Thunder Bay Garbage Schedule and Garbage Dump Guide: Pickup Day, Area/Zone Calendar, Carts and Mapleward Landfill
This Thunder Bay garbage schedule guide is built for the real search behind “thunder bay garbage dump”: you may need your weekly garbage cart pickup day, your Area and Zone calendar, the recycling week, the Thunder Bay Waste Recycling app, Leaf & Yard Waste dates, extra bag tags, or the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility at 5405 Mapleward Road.
Quick Answer: How Thunder Bay Residents Should Check Garbage Pickup Day
Use the City of Thunder Bay Garbage and Recycling page to enter your address, view your collection dates, set reminders, use Waste Wizard, and find your Area and Zone number. Curbside residential garbage cart collection takes place every week, usually on the same day each week, with holiday adjustments. Curbside residential recycling is managed by Circular Materials through GFL and takes place every two weeks. If you searched for “Thunder Bay garbage dump,” the official landfill is the Thunder Bay Solid Waste & Recycling Facility at 5405 Mapleward Road.
📅 Which Week Am I On? — Garbage or Recycling?
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Next pickup date
Based on your collection day
🔑 Bookmark this page to check your schedule every 2 weeks
Search your address
Use the City’s collection tool to see your dates, sign up for reminders, and identify your Area and Zone before downloading a printable calendar.
Check garbage vs recycling
Garbage carts are weekly. Recycling carts are every two weeks and are handled through Circular Materials / GFL.
Use Mapleward for dump items
Hazardous waste, e-waste, bulky items, metals, tires, clean wood, garbage loads and leaf/yard waste may need the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility.
If you only remember one rule: search your address first, then check whether the item belongs in the garbage cart, recycling cart, Leaf & Yard Waste collection, Waste Wizard route, or Mapleward landfill route.
What Thunder Bay Residents Usually Need Today
Most people searching for Thunder Bay garbage schedule or Thunder Bay garbage dump are trying to solve one immediate problem. Pick the closest one before scrolling.
I need pickup day
Open the City collection tool, type your home address, and set a reminder through the Thunder Bay Waste Recycling app or web tool.
Garbage or recycling?
Garbage is weekly. Recycling is every two weeks. Your recycling day is shown by the recycling symbol on your waste calendar.
My cart is full
Use one tagged extra bag beside the cart only when the cart is full. Do not put the extra bag on top of the cart.
I need Mapleward landfill
Go to 5405 Mapleward Road only after checking hours, fees, live camera, load sorting and whether you need to cross the scales.
Thunder Bay Area and Zone Calendar: Area 1–4 and Zone 1–2
Thunder Bay uses printable calendars by Area and Zone. If you do not know your Area and Zone, use the address tool on the City Garbage and Recycling page, then click “Area and Zone Information.” The City provides calendars for Area 1 Zone 1, Area 1 Zone 2, Area 2 Zone 1, Area 2 Zone 2, Area 3 Zone 1, Area 3 Zone 2, Area 4 Zone 1 and Area 4 Zone 2.
Address search first
Use the City tool if you are new to Thunder Bay, near a zone boundary, moved recently, or do not trust an old printed calendar.
Open City schedule toolDownload your Area / Zone calendar
After you know your Area and Zone, download the matching printable garbage and recycling calendar from the City page.
Open calendar listThis map is for local context only. It is not a live waste route map. Your final collection day should come from the City address tool, Waste Recycling app, or your correct Area/Zone calendar.
Waste Collection by Property Type in Thunder Bay
Property type matters because the new automated garbage carts apply differently to residential curbside properties, small multi-unit buildings, large apartments and private/commercial sites.
Weekly automated garbage cart
Homes with City residential curbside garbage service use the assigned City garbage cart. The cart belongs to the City and is assigned to the property address.
- Search your address for collection day.
- Write your address on the cart’s white area.
- Bag garbage before placing it in the cart.
- Keep the cart lid fully closed.
Cart rollout applies to small residential buildings
The City indicates residential housing with five units or less receives garbage carts. If your building received the wrong number of carts, call City Dispatch.
- Confirm cart count with landlord if needed.
- Share assigned carts properly.
- Do not exchange carts with neighbours.
- Call 807-625-2195 for cart questions.
Ask the superintendent first
Large multi-unit buildings may have separate garbage and recycling instructions. The City recycling page tells apartment and large multi-unit residents to contact their superintendent for recycling information.
- Ask where garbage and recycling go.
- Confirm who reports missed service.
- Do not use curbside house rules without checking.
- Ask before leaving furniture or bulky items.
Thunder Bay Garbage Cart Rules: Weekly Pickup, 3-Foot Spacing and Extra Bag Tags
Thunder Bay’s automated collection truck uses a mechanical arm, so cart placement is not just a suggestion. The cart must be reachable from the road, on level ground, with the arrows on the lid facing the road and the lid fully closed.
Weekly residential pickup
Curbside residential garbage cart collection takes place every week, usually on the same day each week, with holiday adjustments.
Standard 240L cart
The City says the standard 240L garbage cart holds approximately three bags. Do not overload it because tightly packed material may not empty properly.
Place beside, not on top
If the garbage cart is full, one additional tagged bag may be placed on the ground next to the cart. Bags on top of the cart are not the correct setup.
Pickup-ready setup
- Set the cart at the side of the road or driveway.
- Keep it three feet / one metre from recycling carts, cars and objects.
- Place the cart on level ground.
- Point the lid arrows toward the road.
- Keep the lid fully closed.
- Bag garbage before putting it in the cart.
- Use Waste Wizard for confusing items.
Common rejection triggers
- Cart too close to a parked vehicle, snowbank, fence or recycling cart.
- Cart lid left open or material jammed too tightly.
- Loose garbage placed in the cart.
- Extra tagged bag placed on top of the cart.
- Liquid waste, combustible materials or soaked rags.
- Medical sharps, batteries or construction / demolition waste.
- Cart exchanged with a neighbour.
Thunder Bay Recycling in 2026: Circular Materials, GFL and Two-Chamber Carts
Thunder Bay curbside residential recycling is managed by Circular Materials, with GFL Environmental as the collection contractor. Recycling collection takes place every two weeks, usually on the same day of the week, with holiday exceptions. Your recycling day is shown by the recycling symbol on your waste collection calendar.
After 4 p.m. or before 7 a.m.
Place recycling at the curb after 4 p.m. the day before collection or before 7 a.m. on collection day.
Grey lid and blue lid matter
Paper and fibre go under the grey lid. Containers go under the blue lid. Cardboard must be flattened and excess cardboard should be bundled only when the grey-lid chamber is full.
Contact GFL / Circular Materials
For replacement recycling containers, missed collections and what-you-can-recycle questions, Circular Materials lists GFL for Thunder Bay recycling support.
Do not place recycling carts on top of snowbanks. GFL recycling staff cannot collect carts from snowbanks for safety reasons.
Thunder Bay Leaf & Yard Waste: Spring/Fall Collection and Compost Area
Thunder Bay provides two Leaf & Yard Waste collection days each spring and two each fall. Spring 2026 Leaf & Yard Waste collection takes place May 12–22 and June 9–19 on your regular recycling day. Look for the leaf symbol on your waste collection calendar.
Kraft bags and bundled branches
Kraft paper bags of leaves and bundled branches or sticks are accepted on designated Leaf & Yard Waste days.
No bag/bundle count limit
Bags and bundles must weigh less than 18 kg / 40 lb. Bundled branches must be tied with twine and under 1 metre long and 61 cm around.
Grass clippings
Grass clippings are not accepted in the City’s Leaf & Yard Waste program. The City encourages grasscycling by leaving clippings on your lawn.
You can take compostable leaf and yard materials directly to the landfill compost area. Check the landfill page before visiting for hours, closures and site instructions.
Thunder Bay Garbage Dump: Solid Waste & Recycling Facility at 5405 Mapleward Road
The official Thunder Bay garbage dump / landfill is the Thunder Bay Solid Waste & Recycling Facility at 5405 Mapleward Road. The entrance is on the west side of Mapleward Road between Oliver Road and John Street Road. The facility accepts only waste generated within the District of Thunder Bay.
5405 Mapleward Rd
Use the Mapleward Road entrance. The old John Street Road entrance is closed.
Mon–Fri 8–6:30, Sat 8–4:30
The facility is closed Sundays and all statutory holidays, including Easter Monday, Civic Holiday, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Remembrance Day.
Check before you drive
The City provides a landfill live camera so residents can see how busy the site is before making the trip.
Recycling, HHW and e-waste only
If you are only using the recycling, household hazardous waste and e-waste areas, take the second right after entering the facility before crossing the scales. The City says there is no charge for that route.
Garbage and bulky loads
For other items, private vehicles go through the public weigh scale kiosk, then to the public drop-off area for metals, tires, bulky items, clean wood and garbage.
Check current tipping fees
The City lists a minimum fee for loads up to 120 kg and per-tonne rates for heavier non-hazardous solid waste. Confirm the current landfill fee page before loading your vehicle.
Sort your load before arriving so recycling, e-waste, household hazardous waste, metals, tires, clean wood, garbage and leaf/yard waste can go to the right area. Sorting at the site saves time and can prevent avoidable fees or rejected material.
Household Hazardous Waste, E-Waste, Batteries and Sharps
The Household Hazardous Waste Depot is located at the City of Thunder Bay Solid Waste & Recycling Facility, 5405 Mapleward Road. The City lists the same general hours as the landfill: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Sundays and statutory holidays.
Paint, cleaners, oil and chemicals
Household cleaners, garden chemicals, paint, solvents, used motor oil, oil filters, household batteries, fluorescent tubes and empty propane tanks should use the HHW route.
Electronics do not belong in garbage
Computers, printers, monitors, cameras, phones, cables, chargers, gaming devices and similar electronics can be handled through the e-waste depot.
Use pharmacy return routes
Sharps and unused or expired medications should not go in regular garbage. Use approved pharmacy or stewardship return programs.
Keep hazardous products in original containers when possible, label unknown products, never mix hazardous wastes, and keep lithium batteries protected to reduce fire risk.
Missed Garbage, Recycling or Leaf & Yard Waste Pickup in Thunder Bay
Before reporting a missed pickup, check the right provider. The City manages curbside residential garbage and Leaf & Yard Waste. Circular Materials / GFL manages curbside residential recycling.
Self-check first
- Was it your official collection day?
- Was it garbage week or recycling week?
- Was the cart out on time?
- Was the cart three feet from objects and other carts?
- Was the lid fully closed?
- Was the cart behind a vehicle or snowbank?
- Was the missed item recycling, which belongs to GFL / Circular Materials?
Use the right contact
For City garbage cart, landfill, Leaf & Yard Waste, litter and general waste questions, use City Dispatch at 807-625-2195 or the City report-a-problem path. For recycling container replacement, missed recycling or recycling material questions, contact GFL through Circular Materials Thunder Bay.
New Thunder Bay Resident Checklist: Set Up Waste Collection in 10 Minutes
If you just moved to Thunder Bay, do this before your first pickup week. It prevents the common mistakes: wrong Area/Zone calendar, recycling week confusion, snowbank placement, extra bags without tags, and driving to Mapleward without sorting.
Set your schedule
- Open the City Garbage and Recycling page.
- Enter your address in the collection tool.
- Find your Area and Zone number.
- Download the matching printable calendar.
- Set reminders in the Thunder Bay Waste Recycling app.
Plan extra material properly
- Use one tagged extra garbage bag only when cart is full.
- Use Waste Wizard for confusing items.
- Use GFL / Circular Materials for recycling issues.
- Take HHW and e-waste to Mapleward depot areas.
- Check landfill hours, live camera and fees before a dump run.
Official Thunder Bay Garbage Schedule and Dump Links
Use these official resources for final decisions because collection schedules, holiday changes, recycling contacts, landfill fees, depot hours and accepted materials can change.
Thunder Bay Garbage Schedule FAQ
How do I check my Thunder Bay garbage pickup day?
Use the City of Thunder Bay Garbage and Recycling page. Enter your address to see collection dates, set reminders, view or print your calendar, and find your Area and Zone number.
Is Thunder Bay garbage collected every week?
Yes. Curbside residential garbage cart collection takes place every week, usually on the same day every week, with some holiday adjustments.
How often is recycling collected in Thunder Bay?
Curbside residential recycling collection takes place every two weeks, usually on the same day of the week, with holiday exceptions. It is managed by Circular Materials through GFL.
Where is the Thunder Bay garbage dump?
The official landfill is the Thunder Bay Solid Waste & Recycling Facility at 5405 Mapleward Road, Thunder Bay. The entrance is on the west side of Mapleward Road between Oliver Road and John Street Road.
What are Thunder Bay landfill hours?
The City lists landfill hours as Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed Sundays and all statutory holidays. Always check the official page before visiting.
How far apart should carts be in Thunder Bay?
Garbage and recycling carts should be spaced three feet / one metre from each other, cars and other objects so the automated truck arm can reach them.
Can I use an extra garbage bag in Thunder Bay?
Yes, if your garbage cart is full, you may use an extra bag tag on one additional bag and place it on the ground beside the cart. Do not put it on top of the cart.
Who handles missed recycling in Thunder Bay?
Circular Materials lists GFL Environmental for replacement recycling containers, missed collections and questions about what can be recycled in Thunder Bay.
When is Leaf & Yard Waste collected in Thunder Bay?
The City provides two Leaf & Yard Waste collection days each spring and two each fall. Spring 2026 collection is listed for May 12–22 and June 9–19 on your regular recycling day.
Where do hazardous waste, paint, batteries and electronics go?
Take household hazardous waste and e-waste to the appropriate depot areas at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility on Mapleward Road. Do not place batteries, paint, sharps, chemicals or electronics in regular garbage or recycling.
Editorial and Source Verification Note
This independent Thunder Bay garbage schedule and Thunder Bay garbage dump guide was refreshed for garbage-collection.org using official City of Thunder Bay Garbage and Recycling pages, Garbage Collection page, Automated Garbage Carts page, Waste Wizard, Recycling Collection and Depots, Leaf and Yard, Landfill page, and Circular Materials Thunder Bay recycling resources.
Always verify live details with the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Waste Recycling tool, Waste Wizard, City Dispatch, Circular Materials, GFL, your superintendent or your private service provider before setting out carts, reporting missed pickup, buying extra bag tags or visiting the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility.
Final Thunder Bay Resident Summary: Bookmark This Before Pickup Morning or a Dump Run
The safest way to use the Thunder Bay garbage schedule is simple: enter your address on the City Garbage and Recycling page, confirm your Area and Zone, then check whether the date is garbage, recycling or Leaf & Yard Waste.
Garbage carts are collected weekly. Recycling is every two weeks through Circular Materials / GFL. Place carts on level ground with lids closed, arrows facing the road, and three feet / one metre of clearance from carts, cars, snowbanks and objects.
For the Thunder Bay garbage dump, use the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility at 5405 Mapleward Road. Check hours, live camera, fee information, depot routes and accepted materials before driving. Hazardous waste, electronics, batteries, sharps and chemicals should never be guessed into regular curbside carts.