Sarnia Garbage Collection Schedule: Pickup Day, WasteWise Calendar, Bag Tags, Yard Waste, Brush and Large Items
Sarnia garbage collection is weekly, but recycling, yard waste and brush depend on your zone and collection week. Start with the City of Sarnia WasteWise App widget or the official 2026 Waste Collection Calendar, then use this guide for the 7 a.m. set-out rule, three-lift garbage limit, 22 kg / 121 L container limits, bag tags, Marcotte missed pickup contact, Circular Materials recycling, Emterra contact, Compost Site drop-off, Transco Saturday options, large items and hazardous waste routing.
Quick Answer: How Sarnia Residents Should Check Garbage Collection
Use the City of Sarnia collection schedule page, the Sarnia WasteWise App widget, or the official 2026 Waste Collection Calendar. Residential garbage is collected weekly on your collection day. Recycling and yard waste are collected bi-weekly by zone. Brush is collected during designated citywide weeks, and large item collection occurs weekly on your regular collection day.
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Find your collection day and zone
Enter your address in the WasteWise App widget or the City’s collection day and zone lookup. If your address does not appear, contact Marcotte Disposal at 519-339-9988 or cityofsarnia@marcottedisposal.com.
Garbage is weekly
Residential garbage collection happens once per week. Each residence is limited to three bags or containers, called three “lifts,” unless extra bags have bag tags.
Recycling and yard waste are zone-based
Recycling is bi-weekly by Zone 1 or Zone 2. Yard waste runs from mid-April to early December on the same week as your recycling collection, with extra weekly yard waste weeks in November.
Set material out by 7 a.m. and no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before. Garbage limit is three bags/containers. Each bag or container must be no more than 22 kg / 48 lb and no more than 121 L. Large items are weekly, but hazardous waste, electronics, yard waste and brush do not belong in regular garbage.
Sarnia WasteWise Calendar: Collection Day, Zone 1, Zone 2 and 2026 Pickup Weeks
The most important step is finding your exact collection day and zone. Sarnia’s calendar uses the same regular collection day for garbage, recycling, yard waste, brush and large items, but only some streams happen every week.
WasteWise App widget
Use the City’s WasteWise App widget to find your collection day and zone. This is the safest route for new residents, laneway addresses, multi-unit addresses, and streets near zone boundaries.
Open collection day lookup2026 Waste Collection Calendar
The calendar shows weekly garbage, bi-weekly Zone 1 and Zone 2 recycling weeks, yard waste weeks, brush weeks, large item notes, holiday changes and key contact information.
Open 2026 calendar PDFDo not guess from the neighbourhood name
Bright’s Grove, Point Edward-adjacent areas, Sherwood Village, Wiltshire Park, Mitton Village, downtown, and industrial-edge streets can be confusing if you rely only on local memory.
Garbage and large item collection occur weekly. Recycling and yard waste are bi-weekly by zone. Brush occurs in both zones during designated weeks. Everything must still be on your regular collection day and at the curb by 7 a.m.
Sarnia Waste Streams: Garbage, Recycling, Yard Waste, Brush and Large Items
Sarnia has more than one curbside stream. Many missed pickups happen because residents mix brush with yard waste, put electronics in large item pickup, use extra garbage without a tag, or assume recycling is City-run.
⚫ Garbage
Garbage is collected weekly. Each residence is limited to three bags or containers. Each lift must be no more than 22 kg / 48 lb and no more than 121 L.
🔵 Recycling
Residential recycling is the responsibility of Circular Materials Ontario. Emterra handles Sarnia recycling collection questions, missed recycling and acceptable-material questions.
🌿 Yard waste
Yard waste is collected by zone from mid-April to early December on the same week as recycling. It must be in paper bags or properly marked containers.
🪵 Brush / large items
Brush is collected only during designated citywide weeks. Large item collection occurs weekly on the regular collection day for acceptable furniture and household items.
Yard waste mixed with brush, brush in paper bags, electronics, construction materials, tires, hazardous waste and cardboard boxes used as garbage containers are common reasons items are left behind.
Sarnia Set-Out Rules: Curb by 7 a.m., Not Before 6 p.m.
The City’s timing rule applies across garbage, yard waste, brush and large item collection. Set material out too early, in the wrong place, in the wrong container, or on the wrong week, and it can be left behind or create by-law issues.
Pickup-ready setup
- Check your collection day and zone in the WasteWise widget.
- Place acceptable material at the curb by 7 a.m.
- Do not set material out before 6 p.m. the evening before.
- Keep regular garbage to three bags or containers unless bag tags are used.
- Keep each bag or container at or below 22 kg / 48 lb.
- Keep each garbage container at or below 121 L.
- Separate garbage, recycling, yard waste, brush and large items.
Common collection problems
- Putting material out after 7 a.m.
- Setting material out before 6 p.m. the evening before.
- Putting extra garbage out without bag tags.
- Mixing yard waste and brush.
- Putting yard waste in plastic bags for curbside collection.
- Using cardboard boxes as garbage containers.
- Putting construction material, electronics or hazardous waste in large item pickup.
Material set out before the designated time or placed on the road, ditch or gutter can contravene Sarnia’s Waste Collection By-Law. Keep items on your property edge and follow the collection schedule.
Sarnia Garbage Bag Tags and the Three-Lift Limit
Sarnia’s regular garbage limit is three “lifts” per residence. A lift is a bag or container no more than 22 kg / 48 lb and no more than 121 L. Extra bags over the three-lift limit require a City bag tag.
Three bags or containers
Residential garbage is collected weekly, but each residence is limited to three acceptable bags or containers unless extra tagged bags are used.
Bag tag required
A bag tag is required for any additional bag or container over the three-lift limit. The City lists purchase locations such as City Hall Customer Service and several local stores.
22 kg and 121 L maximum
Even with a tag, the lift must still meet the maximum weight and size rules. Bag tags do not make oversized, unsafe, hazardous or construction waste eligible for curbside garbage.
Check the official bag tag page before driving because purchase locations can change. City Hall Customer Service is listed at 255 Christina Street North.
Sarnia Recycling: Circular Materials, Emterra and Bi-Weekly Zone Collection
Residential recycling in Sarnia is no longer operated by the City as a regular municipal recycling program. Circular Materials Ontario is responsible for residential recycling, and Emterra is the contractor contact for collection questions.
Circular Materials Ontario
Residential recycling collection in Sarnia is the responsibility of Circular Materials Ontario. The City includes recycling information in the calendar as a convenience, but recycling inquiries should follow the Circular Materials / Emterra path.
Contact Emterra
For missed recycling, replacement recycling containers, or “what can I recycle” questions, contact Emterra at 1-888-597-1541 or customercareont@emterra.ca.
Zone 1 and Zone 2 alternate
Recycle collection occurs bi-weekly in your designated zone. Use the City calendar or Circular Materials app to confirm whether your address is on Zone 1 or Zone 2 week.
Place accepted recyclables clean, dry and loose. Flatten cardboard where required, keep hazardous materials and batteries out of recycling, and use the official Circular Materials page for accepted-material details.
Sarnia Yard Waste and Brush Collection: Zone Weeks, X-Marked Containers and Bundle Rules
Yard waste and brush are separate streams. Yard waste is collected by zone from April to December, generally on the same week as recycling. Brush collection happens in both zones during designated citywide weeks.
Paper bags or marked containers
Yard waste must be in a paper bag or rigid plastic container without a lid, with drainage holes, and marked on two sides with an “X.” Each bag or container must not exceed 22 kg / 48 lb.
Designated weeks only
Brush is collected during designated weeks on your regular collection day. 2026 brush weeks listed by the City are January 12–16, May 4–8, July 6–10, August 31–September 4, October 5–9, and November 30–December 4.
Brush is not yard waste
Brush in paper bags is not collected. Yard waste mixed with brush is also not collected. Keep leaves, grass and weeds separate from branches, twigs and shrub material.
Leaves, grass, weeds and pumpkins
Accepted yard waste includes leaves, grass, weeds, sod with dirt removed, hay or straw, house plants without trunks, and unpainted pumpkins with candles and decorations removed.
Branches up to 10 cm and 1 metre
Accepted brush includes branches no more than 10 cm in diameter and one metre long, twigs, hedges, shrubs, rose bushes, vines, sticks, corn stalks and pine cones in a brush container.
The 2026 calendar notes that yard waste is collected in both zones every week in November. Still use the official calendar because collection must happen on your regular collection day.
Sarnia Large Item Collection: Weekly on Your Regular Collection Day
Large item collection transitioned to weekly service, but it is not a free-for-all for every bulky item. Use the accepted list and prepare material correctly.
Set out on your regular day
Large items can be set out for pickup on your regular collection day year-round. Set out no later than 7 a.m. and no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before.
Furniture and residential appliances
Accepted large items include chairs, couches, tables, entertainment centres, dressers, mattresses, box springs, bed frames, residential stoves, washing machines and dryers.
Cut, roll, remove and tag
Carpet must be cut, rolled and tied into bundles no longer than 1.2 m and no heavier than 22 kg. Freon appliances must have Freon removed and be tagged by a refrigeration company, with doors or lids removed.
Construction material, drywall, lumber, ceramic tile, broken concrete, asphalt, doors, windows, auto parts, tires, commercial/industrial-sized items, televisions and microwaves are not collected as large items.
Missed Garbage, Yard Waste, Brush, Large Item or Recycling in Sarnia
Before reporting a missed collection, confirm which stream was missed. Garbage, yard waste, brush and large items route through Marcotte Disposal, while residential recycling routes through Emterra / Circular Materials.
Marcotte Disposal
For missed garbage collection, schedule questions, yard waste, brush, large item issues or items left at the curb, contact Marcotte Disposal at 519-339-9988 or cityofsarnia@marcottedisposal.com.
Emterra / Circular Materials
For residential recycling missed collection or container questions, contact Emterra at 1-888-597-1541 or customercareont@emterra.ca. Circular Materials can be reached at 1-877-667-2626.
Check the simple causes
Was it out by 7 a.m.? Was it before 6 p.m. the night before? Was it the correct zone week? Was it over the three-lift limit? Did extra garbage have a tag?
If the item was an electronic, hazardous waste, construction material, tire, unprepared Freon appliance, brush in a bag, yard waste in plastic, or garbage beyond the limit without tags, it may have been correctly left behind.
Sarnia Compost Site: 379 St. Andrew Street Yard Waste and Brush Drop-Off
The Sarnia Compost Site is a useful backup when you miss curbside yard waste week or have yard and brush material that should not go into garbage. It is not a public garbage dump for all material.
379 St. Andrew Street
The Compost Site accepts yard waste and brush from Sarnia and Bright’s Grove residents during business hours with proof of residency.
Opens March 2, 2026
The City lists the 2026 season opening on March 2, 2026. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Transco Waste and Recycling
For Saturday drop-off, the City directs residents to Transco Waste and Recycling at 387 McGregor Side Road South for yard waste and brush free of charge with proof of residency. Hazardous materials are not accepted there.
The Compost Site does not accept yard waste mixed with brush, brush in bags, yard waste in plastic bags, tree trunks, oversize root balls, soil, sand, stones, stumps, wood chips, phragmites, hay/straw used for animal bedding or pet feces.
Sarnia Hazardous Waste, Electronics, Batteries and Christmas Trees
Some items need a special route, even when they look small enough for garbage. Use the official disposal path before putting them in a bag or large item pile.
County of Lambton HHW days
Household hazardous waste days are hosted through the County of Lambton at Clean Harbors Lambton Facility, 4090 Telfer Road. Check the County page for current event dates and accepted materials.
Use official drop-off options
Electronics such as TVs and computers are not collected as large items. Batteries can be dropped off for recycling at Lambton County Library locations, subject to current limitations.
Verify before curb placement
The City schedule page says trees can be dropped off free at Transco during January and notes no curbside tree collection. Because calendar notes can change, verify the current City schedule before placing a tree at the curb.
Paint, chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, medications, propane cylinders, cleaners, batteries, sharps and electronics should not be hidden in regular garbage, recycling or large item piles.
Sarnia Collection by Property Type: Houses, Multi-Residential, Commercial and Downtown Areas
Regular curbside collection rules usually fit single-family homes and similar residential properties. Multi-residential, commercial and designated commercial recycling areas can work differently.
Use WasteWise and City calendar
For most residential curbside properties, use the City schedule, weekly garbage rules, zone recycling, yard waste/brush weeks and large item instructions.
Dumpster may be required
Some commercial and residential properties require dumpster garbage collection based on site plan arrangements. Contact the Planning Department or property manager if your building does not match curbside rules.
City delivers some commercial recycling
Some designated commercial areas such as downtown, East Street Plaza, Northgate Plaza and Mitton Street have commercial recycling collection details listed by the City.
Official Sarnia Garbage Collection Links
Use these official resources for final decisions because collection weeks, holiday changes, purchase locations, contractor contacts, recycling rules and facility hours can change.
Sarnia Garbage Collection FAQ
How do I find my Sarnia garbage collection day?
Use the City of Sarnia collection schedule page or the Sarnia WasteWise App widget. Enter your address to find your collection day and zone.
Is garbage collected weekly in Sarnia?
Yes. Residential garbage is collected weekly on your collection day. Recycling and yard waste are not weekly for all homes; they are zone-based and bi-weekly unless the official calendar says otherwise.
What time should Sarnia garbage be at the curb?
Acceptable material must be set out by 7 a.m. on your collection day and no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before.
What is the Sarnia garbage bag limit?
Each residence is limited to three bags or containers of garbage. Each bag or container must be no more than 22 kg / 48 lb and no more than 121 L.
Do extra Sarnia garbage bags need tags?
Yes. A bag tag is required for any additional garbage over the three-lift limit. Check the City’s official bag tag page for current purchase locations.
Who do I call for missed garbage pickup in Sarnia?
For missed garbage, yard waste, brush or large item collection, contact Marcotte Disposal at 519-339-9988 or cityofsarnia@marcottedisposal.com.
Who handles Sarnia recycling questions?
Residential recycling is handled through Circular Materials Ontario. For missed recycling, replacement containers or accepted-material questions, contact Emterra at 1-888-597-1541 or customercareont@emterra.ca.
Is yard waste collected weekly in Sarnia?
Yard waste is collected by zone from mid-April to early December on the same week as recycling collection. The 2026 calendar also notes weekly yard waste collection in both zones during November.
Are large items collected every week in Sarnia?
Yes. Large item collection occurs weekly on your regular collection day for accepted large items. Set items out by 7 a.m. and no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before.
Where is the Sarnia Compost Site?
The Sarnia Compost Site is at 379 St. Andrew Street. It accepts eligible yard waste and brush from Sarnia and Bright’s Grove residents during posted seasonal hours with proof of residency.
Where do I take hazardous waste in Sarnia?
Household hazardous waste is handled through County of Lambton hazardous waste days at Clean Harbors Lambton Facility, 4090 Telfer Road. Check the County page before going.
Editorial and Source Verification Note
This independent Sarnia garbage collection guide was refreshed for garbage-collection.org using official City of Sarnia waste pages, collection schedule guidance, the 2026 City of Sarnia Waste Collection Calendar, garbage collection rules, bag tag information, recycling collection guidance, Circular Materials Sarnia information, yard waste guidance, large item rules, Compost Site details and special collection information.
Always verify live details with the City of Sarnia, Sarnia WasteWise, Marcotte Disposal, Circular Materials, Emterra, the County of Lambton, Transco Waste and Recycling, your landlord, property manager or private hauler before setting out waste, reporting missed pickup, buying bag tags, using a drop-off site or relying on holiday/week changes.
Final Resident Summary: Bookmark This Before Sarnia Garbage Day
The best way to use the Sarnia garbage collection schedule is simple: check your exact collection day and zone, put garbage out by 7 a.m., and do not set anything out before 6 p.m. the evening before.
Garbage is weekly with a three-lift limit. Each bag or container must stay within 22 kg / 48 lb and 121 L. Extra garbage needs bag tags. Recycling is bi-weekly by zone and handled through Circular Materials / Emterra. Yard waste is zone-based and must be in paper bags or X-marked rigid containers. Brush has designated citywide weeks and must not be mixed with yard waste. Large items are weekly, but electronics, hazardous waste, construction material and tires need a different route.
This page is designed like a Sarnia pickup cockpit: fast answer first, official links visible, Zone 1 and Zone 2 confusion explained, Marcotte and Emterra contacts separated, Compost Site and Transco options included, and no fake pickup-day guesses.