
Year-Round Options
When seasonal collection isn’t running:
- Trail Road Landfill - Drop off for free
- Composting - Start a backyard composter
- Mulching - Use lawn mower to mulch leaves
- Private haulers - Pay for pickup
Large Item Pickup
Ottawa collects large items on your regular garbage day
Ottawa collects bulky items too large for regular garbage.
What’s Collected
Accepted large items:
- Furniture (couches, chairs, tables)
- Mattresses and box springs
- Appliances (stove, washer, dryer)
- Carpets (rolled and tied)
- Exercise equipment
- BBQs (remove propane tank)
How to Set Out
- Place at curb on regular garbage day
- No appointment needed
- Limit 2 large items per collection
- May be collected by separate truck
What’s NOT Collected
- Refrigerators/freezers (contain refrigerant)
- Air conditioners (contain refrigerant)
- Construction materials
- Tires
- Car parts
- Propane tanks
For refrigerators/freezers:
- Retailer take-back when buying new
- Special pickup arranged through 311
- Trail Road Landfill accepts (fee)
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Hazardous materials require special handling
Hazardous household waste cannot go in regular garbage or recycling.
What’s Considered Hazardous
- Paints and stains
- Solvents and thinners
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Pool chemicals
- Motor oil and antifreeze
- Batteries (all types)
- Propane tanks
- Fire extinguishers
- Fluorescent bulbs
- Mercury thermometers
Disposal Options
Household Hazardous Waste Depots:
- Trail Road Landfill (year-round)
- Mobile depots (seasonal, various locations)
- Check ottawa.ca for schedule
Retail Take-Back:
- Batteries → Many retailers (Staples, Home Depot)
- Motor oil → Auto shops, Canadian Tire
- Paint → Most paint retailers
- Propane tanks → Exchange at retailers
Electronics (E-Waste)
Accepted free at depots:
- Computers and laptops
- TVs and monitors
- Printers and scanners
- Cell phones and tablets
- Small appliances
Drop-off locations:
- Trail Road Landfill
- Various community collection events
- Retail take-back (Best Buy, Staples)
Holiday Collection Schedule 2025
Collection schedules shift during holidays
Several holidays affect garbage and recycling collection.
2025 Holiday Schedule
| Holiday | Date | Schedule Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Collections shift 1 day later |
| Family Day | Feb 17 | Collections shift 1 day later |
| Good Friday | Apr 18 | Collections shift 1 day later |
| Victoria Day | May 19 | Collections shift 1 day later |
| Canada Day | Jul 1 | Collections shift 1 day later |
| Civic Holiday | Aug 4 | Collections shift 1 day later |
| Labour Day | Sep 1 | Collections shift 1 day later |
| Thanksgiving | Oct 13 | Collections shift 1 day later |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Collections shift 1 day later |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26 | Collections continue shifted |
Holiday Tips
- Collections shift one day later for rest of week
- Regular schedule resumes following week
- Sign up for email/app reminders
- Don’t miss shifted collection day
- Extra recycling after holidays (flatten boxes!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors that contaminate recycling
Even well-intentioned Ottawa residents make these common mistakes.
Top Recycling Errors
1. Bagging recyclables
- Wrong: Putting recyclables in plastic bags
- Right: Loose items in boxes only
2. Wishful recycling
- Wrong: Putting non-recyclables in, hoping they’re recycled
- Right: When in doubt, throw it out
3. Dirty containers
- Wrong: Leaving food residue in containers
- Right: Rinse quickly before recycling
4. Wrong box, wrong item
- Wrong: Paper in blue box, containers in black
- Right: Blue = containers, Black = paper
5. Plastic bags
- Wrong: Putting in recycling
- Right: Return to grocery store collection
Green Bin Errors
1. Plastic bags as liners
- Wrong: Using grocery bags to line bin
- Right: Use paper bags or certified compostable bags
2. Pet waste
- Wrong: Putting in green bin
- Right: Goes in garbage
3. Yard waste
- Wrong: Adding to green bin
- Right: Wait for seasonal collection
FAQ
Q: What day is my garbage collection in Ottawa?
Enter your address at ottawa.ca/garbage or use the Ottawa city app to find your specific collection day. Collection day varies by neighbourhood and may shift after holidays.
Q: How often is garbage collected in Ottawa?
Garbage is collected every other week (biweekly). Recycling (blue and black boxes) and green bin are collected weekly. Yard waste is collected seasonally in spring and fall.
Q: What goes in the blue box vs black box in Ottawa?
Blue box = containers (plastic bottles, cans, glass, cartons). Black box = paper and cardboard (newspapers, boxes, office paper, magazines). Remember: Blue = Bottles, Black = Books.
Q: Can I put plastic bags in Ottawa recycling?
No, plastic bags cannot go in Ottawa recycling. They jam sorting machines. Return plastic bags to grocery store collection bins for recycling.
Q: What can I put in Ottawa’s green bin?
All food scraps (including meat and dairy), coffee grounds, tea bags, soiled paper products, and certified compostable bags. No plastic bags, pet waste, or yard waste.
Q: How many garbage bags can I put out in Ottawa?
Ottawa has a 6-item limit per garbage collection. This includes bags, bins, and containers. Each item must weigh under 20 kg. Excess items may not be collected.
Q: When is yard waste collection in Ottawa 2025?
Spring yard waste collection runs approximately 4 weeks in April/May. Fall leaf collection runs 6-8 weeks in October/November. Check ottawa.ca for exact dates.
Q: How do I dispose of a mattress in Ottawa?
Mattresses are collected as large items on your regular garbage day. Place at curb, limit 2 large items per collection. No appointment needed.
Q: Where do I take hazardous waste in Ottawa?
The Trail Road Landfill accepts household hazardous waste year-round. Mobile depots also operate at various locations seasonally. Check ottawa.ca for schedules.
Q: What time should I put garbage out in Ottawa?
Garbage and recycling should be at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection day. Don’t set out the night before due to animals and wind.
Q: Can pizza boxes be recycled in Ottawa?
Slightly greasy pizza boxes can go in the black box (paper). Heavily soiled pizza boxes with cheese/food residue should go in the green bin.
Q: How do I get a replacement recycling bin in Ottawa?
Request replacement blue boxes, black boxes, or green bins through ottawa.ca or by calling 311. There may be a small fee for replacements.
Final Summary
Ottawa’s waste collection system may seem complex, but following a few simple rules ensures smooth collection and maximum environmental benefit. Remember the basics: blue for bottles (containers), black for books (paper), green for food scraps, and garbage for everything else.
Key takeaways:
- Know your day - Use the Ottawa app for reminders
- Sort correctly - Blue = containers, Black = paper
- Rinse containers - Prevents contamination
- No plastic bags - Return to stores instead
- Check holiday schedule - Collections shift after holidays
By properly sorting your waste, you’re helping Ottawa achieve its environmental goals while avoiding collection issues at your curb.
Sources: City of Ottawa, Ottawa Waste Explorer, 311 Ottawa
