Kingston Garbage Collection Schedule 2026: Pickup Day, Calendar, Recycling, Green Bin and Missed Pickup Guide
The Kingston garbage collection schedule is address-based, so the correct pickup day depends on where you live, your collection area, your building type, and whether your property is part of the City’s regular household service, apartment or condo collection, or an automated cart collection area.
Use this guide to check your official calendar, place garbage and Green Bin waste out on time, understand blue and grey box recycling, buy bag tags, report missed collection, use the Kingston Waste app, find drop-off options, and avoid common mistakes that can leave waste behind.
Quick Answer: How to Find Your Pickup Day
To check your Kingston garbage collection schedule, use the official City of Kingston Collection Calendar. Enter your main address, not the unit number, then check the next pickup date and material. The calendar also lets residents view, download, print, and set reminders for collection.
Household curbside collection
Garbage is collected weekly. One untagged bag or container is included. Extra bags or containers need a City bag tag.
Green Bin collection
Green Bin waste is collected weekly. Use the City-supplied green bin and put it out before 6 a.m. on your pickup day.
Recycling collection
Blue and grey boxes are collected on alternating weeks. Recycling is managed by Circular Materials Ontario and collected by Emterra.
Apartment or condo
Ask your property manager or superintendent how collection works. Larger buildings may use different carts, locations, or private collection.
Put eligible garbage, Green Bin waste and recycling at the curb before 6 a.m. on the correct pickup date.
One untagged garbage bag or container is included weekly. Extra garbage needs a bag tag.
Blue box and grey box collection alternate by week. Correctly sorted boxes have no set number limit.
Use City of Kingston support for garbage and Green Bin questions. Recycling questions go to Emterra.
Source Verification Box: Official Pages Checked
Publish-ready as of: May 5, 2026. The official pages below were checked for this guide. Waste rules, recycling contractors, bag tag pricing, disposal site hours, cart rollout details, and holiday impacts can change, so always verify the live official page before paying, reporting a missed pickup, visiting a depot, or setting out unusual items.
- Collection Calendar for address-based pickup day lookup, printable calendars, reminders, and calendar downloads.
- Garbage for weekly garbage collection rules, one untagged bag or container, bag tags, container limits, and set-out requirements.
- Green Bin Waste for weekly organics collection, accepted items, weight limits, and food-waste visibility rules.
- Recyclable Waste for blue box, grey box, alternating weeks, accepted materials, and Emterra recycling contact details.
- Garbage Bag Tags for current tag pricing, online orders, in-person purchasing, discounts, and medical exemptions.
- Kingston Disposal Site for yard waste, household hazardous waste updates, site hours, and drop-off rules.
- Waste App for collection reminders and waste sorting help.
- What Goes Where for item-by-item sorting guidance.
- Apartment / Condo Waste Collection for multi-unit building rules.
- Automated Cart Collection for cart rollout, cart sizes, cart placement, and garbage cart size change fees.
Guide Menu for Pickup Day, Calendar, Bags, Recycling and Drop Off
Use this menu to jump to the Kingston waste topic you need. It covers pickup day lookup, calendar reminders, garbage limits, bag tags, recycling boxes, Green Bin, yard waste, missed pickup, apartments, disposal site hours, fees, map, and official resources.
Online Pickup Day Lookup for Your Address
The official Collection Calendar is the safest place to check what is being collected and when. Enter your main street address to see your collection day and next pickup details. If you live in a unit, enter the main address because unit numbers or letters may not work in the schedule system.
Open the City collection calendar
Use the City of Kingston Collection Calendar to find your pickup day. This is better than guessing from a neighbour’s bins or using an old printed calendar.
Enter the main property address
Use the main address only. If your address is written like a unit or apartment number, remove the unit part and try the main street address.
Check what is being picked up
Look for garbage, Green Bin, blue box, grey box, brush, leaves, or other scheduled service. Do not assume every material is collected on the same week.
Save a reminder
Use email, phone reminders, the Kingston Waste app, or calendar download options so you do not miss a pickup or put the wrong box out.
Waste Calendar, Printable Schedule and Collection Reminders
Kingston residents can use the official calendar to view, download, print, or sync collection information with a personal calendar. This helps households that rotate garbage, Green Bin, blue box, grey box and seasonal yard waste.
Print your calendar
Use a printed calendar if several people in the home share set-out duties or if you rent to students or tenants.
Use reminders
Sign up for reminders or use the Kingston Waste app so pickup day does not get missed during busy weeks.
Watch alternating weeks
Blue and grey boxes are collected on alternating weeks, so check the calendar before setting out the wrong box.
Set-Out Time, Curb Placement and Local Collection Rules
Most missed pickup problems happen because waste is late, overweight, in the wrong container, placed in the wrong spot, blocked by snow, or sorted incorrectly. Put collection items at the curb before 6 a.m. on the correct pickup date and keep the sidewalk clear.
- Place eligible garbage, Green Bin waste, and recycling by the curb before 6 a.m. on the correct pickup day.
- Keep containers close to the roadway but do not block the sidewalk.
- Do not put waste on a porch, beside the house, behind a parked vehicle, or on top of a snowbank where crews cannot reach it safely.
- Keep garbage bags or containers under the allowed size and weight limits.
- Use the correct blue or grey recycling box and keep recyclable items loose, not bagged.
- Check the What Goes Where tool before setting out unusual items, batteries, electronics, hazardous waste, textiles, appliances, or construction waste.
Weekly Garbage Pickup, One Free Bag and Container Rules
Kingston garbage is collected weekly. The City picks up one untagged garbage bag or container per week for eligible residential service. If you need to set out more than one bag or container, the extra garbage must have a valid bag tag.
🗑️ One untagged bag or container
Most households can set out one untagged bag or container each week as part of regular garbage collection.
🏷️ Extra garbage
Extra bags or containers need a City garbage bag tag. Attach the tag properly before placing the item at the curb.
⚖️ Weight limit
Garbage bags or containers must stay under the City’s weight limit. Heavy items can be refused for worker safety.
🧴 Not accepted in garbage
Do not put hazardous waste, electronics, tires, recyclables, compostable material, or construction waste in regular garbage.
Blue Box, Grey Box and Recycling Pickup Rules
Kingston recycling uses blue and grey boxes collected on alternating weeks. Circular Materials Ontario is responsible for Kingston’s blue and grey box programs, and Emterra Environmental handles recycling service questions, missed recycling collection and replacement recycling box inquiries.
Blue box
The blue box is for clean metal, plastic and glass containers, rigid plastic packaging and other accepted container material. Items should be clean, loose and correctly sorted.
Grey box
The grey box is for paper products, cardboard and plastic bags. Plastic bags should be placed together in one tied plastic bag before going into the grey box.
♻️ Emterra Environmental☎️ 1-888-597-1541📧 customercareont@emterra.ca
If recycling is missed, if you need a replacement blue or grey box, or if you have recycling service questions, contact Emterra rather than using the City’s garbage or Green Bin missed collection process.
Green Bin Pickup, Food Waste and Organics Rules
Green Bin waste is collected every week. The Green Bin is for food waste, soiled paper products and small amounts of yard waste only when food waste is visible to collectors. Use the City-supplied green bin and keep the lid closed.
🥬 Food scraps
Fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, bones, dairy, bread, rice, pasta, grains and similar food waste belong in the Green Bin.
🍕 Soiled paper
Paper towels, tissues, paper plates and greasy pizza boxes can go in the Green Bin when they fit and follow City rules.
🌿 Small yard waste
Small amounts of yard waste may go in the Green Bin only if food waste remains visible for collection staff.
🚫 Not for Green Bin
Do not place pet waste, litter, sand, roots, sod, liquids, stones, dirt, feminine hygiene products or non-compostable liners in the Green Bin.
Automated Cart Collection Areas, Cart Sizes and Placement
Kingston is transitioning garbage and Green Bin collection to an automated cart-based system over several years. Some neighbourhoods have carts, while other areas may continue with manual, semi-automated or different collection arrangements until their rollout happens.
- Eligible residential properties receive a standard 120L garbage cart and 120L organics cart where the program applies.
- Some property owners may request a garbage cart size change, including an upgrade or downsize, through the City process.
- Cart placement matters: face carts toward the road, close lids fully, keep carts spaced, and avoid placing carts behind vehicles or obstacles.
- If you have an extra tagged garbage bag, place it on the ground next to the cart, not on top of the cart.
- Carts are assigned to the property, so residents moving within Kingston should leave the carts at the property.
Apartment, Condo and Multi-Unit Garbage Collection Rules
Apartment and condo rules can differ from curbside household rules. Buildings with seven or more units may register for City apartment and condo garbage and organics collection, or the owner or manager may arrange collection privately.
Tenant action
Ask your property manager, superintendent or landlord where garbage, organics, recycling and special items should go.
Organics collection
If your building is registered for organics collection, use the green bins provided for the building and follow posted sorting rules.
Recycling issues
For recycling carts, missed recycling or broken recycling containers, contact Emterra at the recycling service number.
Missed Garbage, Green Bin or Recycling Pickup Help
If your waste is not collected, first check whether it was set out correctly. The City lists common reasons for missed collection, including wrong day, late set-out, wrong box, overweight container, snowbank placement, incorrectly sorted waste or extra garbage without a bag tag.
Check your calendar
Confirm it was your correct pickup day and the correct material week for garbage, Green Bin, blue box, grey box, brush or leaves.
Look for a notice
Collection staff may leave a tag or notice explaining why an item was not collected. Fix the issue before the next pickup.
Use the right contact
Report missed garbage or Green Bin collection through MyKingston or City service request options. Contact Emterra for missed recycling collection.
Follow the review period
If City staff are investigating, leave waste curbside during the review period. If it is not collected by the stated time, bring it in and place it out on the next collection day.
Yard Waste, Brush, Leaves and Seasonal Collection
Yard waste is not regular garbage. Kingston offers free leaf and yard waste drop-off at the Kingston Disposal Site year-round, and free brush and leaf curbside pickup during the fall. Brush and leaves are collected separately, so check your calendar before placing material out.
- Check the official calendar to find your brush or leaf collection week.
- Place the correct material at the curb by the stated time for your collection week.
- Do not put brush out during a leaf collection week or leaves out during a brush collection week.
- Use paper yard waste bags or rigid-sided containers with handles where required.
- Do not rake leaves loose to the curb because loose leaves are not collected that way.
- Drop tree limbs, logs, root balls, Christmas trees and sod only where the City currently accepts them.
Kingston Disposal Site Hours, Yard Waste Drop Off and Hazardous Waste
The Kingston Disposal Site is at 189 Lappan’s Lane, Kingston, ON K7K 6Z4. Residents can use it for leaf and yard waste drop-off and household hazardous waste services when the relevant drop-off option is open. Always check the official page before visiting because construction, seasonal hours and accepted items can change.
📍 Address
Kingston Disposal Site, 189 Lappan’s Lane, Kingston, ON K7K 6Z4.
🌿 Yard waste drop off
Residents can drop off leaf and yard waste for free. Businesses may face fees and should check with staff.
☣️ Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste must not go in garbage or recycling. Confirm seasonal drop-off dates and construction updates before visiting.
♻️ Recycling depot note
The former recycling convenience drop-off depot at 196 Lappan’s Lane has ceased operations, so use curbside recycling and official guidance.
Special Items, Electronics, Textiles, Tires and Hazardous Waste
Not everything belongs in garbage, recycling or the Green Bin. Use the City’s Special Item Waste Disposal page and What Goes Where tool before setting out appliances, electronics, textiles, tires, construction waste, scrap metal, refrigerant appliances or hazardous materials.
- Do not place electronics, tires, hazardous waste or construction waste in regular garbage.
- Do not put hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals or certain batteries in blue or grey boxes.
- Large scrap metal may need a private scrap metal collector or a disposal option listed through the What Goes Where tool.
- Appliances with refrigerants, such as fridges, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers, need special disposal guidance.
- Textiles may be accepted at Renewal Squared bins around the city, but check locations and accepted materials before visiting.
Free vs Paid Waste Services, Bag Tags and Drop-Off Fees
Some Kingston waste services are included in regular residential collection, while others require bag tags, cart fees, apartment or condo collection fees, or business drop-off charges. Always check the live official page before paying because fees can change.
🗑️ Weekly garbage
One untagged garbage bag or container is included for eligible household collection.
🏷️ Extra garbage
Extra garbage requires a bag tag unless a valid exemption applies.
🌿 Yard waste
Residential leaf and yard waste drop-off is free at the Kingston Disposal Site when accepted.
🏢 Apartment collection
Apartment and condo garbage collection may involve an annual per-unit fee added to the property tax bill.
🛞 Cart size change
Garbage cart size changes may involve a service fee or annual fee depending on the request.
🏬 Business drop off
Businesses using yard waste drop-off may have fees and should visit the scales or speak with staff.
Common Mistakes That Cause Missed Pickup
Most collection problems are preventable. Before reporting a missed pickup, check this list. Fixing these issues will save time and help crews collect your waste safely.
- Putting waste out after 6 a.m. on collection day.
- Using the wrong recycling box on an alternating week.
- Bagging recyclables instead of placing them loose in the correct box.
- Setting out extra garbage without a bag tag.
- Using a garbage container that does not meet City requirements.
- Putting food waste, recyclable material, electronics or hazardous waste in garbage.
- Placing waste on a snowbank, behind a vehicle, on a porch or where crews cannot safely access it.
- Putting yard waste out during the wrong brush or leaf collection week.
Kingston Map, Official Website, Phone Number and Drop-Off Location
This map points to the City’s verified waste drop-off location at 189 Lappan’s Lane. Do not use the map to decide your pickup day. Pickup day must be checked through the official Collection Calendar for your address.
🏛️ City Hall: 216 Ontario Street☎️ City: 613-546-0000📧 contactus@cityofkingston.ca♻️ Emterra: 1-888-597-1541
Official Waste Websites to Bookmark
Use these official resources instead of old screenshots, copied calendars, social media comments or third-party pickup guesses.
- Collection Calendar for pickup day lookup, reminders and printable schedules.
- Garbage Collection Rules for weekly garbage, one untagged bag or container and container limits.
- Green Bin Waste for organics collection and accepted items.
- Recyclable Waste for blue box, grey box, Emterra contact and recycling transition details.
- Garbage Bag Tags for extra garbage tags, purchase locations and medical exemption information.
- Automated Cart Collection for cart rollout, placement and cart size change rules.
- Apartment / Condo Waste Collection for multi-unit building rules and registration information.
- Kingston Disposal Site for yard waste, hazardous waste, hours and construction updates.
- Special Item Waste Disposal for textiles, tires, appliances, scrap metal and other special items.
- What Goes Where for item-by-item sorting help.
Kingston Garbage Collection Schedule FAQ
How do I check the Kingston garbage collection schedule for my address?
Use the City of Kingston Collection Calendar and enter your main address. The tool shows your collection day and what is being picked up on the next pickup date. If your unit number does not work, enter the main street address without the unit letter or number.
What time should I put garbage out in Kingston?
Place garbage at the curb before 6 a.m. on your correct pickup date. Waste placed out late may be missed, even if it is the correct day. Keep items close to the roadway but do not block the sidewalk.
Is Kingston garbage collected every week?
Yes. Kingston garbage is collected weekly for eligible residential service. The City picks up one untagged garbage bag or container for free each week. Extra bags or containers require a bag tag.
Does Kingston collect Green Bin waste every week?
Yes. Green Bin waste is collected weekly. Use the City-supplied green bin, keep the lid closed, follow the weight limit, and make sure food waste is visible if you place small amounts of yard waste in the bin.
How does blue box and grey box recycling work in Kingston?
Blue and grey boxes are collected on alternating weeks. Blue boxes are mainly for clean containers, while grey boxes are mainly for paper, cardboard and plastic bags. Put recyclables loosely in the correct box and check the calendar before setting items out.
Who do I contact if my Kingston recycling was missed?
For missed recycling, broken recycling containers, replacement recycling boxes or recycling service questions, contact Emterra Environmental at 1-888-597-1541 or customercareont@emterra.ca.
How do I report missed garbage or Green Bin collection in Kingston?
First check your calendar, set-out time, container weight, location and sorting. If you are still unsure why garbage or Green Bin waste was not collected, use MyKingston or the City service request process for missed waste collection.
How much garbage can I put out in Kingston without a bag tag?
Eligible households can put out one untagged garbage bag or container per week. Extra garbage needs a City garbage bag tag unless a valid exemption applies.
Where can I buy Kingston garbage bag tags?
Garbage bag tags can be purchased online in sets and at many local retailers. Use the City’s bag tag page and purchasing location map to find current options. It is helpful to call a retailer before going to confirm tags are available.
What app can I use for Kingston garbage pickup reminders?
The Kingston Waste app can show garbage and recycling schedules and send reminders. It is also useful for sorting questions and helps residents avoid missing alternating blue and grey box weeks.
Where can I drop off yard waste in Kingston?
Kingston residents can drop off leaf and yard waste at the Kingston Disposal Site at 189 Lappan’s Lane. Residential yard waste drop-off is free when accepted, but businesses may have fees. Always check the official site page before visiting.
Does Kingston offer brush and leaf pickup?
Kingston offers free brush and leaf curbside pickup in the fall. Brush and leaves are collected separately, so check the official Collection Calendar for your collection week and put the correct material out by the required time.
What should apartment and condo residents do for garbage collection?
Apartment and condo residents should ask their property owner, manager or superintendent how waste collection works in the building. Buildings with seven or more units may use City apartment and condo collection or private collection arrangements.
What is changing with automated carts in Kingston?
Kingston is transitioning garbage and Green Bin collection to automated carts in phases. Some neighbourhoods have standard carts, and more areas are expected to transition over several years. Check the City’s automated cart page to see current rules and rollout details.
Where should I take hazardous waste in Kingston?
Do not place hazardous waste in garbage or recycling. Check the Kingston Disposal Site page for current household hazardous waste drop-off information, seasonal dates, construction updates and accepted items before visiting.
Editorial Note and Official Verification Reminder
This guide is written to help residents understand Kingston pickup day lookup, garbage limits, Green Bin rules, recycling contacts, bag tags, automated carts, missed pickup, apartment collection, yard waste, hazardous waste, drop-off options and official resources. It is not the official City of Kingston website.
This page is publish-ready as of the verified date shown above. Waste rules can change because of City updates, recycling program changes, construction at the disposal site, holidays, weather, collection route updates, contractor changes or fee changes. Before paying a fee, reporting missed pickup, setting out special items or visiting a drop-off site, verify the latest details through the City of Kingston, Emterra, MyKingston, the Collection Calendar or your property manager.
Final Summary: The Simple Rule for Kingston Waste Collection
Do not guess your Kingston pickup day. Use the official Collection Calendar, enter your main address, check the material being collected, and set everything out before 6 a.m. on the correct date. Garbage is weekly, Green Bin is weekly, and blue and grey recycling boxes alternate by week.
Use City of Kingston resources for garbage, Green Bin, bag tags, yard waste, automated carts, apartments, hazardous waste and drop-off questions. Use Emterra for recycling service issues. Use the What Goes Where tool or Kingston Waste app when you are not sure where an item belongs.