Ottawa Garbage Schedule 2026: Pickup Day, App & Changes

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🇨🇦 Ottawa, Ontario • address-first 2026 collection guide

Ottawa Garbage Schedule: Find Today’s Pickup, Tomorrow’s Bins and Your New 2026 Collection Day

Start with your exact address. Ottawa does not have one citywide garbage day, and about half of curbside households received a different weekday on March 30, 2026. This guide helps you check today, tomorrow or this week, use the official app, follow the three-item limit, prepare yard waste and contact the correct provider after a missed pickup.

⚫ Garbage every 2 weeks 🟢 Green bin weekly 🍂 Yard waste weekly ♻️ Blue/black alternate 🌙 Set out after 6 p.m. ⏰ Ready by 7 a.m.

Quick Answer: Ottawa Garbage Collection in 2026

Use Ottawa’s official digital collection calendar and search your exact address. Garbage is normally collected every two weeks with a three-item limit. Green bin and properly prepared leaf and yard waste are weekly. Recycling is collected weekly, alternating between paper/fibre and container streams.

After 6 p.m. Earliest normal set-out
By 7 a.m. Everything must be ready
After 6 p.m. Report a genuine miss
3 items Regular biweekly garbage limit
The most important Ottawa rule

Knowing your weekday is only half the answer. Confirm whether the calendar shows garbage, green bin, leaf and yard waste, blue-bin containers or black-bin paper and fibre.

Ottawa Garbage Schedule Today or Tomorrow: Five Reliable Steps

Searches for “Ottawa garbage schedule today,” “Ottawa garbage schedule tomorrow” and “Ottawa garbage schedule this week” all require an address. A citywide alternating-week calculator cannot account for the March route change, holidays, common pads or property-specific service.

1
Open Ottawa’s live collection calendar Use the City tool rather than an old screenshot, printed 2025 calendar or neighbour’s set-out.
Open calendar
2
Enter the first line of the exact address Select the correct house, townhouse, common pad or eligible property from the result.
Address-based
3
Read every material shown for the date Check garbage, green bin, leaf and yard waste and the correct recycling stream.
Check streams
4
Look for a holiday delay or service alert Most listed holidays move collection one day later for the rest of the week.
Holiday guide
5
Prepare the material before the collection window Set it out after 6 p.m. the evening before and no later than 7 a.m. on collection day.
Use checklist
📍 Find my day Search Ottawa’s official address calendar. 🔄 Check my new 2026 weekday About half of curbside households changed on March 30. 📱 Set reminders Use the app, email, phone or personal-calendar export. 🚩 Report a missed stream Wait until after 6 p.m. and choose the correct provider.

Ottawa Garbage Schedule Change: March 30, 2026

Ottawa began a new curbside collection contract on March 30, 2026. About half of households received a different collection weekday, but the normal collection frequencies stayed the same.

Changed

Your weekday may be different

Search the address again even when the old schedule worked for years. Nearby homes can belong to different collection routes.

Not changed

Green bin remains weekly

Food scraps and accepted household organics continue to be collected every week.

📅 Which Week Am I On? — Garbage or Recycling?

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Which day of the week is your pickup?
Select city — date auto-fills for known cities

City not in our database yet

We don't have a reference date for this city. To find your biweekly schedule, use one of these options:

Search "[City] garbage schedule" → Call 311 and ask: "What week are we on?"

Once you have the date of your last garbage week, enter it in the date field above and click Check.

Grey Bin
—
Blue Box
—
Green Bin
—
What goes to the curb tonight

Next pickup date

Based on your collection day

—
days
Collection calendar

Garbage Recycling Green Bin

🔑 Bookmark this page to check your schedule every 2 weeks

Calculator based on biweekly alternating schedule. Always verify with your municipality or call 311 for holiday changes. garbage-collection.org
Not changed

Garbage remains biweekly

Regular residential garbage and accepted bulky items continue every two weeks.

New preparation rule

Yard waste must be separate

Leaf and yard waste remains weekly but must be outside the green bin in approved bags, bundles or labelled containers.

Important dates and expired transition rules

January 1, 2026Recycling responsibility changed.
Resident meaningCircular Materials manages recycling and Miller Waste handles local recycling support.
ActionUse City channels for garbage and organics; use Miller Waste for missed recycling.
March 30, 2026New curbside collection routes started.
Resident meaningAbout half of households may have a new weekday.
ActionSearch the address and reset every reminder.
March 30–April 24A temporary six-item allowance applied.
Resident meaningThe allowance helped during the route transition.
Action nowDo not use six items today; the normal three-item limit applies.
From 2027Broadly mailed calendars are being discontinued.
Resident meaningDigital tools and printable address calendars become more important.
ActionSet app, email, phone or personal-calendar reminders.
Do not use the Ottawa garbage schedule 2025 for a current pickup

A 2025 calendar cannot show the March 2026 weekday change, the separate yard-waste requirement, the current recycling provider or a current holiday alert.

Read the City route notice Open resident notice PDF

Ottawa Garbage Schedule App, Reminders and Printable Calendar

The official Ottawa Collection Calendar app shows the address-based schedule and can send notifications. The same calendar can also provide email or phone reminders and can be added to a personal calendar.

App notifications

Save the correct address and choose the day and time you want the collection reminder.

Email or phone reminders

Use these as a backup when you do not want to depend only on phone push notifications.

Google, Outlook or iCal

Add the personalized schedule to a shared household calendar and label the exact stream.

Print the current calendar

Print after searching the address. Replace old copies after a route change.

If the app reminder does not appear

  • Confirm the app contains the correct address and current post-March 30 schedule.
  • Check notification permission in the phone’s operating-system settings.
  • Confirm the selected reminder day and time inside the app.
  • Remove and re-add the address if an old route is still displayed.
  • Compare the next date with the web calendar.
  • Set an email or phone reminder as a second alert.
Download for Apple Download for Android
Official City of Ottawa curbside garbage collection page showing the Ottawa garbage programme and three-item limit
Existing article screenshot retained to help residents recognize Ottawa’s official curbside garbage page. It is not a live address calendar and cannot confirm today’s route, holiday status or recycling stream.

Official video: use the digital collection calendar

Ottawa Garbage Schedule This Week: Which Materials Go Out?

Use this rhythm only after confirming the address. The calendar tells you whether this is a garbage week and which recycling stream is scheduled.

🟢 Green binFood scraps and accepted household organics
FrequencyWeekly, throughout the year
ActionUse the official green bin and have it ready by 7 a.m.
🍂 Leaf and yard wasteLeaves, plants, grass and prepared branches
FrequencyWeekly with no quantity limit when prepared correctly
ActionKeep it separate from the green bin and other streams.
⚫ GarbageBags, approved containers and accepted bulky items
FrequencyEvery two weeks
ActionMaximum three regular items; use City yellow bags for accepted extras.
⬛ Paper and fibrePaper, cardboard and boxboard
FrequencyAlternates weekly with container recycling
ActionFlatten cardboard and separate it from containers.
🟦 ContainersAccepted glass, metal, plastics, cartons and packaging
FrequencyAlternates weekly with paper and fibre
ActionKeep accepted containers empty, clean, dry and loose.
Easy Ottawa memory line

Green bin and yard waste are weekly. Garbage is every two weeks. One recycling stream is collected each week.

Ottawa Set-Out Rules: Avoid a Missed Collection

Collection-ready

Do this before 7 a.m.

  • Set material out no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before.
  • Have all scheduled streams ready no later than 7 a.m.
  • Place material near the curb without blocking the roadway or sidewalk.
  • Keep garbage, green bin, yard waste and recycling visibly separate.
  • Use approved bags, bins, containers and branch bundles.
  • Keep each regular garbage item within its weight and volume limit.
  • Make sure collection staff can safely reach every item.
Likely rejection

Avoid these mistakes

  • Putting material outside after the truck has passed.
  • Leaving bags or bins on a snowbank.
  • Blocking access with a vehicle or construction material.
  • Using a garbage container larger than 140 litres.
  • Using a garbage container with a permanently attached lid.
  • Leaving a regular garbage item heavier than 15 kg.
  • Putting recyclables, food waste or hazardous material in garbage.
Winter and snowbank check

Choose a flat, reachable place beside the driveway. Keep material off the road, sidewalk and top of the snowbank. Check again after plowing or drifting snow.

Read the official Ottawa curbside garbage rules

Ottawa Holiday Garbage Schedule and One-Day Delays

When a listed statutory holiday falls on a regular curbside collection day, collection normally moves one day later for the rest of that week. Friday routes move to Saturday.

Normally delayed

Holidays with no regular curbside collection

  • New Year’s Day
  • Family Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday
  • Victoria Day
  • Canada Day
  • Civic Holiday
  • Labour Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
Normally unchanged

Listed schedule exceptions

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  • Remembrance Day
  • Boxing Day

Emergency weather, storm cleanup or operational notices can still create a temporary change. Confirm the live calendar.

Example

If Monday collection is cancelled for a listed holiday, Monday moves to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday, Wednesday to Thursday, Thursday to Friday and Friday to Saturday.

Multi-residential buildings may follow different holiday rules

Containerized garbage, bulky-item and green-bin arrangements can differ from a curbside house. Building managers should check the property-specific programme.

Verify the official holiday collection guidance

Ottawa Three-Item Garbage Limit and Yellow Bag Programme

Ottawa collects up to three regular garbage items every two weeks. One item can be a bag, an approved container or an accepted bulky item.

One item

One garbage bag

The bag must be no larger than 140 litres and must weigh less than 15 kg.

One item

One approved container

The container must be no larger than 140 litres, under 15 kg and have a removable lid.

One item

One bulky item

An accepted chair, mattress or similar household object counts as one garbage item.

Above the limit

Use City yellow bags

Accepted extra garbage must be placed inside official Ottawa residential yellow bags.

How containers and small bags are counted

Several small bags can count as one item

You may place multiple smaller garbage bags inside one approved container. The entire filled container counts as one item when it stays within the 140-litre and 15 kg limits.

Example 1One approved container
PlusOne separate garbage bag
PlusOne broken chair = three items
Example 2Two garbage bags
PlusOne mattress
TotalThree regular garbage items
Example 3Three approved containers
Extra garbagePlace it in City yellow bags
Do not doUse ordinary unmarked bags above the limit

Residential yellow bag price and rules

$17.60 Current package price
4 bags Sold as one package
$4.40 Effective cost per bag
No set-out cap For residential yellow bags
  • Use yellow bags only for accepted extra household garbage.
  • Keep each filled yellow bag under 15 kg.
  • Do not put bulky furniture inside a yellow bag.
  • Do not tape a yellow bag to a couch, mattress or appliance.
  • Do not use yellow bags for electronics, hazardous waste, liquids or renovation debris.
Why one bag may be left behind

Garbage above the three-item limit that is not in an official yellow bag will not be collected. A courtesy tag may explain the issue.

Check yellow bag locations Review the three-item rule

Bulky items that may go at the curb

Accepted bulky waste can include mattresses, furniture, floor lamps, dismantled toilets, sinks, barrels, pool pumps and pool covers. Each accepted bulky item counts as one of the three garbage items and must be liftable into the collection vehicle.

Appliances and electronics are different

Ottawa does not collect major appliances or electronic waste as ordinary curbside bulky garbage. Search the exact item before placing it outside.

Check official bulky-waste options

Ottawa Green Bin Schedule and Accepted Organics

Ottawa collects the green bin every week. Using it consistently is the easiest way to reduce odour and remain below the biweekly garbage limit.

All food scraps

Meat, fish, bones, eggshells, dairy, mouldy food, fruit, vegetables and leftovers belong in the green bin.

Food-soiled paper

Soiled napkins, paper towels, tissues, paper plates and food-soiled pizza boxes are accepted.

Pet waste

Dog waste and kitty litter can go in the green bin when sealed in a leak-proof bag and kept within programme limits.

Bag and liner choices

Plastic bags, paper bags and paper liners can be used to contain household organics.

Other useful accepted examples

  • Animal bedding for small pets
  • Cold fireplace and barbecue ashes
  • Cotton balls, dryer lint and vacuum contents
  • Household plants, including soil
  • Microwave popcorn bags and butcher paper
  • Wooden toothpicks and popsicle sticks
  • Pet fur, hair and feathers
Keep these out of the green bin

Leaf and yard waste now requires a separate set-out. Diapers and sanitary products do not belong in the green bin.

Check green-bin items Request or replace a green bin

Ottawa Leaf and Yard Waste Schedule, Containers and Branch Limits

Properly prepared leaf and yard waste is collected weekly with no quantity limit. It must be clearly separate from the green bin.

Approved preparation

Paper bags or labelled reusable containers

  • Use brown paper leaf-and-yard-waste bags.
  • Or use a reusable container labelled “Leaf and Yard Waste.”
  • The reusable container must have a handle and no lid.
  • Maximum container capacity is 140 litres.
  • Maximum filled weight is 15 kg.
  • Do not use ropes or bungee cords on the container.
Not accepted

Correct these before pickup

  • Plastic yard-waste bags
  • Pet waste or kitty litter
  • Pumpkins
  • Earth, rocks or sod
  • Logs and stumps
  • Mixed garbage or other contamination
  • Oversized branches and unsafe bundles

Branch and brush limits

7 cm Maximum branch diameter
1.2 m Maximum bundle length
60 cm Maximum bundle width
15 kg Maximum bundle weight
  • Remove soil and compost from plant roots.
  • Use biodegradable string or twine.
  • Do not use wire, duct tape or plastic twine.
  • Place yard waste on the opposite side of the driveway from garbage and recycling when possible.
Wait for the separate yard-waste truck

Garbage, recycling, green bin and yard waste can be collected by different vehicles. Wait until after 6 p.m. before reporting yard waste as missed.

Open Ottawa’s official yard-waste instructions

Ottawa Recycling Schedule 2026: Official PDF and Sorting Rules

Circular Materials manages Ottawa’s residential recycling programme. Miller Waste handles missed recycling, bin inquiries, sorting questions and yellow “oops” stickers.

Paper and fibre stream

Paper, cardboard and boxboard

Use the paper/fibre collection for accepted paper, flattened cardboard, boxboard and paper-laminate packaging.

Container stream

Glass, metal, plastics and cartons

Use the container collection for accepted glass containers, metal, cartons, plastic containers, flexible packaging and foam packaging.

Useful details from the official Ottawa 2026 recycling PDF

Paper and fibre

Paper, cardboard, boxboard and paper-laminate packaging are shown as accepted categories.

Containers

Glass, metal, plastic containers and cartons are accepted when prepared correctly.

Expanded packaging

Flexible plastic packaging and foam packaging are included in the current provincial programme.

Not accepted

Toys, books, pots and pans, diapers, organics, ceramics and hazardous materials do not belong in curbside recycling.

Micro-level preparation rules

CardboardMoving, shoe, pizza and delivery boxes
PreparationFlatten; maximum 60 × 60 cm.
AvoidOversized cardboard that prevents collection.
Shredded paperLoose shredded office paper
PreparationPlace in a tied clear plastic bag.
AvoidLetting loose shreds blow into the street.
Glass jars and bottlesClear or coloured food and cosmetic containers
PreparationEmpty; remove lids and caps.
AvoidFood residue and non-container glass.
Plastic containersCleaner, shampoo, condiment and food containers
PreparationEmpty; leave lids and caps on.
AvoidContainers still holding liquid or food.
CartonsMilk, soup, sauce, cleaning and coffee cartons
PreparationRinse and dry; leave lids and caps on.
AvoidWet or partly full cartons.
Aluminum foil and traysClean foil and food trays
PreparationRinse and dry; ball loose foil together.
AvoidFood-covered foil.
Foam packagingMeat trays, takeout containers and product foam
PreparationEmpty; remove film wrap and absorbent pads.
AvoidFood residue and mixed attached materials.
Flexible plasticBread bags, overwrap, chip bags and bubble wrap
PreparationEmpty and free of food residue.
AvoidDirty or liquid-filled packaging.

Why an “oops” sticker was left

  • Cardboard was oversized.
  • Unaccepted items were included.
  • Harmful material such as a battery or sharp was found.
  • The incorrect recycling container was used.
  • Materials were not clean, dry and empty.
  • Paper and containers were not sorted into the correct stream.
Batteries and medical sharps are dangerous in recycling

Use a designated drop-off location. Never hide a battery, needle or propane container in either recycling stream.

Missed recycling

Miller Waste

1-888-852-2374

Use for missed blue- or black-bin collection.

Email support

Recycling inquiry

area2@millerwaste.ca

Include the address, collection date, stream and sticker details.

Programme information

Circular Materials

Use the Ottawa page for accepted materials, additional containers and special accommodation.

Open Ottawa recycling guide Open official 2026 PDF

Missed Ottawa Garbage Collection: Diagnose It After 6 p.m.

Collection vehicles operate between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Different streams can be collected by different trucks, so wait until after 6 p.m. before reporting a genuine miss.

1
Check the exact address schedule Confirm the date, stream, new 2026 weekday and holiday status.
Check date
2
Look for a courtesy or oops sticker Read the reason before resubmitting the same material.
Inspect material
3
Check weight, volume, limit and placement Confirm 140 litres, 15 kg, three items, safe access and correct preparation.
Fix errors
4
Leave eligible material at the curb Collection crews need access if a return collection is approved.
Keep accessible
5
Use the provider matching the stream City of Ottawa for garbage and organics; Miller Waste for recycling.
Choose below
Garbage

City garbage report

Use after 6 p.m. when accepted garbage was properly set out and remains at the curb.

Report missed garbage
Green bin

City organics report

Confirm that material was in an official green bin and did not contain prohibited items.

Report green-bin collection
Recycling

Miller Waste support

Call 1-888-852-2374 or email area2@millerwaste.ca for blue- or black-bin issues.

Open recycling support
Useful reporting note

Take a photo after 6 p.m. showing the number of items, container size, curb position, snowbank access and any sticker. Keep the material outside after submitting the report.

Special Ottawa Collection Cases

Medical and diaper waste

Special Considerations Programme

Registered households can place one accepted bag at the curb on the alternating week between regular garbage collections.

Agricultural property

Farm-waste exemption

Eligible residential farms can set out three household garbage items plus qualifying unavoidable farm waste.

Apartment or condo

Use building instructions

Shared bins, bulky areas, collection frequency and holiday rules may differ from curbside-house service.

Common pad or private lane

Use the assigned point

Do not move material to a random public curb. Follow the address calendar or property instructions.

Special Considerations Programme basics

  • Registration is required.
  • The extra collection occurs on the alternating week from regular garbage.
  • The collection day aligns with the paper-and-fibre recycling day.
  • Only accepted diaper, incontinence and home-healthcare waste can be included.
  • Blood-saturated material, needles and sharps are excluded.
  • A contaminated bag can be rejected and may affect programme participation.
Check special considerations Check farm exemption

Ottawa Waste Explorer, Hazardous Waste and Trail Road

Search the exact item before driving or putting it at the curb. Batteries, electronics, paint, chemicals, appliances and renovation material do not all follow the same route.

Batteries

Keep batteries out of garbage and recycling. Use an approved retailer or drop-off location.

Electronics

Ottawa does not collect electronic waste with curbside garbage. Trail Road accepts e-waste free.

Paint and chemicals

Use a participating retailer or a City household hazardous-waste event.

Major appliances

Stoves, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and similar appliances are not regular curbside bulky garbage.

Trail Waste Facility alternative

Location4475 Trail Road
Regular public hoursMonday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; check special weekend and holiday hours.
Before drivingCheck the live facility page and material requirements.
2026 residential garbage$43.20 flat minimum for loads under 250 kg
Larger loads$172.70 per tonne
Mixed garbage/recyclablesHigher fees apply, so sort the load first.
E-wasteAccepted free of charge
SafetySome disposal areas require safety footwear and high-visibility clothing.
ActionUse the designated small-load area if you lack required safety equipment.
You may not need to wait for a hazardous-waste event

Waste Explorer can identify retailers that accept products such as batteries, paint, oil and light bulbs throughout the year.

Search Waste Explorer Check hazardous-waste options Check Trail Road hours Check current rates

Ottawa Garbage Collection Phone Numbers and Contact Paths

Garbage and organics

City of Ottawa 3-1-1

311

Use for City garbage, green-bin, yard-waste, yellow-bag and municipal service questions.

Outside Ottawa

City contact

613-580-2400

Useful when calling from outside the local 3-1-1 calling area.

Call script

“My Ottawa address is [address]. The scheduled material was [garbage/green bin/yard waste/blue or black recycling]. It was outside before 7 a.m. on [date], remained after 6 p.m., and there was [no sticker / this sticker].”

Ottawa Garbage Schedule FAQ

How do I check my Ottawa garbage schedule?
Open Ottawa’s official collection calendar, enter the first line of your exact address and select the property. The calendar shows garbage, green bin, yard waste and the scheduled recycling stream.
What is the Ottawa garbage schedule today or tomorrow?
There is no single citywide answer. Search your exact address. When collection is tomorrow, set material out after 6 p.m. tonight and make sure everything is ready before 7 a.m. tomorrow.
Did the Ottawa garbage schedule change in 2026?
Yes. About half of curbside households received a different collection weekday beginning March 30, 2026. Normal collection frequencies stayed the same.
Can I use the Ottawa garbage schedule 2025?
Not for a current pickup. A 2025 calendar does not reflect the March 2026 route change, separate yard-waste set-out, new recycling provider or current holiday notices.
Is there an official Ottawa garbage schedule app?
Yes. The Ottawa Collection Calendar app is available for Apple and Android. The City calendar also supports email, phone and personal-calendar reminders.
How often is garbage collected in Ottawa?
Regular curbside garbage is collected every two weeks. Up to three regular garbage items are collected on the scheduled garbage day.
How does the Ottawa three-item garbage limit work?
One approved bag, one approved container or one accepted bulky item each counts as one item. Accepted garbage above three items must be placed in official City residential yellow bags.
When can I report a missed Ottawa garbage pickup?
Wait until after 6 p.m. Confirm the schedule and preparation, leave accepted material at the curb and use the City report for garbage or organics. Use Miller Waste for missed recycling.
Who handles missed Ottawa recycling in 2026?
Circular Materials manages the recycling programme and Miller Waste handles local collection support. Call 1-888-852-2374 or email area2@millerwaste.ca.
Is Ottawa leaf and yard waste collected every week?
Yes. Properly prepared leaf and yard waste is collected weekly with no quantity limit. It must be separate from the green bin in paper bags, labelled reusable containers or compliant branch bundles.

Final Ottawa Collection-Morning Checklist

Search the exact address, confirm the new 2026 weekday, read every stream, check the holiday status and prepare material correctly. Set it out after 6 p.m. the night before and by 7 a.m. on collection day. Wait until after 6 p.m. before reporting a missed collection.

Check my Ottawa schedule Get recycling help