CBRM Garbage Day Helper: Pickup Calendar, Blue Bags, Green Cart and Call to Haul
This Cape Breton Regional Municipality guide is built for the real resident moment: you need to know if tomorrow is garbage day, whether blue bags or the green cart go out, when bags must be curbside, what happens on holidays, and how to book large-item pickup without waiting for old-style heavy garbage week.
Quick Answer: How to Find Your CBRM Garbage Day
For CBRM garbage day, use the official Cape Breton Regional Municipality curbside collection schedule or the CBRM Solid Waste app. The schedule shows your pickup days for garbage, blue bags and green cart, while the app can send reminders, collection notifications and sorting tips.
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Use the official address schedule
CBRM is large, and collection information is address-based. Do not rely only on a neighbour’s bags, an old screenshot, or a printed calendar saved from a previous year.
Most daytime collection: before 6 a.m.
Green carts, garbage and blue bags must be at the curb before 6 a.m. on your regular curbside collection day unless your area follows overnight collection instructions.
5 clear bags per week
CBRM allows a maximum of five regular-sized clear garbage bags per week. One optional dark garbage bag can be substituted for one clear bag.
If you are not sure what goes out tomorrow, open the CBRM schedule or app first, then ask three questions: “Is this my collection day?”, “Do I need garbage, blue bags or green cart?”, and “Am I in a daytime or overnight collection area?”
What CBRM Residents Usually Need Today
Most people searching “CBRM garbage” are not casually reading. They need a fast answer before collection morning, before a storm, before a holiday, or before putting a bulky item outside.
I need my pickup day
Open the official CBRM curbside schedule or the CBRM Solid Waste app. Use your exact address and check which material is due.
I need set-out rules
For daytime collection, have green carts, garbage and blue bags out before 6 a.m. For listed overnight areas, material must be out before 12 a.m.
I have a couch or appliance
Use CBRM’s year-round Call to Haul service. Do not place bulky items at the curb until you have a scheduled appointment.
My material was tagged
Residents are responsible for removing tagged or uncollected garbage and blue bags from the curb. Fix the issue before the next collection.
Official CBRM Curbside Collection Schedule and App
The CBRM curbside collection schedule is the safest place to find your pickup day for garbage, blue bags and green cart. The CBRM Solid Waste app is also useful because it gives reminders, notifications and “what goes where” help on your phone.
Use the CBRM curbside schedule
Search your address and confirm your collection day. If the schedule looks wrong or you need help with what materials go where, CBRM lists the Waste Management Hotline at 902-567-1337 and email SolidWasteHotline@cbrm.ns.ca.
Open CBRM curbside scheduleUse the CBRM Solid Waste app
The app helps residents view garbage, blue bag and green cart collection schedules and receive curbside collection reminders. It is especially useful during holidays, storms and route-time changes.
Open Android appCBRM has communities across Sydney, Glace Bay, New Waterford, North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Louisbourg, Reserve Mines, Grand Lake Road and other areas. Your address schedule is safer than copying a neighbour’s curb.
CBRM Set-Out Rules: Daytime and Overnight Collection
The most common way to miss pickup is being late or using the wrong setup. CBRM separates normal daytime collection from overnight collection in specific areas, so read this part carefully.
Place material out before 6 a.m.
For daytime collection, green carts, garbage and blue bags must be placed curbside before 6 a.m. on your curbside collection day.
- Use the official schedule to confirm your collection day.
- Put material out before 6 a.m., not after the truck starts the route.
- Keep garbage and blue bags at or under 12 kg / 25 lb each.
- Face the serial number on the green cart toward the street.
Place material out before 12 a.m.
CBRM lists overnight collection for Grand Lake Road, roads off Grand Lake Road, Kytes Hill Subdivision, Gardiner Mines and Reserve Mines. In those areas, green carts, garbage and blue bags must be curbside before 12 a.m.
- Use the official schedule if you are near an overnight route boundary.
- Do not wait until morning in overnight collection areas.
- Keep material placed safely and visible for collection.
- Watch app alerts and CBRM notices during storms.
CBRM says green carts containing garbage bags will be tagged and left uncollected. Keep garbage in approved bags and use the green cart only for accepted compostable material.
Garbage, Blue Bags and Green Cart: What Goes to the Curb in CBRM
CBRM residents should think in three main curbside streams: clear garbage bags, blue bags and green cart. Your schedule tells you when; the stream rules tell you what actually belongs outside.
🛍️ Clear garbage bags
CBRM allows up to five regular-sized clear garbage bags per week. One optional dark bag may be substituted for one clear bag.
Each garbage bag must weigh 12 kg / 25 lb or less. If your household has a medical need for additional dark bags, use the Medical Exemption Program route.
🔵 Blue bags
Blue bags are part of CBRM’s recycling system. Use the official Sorting and Disposal Guide or the app’s “what goes where” function before guessing with plastics, containers, paper, batteries, electronics or special items.
If a no-collection holiday falls on your blue bag day, CBRM says blue bags are collected on your next regular blue bag collection week.
🟢 Green cart
Inspect your green cart regularly for damage such as cracked fronts, holes, broken lids, missing vents, missing wheels or cracks in the body.
The serial number on the front of the green cart must face the street. Do not put garbage bags inside the green cart.
All garbage or blue bags placed curbside must weigh 12 kg / 25 lb or less. Heavy bags can be left behind, create safety problems and slow collection.
Official Video Help: CBRM Garbage and Green Cart Collection
CBRM’s official video on garbage and green cart collection is useful for residents who want a visual reminder of how local collection vehicles handle curbside materials.
Watch the video for curbside collection context, then still use the official CBRM schedule or app for your exact pickup day.
CBRM Holidays With No Curbside Collection
CBRM lists several holidays with no curbside collection. If one of these holidays falls on your scheduled collection day, the follow-up depends on the material.
Check these dates carefully
- New Year’s Day, January 1
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Davis Day, June 11, Glace Bay only
- Canada Day, July 1
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30
- Remembrance Day, November 11
- Christmas Day, December 25
- Boxing Day, December 26
Garbage, green cart and blue bag follow different paths
If a no-collection holiday falls on your scheduled collection day, CBRM says extra garbage bags and green cart material will be collected on your next regular collection day. Blue bags will be collected on your next regular blue bag collection week.
Use the CBRM Solid Waste app close to a holiday because alerts are safer than old screenshots.
If your pickup week has Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday or September 30 in it, check the app or official schedule before putting anything out.
Call to Haul in CBRM: Large Item Pickup Replacing Heavy Garbage
CBRM’s year-round Call to Haul program replaces the former annual heavy garbage pickup. Residents can schedule pickup of up to five bulky household items at a time and may use the service multiple times throughout the year.
Eligible residential properties
CBRM lists the service for residents in single-family homes including mobile homes, duplexes, row houses and townhouses where each unit has street frontage, and apartment buildings with up to six units.
Up to five per appointment
You may place up to five items per appointment. Only items approved during booking will be collected, and regular garbage or blue bags are not accepted through Call to Haul.
Wait for your scheduled date
Do not place items at the curb until you have a scheduled appointment. On the scheduled day, place confirmed items at the curb by 6 a.m. and do not block sidewalks or the road.
CBRM’s current large-item system is appointment-based. Putting a couch, mattress or appliance out early can create an illegal dumping problem and may not result in collection.
CBRM Waste Facilities, Drop-Off Sites and Yard Waste Options
Some materials should not go in curbside garbage, blue bags or green cart. Use the official sorting guide, the CBRM Solid Waste app, or facility information before loading your vehicle.
Waste Management Facility on SPAR Road
CBRM lists the Waste Management Facility at 145 Sydney Port Access Road, Sydney, NS B1P 7J1. Official facility hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residential mixed waste tipping fees listed for 2026 include a flat $5 per vehicle for up to 100 kg, or $8 per 100 kg. Verify current fees before driving.
Northside Public Drop-Off Site
CBRM lists the Northside Public Drop-Off Site at the end of Ferris Street, off 93 King Street in North Sydney. For 2026, the page lists opening on the first Saturday of each month, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Always check the official facility page first because dates, hours and accepted materials can change.
Small amounts of leaves can go in your green cart. Larger volumes should go to a seasonal leaf and yard drop-off site or the Waste Management Facility. CBRM lists seasonal sites in Glace Bay, New Waterford and North Sydney, with 2026 opening and closing dates on the official facility page.
Medical Exemption Program for Extra Dark Bags
CBRM offers a Medical Exemption Program for households that require more than one dark garbage bag per week due to medical reasons. The extra dark bags are intended for medical-related waste only. Other household garbage must still be placed in clear bags.
Continue using recycling and green cart properly
CBRM says households must continue to recycle and use the green cart properly. Collection staff complete an 8-week curbside assessment before approval.
Contact the Waste Management Hotline
To apply for the Medical Exemption Program, contact the CBRM Waste Management Hotline at 902-567-1337.
Green Cart Repair or Replacement in CBRM
Inspect your green cart regularly. Common problems include a cracked front lift, holes, broken or missing lid, missing or chewed vents, cracks in the body, missing axle or missing wheels.
Call, email or drop off a form
CBRM lists the Solid Waste Hotline at 902-567-1337. Residents can also download the Green Cart Repair Replacement Request Form and email it to solidwastehotline@cbrm.ns.ca.
Solid Waste Administration Office
The office address for forms is 575 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS B1P 3T5. CBRM lists the office window as 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
The serial number on the front of your green cart must face the street. This small detail helps collection crews and cart repair staff identify the correct cart.
Sorting and Special Disposal: What Goes Where in CBRM
The CBRM sorting guide is the best place to check confusing items. It covers what belongs in garbage, blue bags and green cart, plus special disposal for hazardous waste and sharps.
Use the official guide before guessing
Do not guess with containers, packaging, batteries, electronics, lighting, paint, oil, sharps, beverage containers or tires. Many items need a special program or drop-off route.
No garbage bags inside
Green carts containing garbage bags will be tagged and left uncollected. Keep green cart material separate from garbage.
Report dumpsites quickly
If you see illegal dumping, use CBRM’s official reporting path. Do not move hazardous material yourself unless instructed by the municipality.
Storm, Snow, Wind and Coastal Weather Pickup Tips
CBRM residents know the weather can change fast. Snow, coastal wind, slush, icy roads and plowbanks can affect how materials sit at the curb and how safely collection crews can reach them.
Keep material visible and reachable
Do not hide bags or green carts behind snowbanks. Keep the set-out area safe, visible and accessible to collection crews.
Secure bags and light material
Blue bags and lightweight material can blow around in coastal wind. Put material out at the correct time and keep it prepared properly.
Do not wait for the truck
Collection times can vary. Use the required set-out time instead of trying to time the truck by memory.
Official CBRM Garbage and Recycling Links
Use these official resources for final decisions because schedule tools, accepted items, fees, facility hours, holiday rules and Call to Haul instructions can change.
CBRM Garbage Day FAQ
How do I find my CBRM garbage day?
Use the official CBRM curbside collection schedule or the CBRM Solid Waste app. Search your address to see your pickup days for garbage, blue bags and green cart.
What time should garbage, blue bags and green cart be out in CBRM?
For daytime collection, materials must be curbside before 6 a.m. on your collection day. In overnight collection areas such as Grand Lake Road, roads off Grand Lake Road, Kytes Hill Subdivision, Gardiner Mines and Reserve Mines, materials must be out before 12 a.m.
How many clear garbage bags can I put out in CBRM?
CBRM allows a maximum of five regular-sized clear garbage bags per week. One optional dark garbage bag can be substituted for one clear bag.
What is the bag weight limit in CBRM?
All garbage or blue bags placed curbside for collection must weigh 12 kg / 25 lb or less.
Can I put garbage bags inside my green cart?
No. CBRM says green carts containing garbage bags will be tagged and left uncollected.
What happens if a no-collection holiday falls on my CBRM pickup day?
Extra garbage bags and green cart material will be collected on your next regular collection day. Blue bags will be collected on your next regular blue bag collection week.
Does CBRM still have heavy garbage pickup?
CBRM’s current system uses Call to Haul instead of the former annual heavy garbage pickup. Residents can book up to five approved bulky household items per appointment.
How do I book CBRM Call to Haul?
Book online through the Call to Haul system or call 311. Do not place items at the curb until you have a scheduled appointment.
Where is the CBRM Waste Management Facility?
CBRM lists the Waste Management Facility at 145 Sydney Port Access Road, Sydney, NS B1P 7J1. Check official facility information before visiting for current hours, fees and accepted materials.
Who do I contact for CBRM solid waste questions?
CBRM lists the Waste Management Hotline at 902-567-1337 and email SolidWasteHotline@cbrm.ns.ca. You can also call 311 for municipal information.
Editorial and Source Verification Note
This independent CBRM garbage day guide was refreshed for garbage-collection.org using official Cape Breton Regional Municipality waste collection pages, curbside collection schedule guidance, CBRM Solid Waste app information, Call to Haul program rules, Sorting and Disposal Guide information, Contact and Facility Information, holiday guidance, green cart repair details and official CBRM service update notices.
Always verify live details with CBRM, the CBRM Solid Waste app, 311, the Waste Management Hotline, your property manager or the official facility page before setting out material, booking bulky items, paying tipping fees or visiting a drop-off site.
Final Resident Summary: Bookmark This Before CBRM Garbage Day
The fastest way to use the CBRM garbage schedule is simple: search your exact address, check whether garbage, blue bags or green cart are due, and place material out before the correct set-out time for your route.
For daytime collection, be curbside before 6 a.m. For Grand Lake Road, roads off Grand Lake Road, Kytes Hill Subdivision, Gardiner Mines and Reserve Mines, use the overnight rule and place material out before 12 a.m. Keep garbage and blue bags at 12 kg / 25 lb or less, use no more than five regular clear garbage bags per week, and do not put garbage bags inside the green cart.
For bulky household items, use Call to Haul instead of old heavy garbage habits. For batteries, electronics, paint, oil, sharps, tires, yard waste, construction waste or confusing items, use the official sorting guide or facility page before you drive or put anything curbside.