Using your bins
Peel Region follows a bi-weekly alternating schedule for garbage and recycling collection.
Most Peel neighbourhoods use bins to dispose of household waste.
Bin collection overview
- Organics are collected every week. Recycling and garbage are collected on different weeks.
- Recycling, garbage and organics are collected by automated collection trucks in most areas of Peel.
- Unlimited amounts of recycling and organics are accepted at the curb.
- Extra garbage must be tagged except during exemption periods.
- Yard waste is collected seasonally.
- Recyclables must be in a bin or in clear or blue transparent recycling bags. Recyclables placed at the curb in blue or grey boxes will not be collected.
Check your collection calendar for your collection day and schedule.
Don't know if an item goes in your recycling, organics, or garbage bin? Check How to Sort Your Waste.
How to use your bins
This video shows which types of waste goes into the different bins:
You can keep your bins in good shape by:
- Storing them indoors or in a garage or shed.
- Keeping them sheltered from the elements.
Placing your bins at the curb
This video shows how to place your bins at the curb:
Placing your bins:
- Put your bins on the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day.
- Face the front of the bins toward the street and the handles towards your house.
- Make sure your bins are an arm's length apart from one another.
- Make sure the lids on your garbage and recycling bins are closed.
- Place your bins as close to the road as possible without blocking the road or sidewalk.
- Place the bins away from trees or other overhead obstructions.
- Make sure the collection truck can reach your bin.
- Don't put your bins too close to parked vehicles.
- Make sure the organics bin lid is locked. The lock must be in the vertical position to ensure collection.
- Make sure material isn't jammed into your bins or overflowing.
- Don't use bungee cords or other items to keep the bin lid closed.
Removing your bins
Remove your bins from the curb by 8 p.m. on your collection day. If your bins aren't collected by 8 p.m., report waste not picked up.
Special instructions for winter
- When shovelling, clear a flat spot at the end of your driveway or at the curb. Place your bins in this spot.
- Ensure that you set your bins 1 m (3 ft.) from the road or curb to allow room for snow clearing equipment to pass
- Place any excess, bagged waste on the ground, approximately 1 m away from a bin.
- Do not place bins behind or on top of snowbanks.
- If a snow plow partially buries your bin, it should still be collected.
- Report any damage caused by snow plows. We will fix or replace damaged bins for free.
Other information
Watch a comparison of the different-sized bins and see how much garbage and recyclables each contains.
Homes in bin-based collection areas have:
- 1 organics bin,
- 1 recycling bin,
- 1 garbage bin, and
- 1 kitchen container.
Organics bin and kitchen container
All residents use a 100 L organics bin. It is only available in one size.
Garbage bin
Garbage bins are available in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large.
- A small bin (120 L, 32 gal) will hold 1–2 bags of garbage.
- A medium bin (240 L, 64 gal) will hold 3–4 bags of garbage.
- A large bin (360 L, 95 gal) will hold 4–5 bags of garbage.
Recycling bin
Recycling bins are also available in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large.
- A small bin (120 L, 32 gal) will hold approximately 2 blue boxes.
- A medium bin (240 L, 64 gal) will hold approximately 4 blue boxes.
- A large bin (360 L, 95 gal) will hold approximately 6 blue boxes.
Serial numbers
On the side of each bin is a serial number that you can record for future reference in case a bin goes missing or is damaged.
The first character indicates the size of the bin: "S" for Small; "M" for Medium; and "L" for Large.
Each bin also has a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
RFID tags help us keep track of bins in case they are lost, stolen, or broken.
RFID technology isn't new: for years it's been used at libraries to keep track of borrowed and returned books and for timing marathons and races.
You can change your recycling or garbage bin for a smaller or larger-sized bin. Change bin size
New development
If you are moving/have moved into a new development, please call 905-791-7800 or email wasteinquiry@peelregion.ca once you have moved in to set up your waste collection service. In your email be sure to include your name and new address.
Resale home
If you are moving/have moved into a resale home, please use the bins that are already at your new home. If there are no bins at your new home when you move in, please report the bin problem.
If the bins aren't suitable for your household you can change them for smaller or larger-sized bins. An exchange fee of $25 will apply. Get more details about changing a bin size.
Rented property
If you are a tenant moving into a rented property, please use the bins that are already at your new home. If the bins aren't suitable for you, please speak to your property owner/landlord. Only property owners/landlords can request a bin exchange.
Peel Region does not collect old, obsolete green bins, blue boxes, grey boxes or plastic resin containers at the curb.
Choose from these options to dispose of your old bins and containers:
1. Drop them off for free at a Peel Community Recycling Centre (CRC).
At the CRC, be sure to dispose of your old bins or boxes in the designated section, not in the garbage receptacle. Green bins currently used in the waste collection program will not be accepted.
2. Keep and re-use them.
- Use your old green bin to store pet food, bird seed, barbeque charcoal, sand or sidewalk salt.
- Use your old blue box or grey box to:
- Hold recyclables before putting them in your recycling bin.
- Hold yard waste for setting on the curb. A blue/grey box must be clearly labelled with a yard waste sticker or "Yard Waste" clearly written in paint or permanent marker.
- Store items around your home or in your shed or garage.
