Residents can download the Recycle Coach app on the App Store or Google Play Store to use the 'What Goes Where' tool on mobile devices.
Notice - 2024 Waste Composition Study
The Waste Management and Environmental Compliance Division of the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department has hired AET Consultants to conduct a two-week curbside waste composition study from September 9 to 20, 2024 at 100 single-family households across Orillia. Waste composition studies provide valuable information on waste diversion program performance and allow staff to better focus the City’s promotional efforts.
Please note the purpose of sorting through the waste is to determine waste composition only. Once waste materials are collected, sorting results are recorded by the audit area not by the individual household. All sorted materials will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Waste Collection
The City of Orillia has an every-other-week garbage collection program. Every garbage bag set out requires a City of Orillia garbage tag and must be in a clear bag. There is weekly collection of Green Bin/Yard Waste that runs year-round and weekly collection of recycling. The recycling program is a two-stream system which requires paper materials to be separated from containers.
Click on the map below to determine your collection day.
Residential Garbage, Recycling and Green Bin Collection Routes
Business Recycling Collection Routes
For business locations only: As a result of the Tuesday to Thursday recycling collection schedule business locations will no longer see delayed collection on weeks with statutory holidays; however, collection of garbage and green bin (compost) material is not affected by these changes (please refer to residential waste collection routes to determine collection day for garbage and green bin).
Businesses located within the BIA have a different collection schedule. Please visit Downtown Orillia for waste information.
REMINDERS
Collection is delayed by one day after a statutory holiday.
Items must be set at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day to ensure collection.
Please watch our instructional video on Orillia's Garbage Tag Program, Green Bin Program & Recycling Box Collection Program
WASTE COLLECTION FAQ'S
When is my garbage day?
A. This information can be found on the Waste Collection Routes and Schedule page and more information can be found on the City's online protal OrilliaNow. The secure online portal is accessible from any mobile device or computer and allows residents and visitors to customize the information they view and receive, enabling them to tailor their experience. The dashboard can be personalized to include information and notifications that are most important to the user, including waste collection.
What time is my garbage collected?
A. Garbage, Recycling and Compost/Yard Waste must be placed curbside by 7:00am to ensure collection.
Even if your waste is usually collected later in the day, it should still be out by 7:00am as collection times are subject to change due to construction activities, new routes, replacement drivers, etc.
How often is garbage collected?
A. Garbage and bagged diapers are collected every other week. Recycling and green bin/yard waste are still collected weekly. Collection is delayed by one day after a statutory holiday. Please see our Collection Calendar for full details on setout requirements and the collection schedule.
Is there a garbage bag weight limit?
A. Yes. There is a weight limit of 20 kg (44 lbs) for garbage bags or cans set out at the curb in Orillia. Please note that if your garbage weighs more than 20 kg, it will not be collected.
Did You Know? A collector may lift up to 14 tonnes of garbage in one day!
Is there a garbage bag/can size limit?
A. Yes. The maximum garbage bag size is 95 x 80 cm (38 x 32 in).
The garbage container size limit is 133 litres (35 gallons). Any container over this size is considered a storage bin and garbage bags placed in such a bin will each require a garbage tag.
Do I need to use a bag inside my garbage can?
A. No. Waste can be placed loose inside a rigid container up to 133 litres without a bag. Ensure to place the garbage tag on the top item inside. Up to two (2) privacy bags that are grocery bag sized can be used per container.
What do I do with diapers?
A. Diapers can be placed curbside (separately) in a clear bag or Diaper Genie® bag. They do not require a garbage tag.
How can I reduce maggots?
A. Maggots are normally a result of organic waste sitting for an extended period in warm conditions. If this organic material is going in the garbage, maggots will likely develop given it sits for up to two weeks now. That is why it is crucial residents place this organic material in their green bins, and set it out for the weekly green bin collection.
What is a clear garbage bag program?
A. Residents are to place their garbage in a clear plastic bag instead of an opaque (black or green) plastic bag. Residents can use up to two small privacy bags such as a regular-sized shopping bag to hide items they don't want others to see. Rigid garbage containers are still able to be used, but if the garbage bin is lined, it will need to be lined with a clear garbage bag.
I am concerned about privacy.
A. The Clear Bag Program allows for two (2) opaque privacy bags, such as a regular sized grocery bag, to be used in each clear bag to hide items you don't want others to see. For added privacy, you can still place your clear bag in a rigid garbage container up to 133 litres in size.
Can I use transparent blue bags for garbage?
A. No. Transparent blue bags are not accepted in the Clear Bag Program for garbage because this can lead to confusion among the collection drivers. At a quick glance, the garbage collection driver may think the blue bag is recycling, while the recycling driver will see that it is garbage, and neither will end up collecting it. Please only use clear plastic bags when setting out garbage.
Will my bag not be picked up if I throw out a recyclable item that is soiled? For example, soiled tin foil?
A. It is understood some recycling materials will be soiled so it will need to go in the garbage. This would not be a reason to leave the materials behind, particularly if the resident has also set out their recycling boxes and a green bin demonstrating that they are recycling. The collection drivers will leave behind clear garbage bags that contain a large amount (or over 10%) of recycling and compostable materials.
What do I do with my pet waste?
A. In Orillia, pet waste goes in the garbage. Pet waste, such as kitty litter, can be placed loose inside your regular tagged garbage or in one of the two allowable privacy bags. Dog waste bags can be placed directly in your clear bag and will not be considered a privacy bag(s). All other pet waste should be placed in a clear bag (i.e. hamster/Guinea pig bedding etc.). Please note that pet waste wrapped in newspaper within a clear bag will not be cause for leaving the garbage behind. To cut down on pet waste going to landfill, residents are encouraged to set up a dedicated backyard composter for just pet waste and use the resulting compost on lawns, flower gardens and shrubs, but not vegetable gardens.
My household generates incontinence products that I don't want my neighbours to see. What can I do?
A. Incontinence products can be place in the privacy bag(s) or within a clear plastic bag(s) within a rigid container. Please also note that disposable diapers do not require a garbage tag in Orillia.
Why am I being encouraged to use clear plastic? Shouldn't we be reducing the amount of plastic we use?
A. All clear garbage bag programs implemented have seen a significant increase in diversion. This means that less plastic garbage bags are set out and more plastic is diverted for recycling (as well as other recyclable and compostable materials). Orillia residents that do not wish to use plastic bags can sill place their garbage directly in a rigid container that is no larger than 133 litres. If residents are lining their rigid container with a bag, it must be a clear bag.
What can I put in the garbage?
A. Use our 'What Goes Where' app to search for how to dispose of or divert an item you are unsure of or view our Solid Waste Collection Guide for a list of items accepted in our recycling and green bin programs.
I live in an apartment. Do I have to use clear bags?
A. Yes. The Clear Bag Program applies to apartments on the City's garbage bin service. Apartment bins will be inspected from time to time to ensure residents are using clear bags and that the complex is maintaining a recycling and green bin program.
Why did Orillia move to a clear bag program? (Video)
Use our "What Goes Where" app to search for how to dispose of or divert an item you are unsure of.
Fun Fact: By using the green bin or a backyard composter, you can cut your household waste by up to 35%, save on garbage tags, and prevent compostable materials from taking up valuable landfill space and reducing groundwater quality.
When is the Green Bin collected?
A. Your green bin is collected on a weekly basis all year round. Place your green bin out at the curb on your regular collection day (see the Waste Collection Routes and Schedule). Your green bin does not require a garbage tag.
Do I need to line my Green Bin with a bag?
A. No. We do suggest that you line your green bin with newspaper if you do not use a bag. This prevents contents from sticking/freezing to the bottom.
What type of bags can I use in my green bin?
A. You must use a certified compostable bag, which will have either of the logos shown below on the bag and box.
Please note: Plastic grocery bags, recycling green bags or bags identified as oxo-biodegradable are not accepted.
What can I do if my Kitchen Container or Green Bin is broken?
A. Broken kitchen containers and green bins are replaced free of charge at the Waste Diversion Site, located at 100 Kitchener St. To qualify for free exchange the bin(s) must be City of Orillia branded.
If you wish to purchase a new or additional kitchen container or Green Bin, please visit our Solid Waste Fees page for pricing.
Are backyard composters available at the waste diversion site?
A. Backyard composters are available at the Waste Diversion Site when they are available. It is recommended that you call or email to see if there are any available. See Fees and Items Accepted for applicable pricing and our Backyard Compost Brochure for more information.
How does Orillia Compost? (Video)
Green Bin Collection at Apartments/Condos and Businesses
Green bin collection is mandatory at apartments and condos on the City's garbage bin collection service. Businesses and institutions are limited to setting out 10 green bins per week. Over this, a garbage tag needs to be affixed to each additional green bin.
Set the green bin out every week (even if it is half full) so the organic material does not sit long giving the maggots time to develop.
In order to survive, maggots need a source of water. Therefore, keeping your food scraps as dry as possible really helps. This can be accomplished by:
Draining any liquids from your food scrap before placing in your kitchen container or green bin.
Place used paper towels and tissues in with your food scraps as they help absorb the moisture.
If you have a large amount of food scraps, such as a turkey carcass, fold it in several sheets of newspaper and wrap it into a small package before tossing it in your green bin.
If maggots develop, sprinkle baking soda on your food scraps.
Keep your kitchen container and green bin clean. This is best accomplished by lining your kitchen container or your green bin with:
A few layers of newspaper. Newspaper also absorbs excess moisture.
A paper bag or a certified compostable bag with at least one of the logos noted below:
Tips for Reducing Odours & Fruit Flies in Your Green Bin
Odours and fruit flies in your green bin or kitchen container meant for collecting food scraps can be a problem in the warmer summer months. Here are some tips to reduce these issues:
Drain excess liquid from food before emptying into your container and/or sprinkle baking soda on your food scraps.
Keep your kitchen container and green bin clean. To clean, mix baking soda with water to form a cleaning paste to scrub and deodorize the container.
To capture fruit flies, fill a bowl of vinegar and cover with plastic wrap with several small holes punched in it. Empty as required.
Line Your kitchen container or green bin with:
A few layers of newspaper or place several sheets of newspaper on the counter, scrape your food scraps onto this and wrap it into a small package before tossing it in your green bin. Newspaper absorbs excess moisture, and reduces odours and fruit flies.
Use a paper bag or a certified compostable bag with at least one of the logos noted below:
Tips for Reducing Green Bin Freezing Problems During the Winter
During winter months, it can be a challenge to empty the green bins into the collection truck because the contents can freeze to the side of your bin. The collection drivers try their best to empty the contents but this can be a challenge and can lead to damaging the bins. To help reduce this problem, here are some tips:
Empty as much liquid as possible from your food scraps before placing in your green bin. The freezing liquid is what causes the sticking problem.
Place your food scraps on some newspaper or in a paper bag and wrap this up into a ball and place in your green bin. This will help keep it dry.
Line your green bin with a few layers of newspaper or paper bags.
Remember that paper towels and tissues are accepted in the green bin and help absorb food liquids.
If you already line your green bin with a certified compostable bag (with the noted logos pictured above), please follow one of the other additional tips listed above. On its own, the compostable bag may still freeze to the side of the bin. No twist ties or plastic bags please.
A. Yard waste is collected on a weekly basis all year round. Place your yard waste out at the curb on your regular collection day (see the Waste Collection Routes and Schedule).
What type of bags/containers can I use for yard waste?
A. You can use paper or certified compostable bags (see logos below) or a labelled yard waste container. Free labels are available at the Waste Diversion Site located at 100 Kitchener Street.
Please note: Clear plastic bags are no longer accepted for leaf and yard waste. For more information See our Frequently Asked Questions page regarding this policy.
Helpful tips:
1. Bag usage can be greatly reduced by mulching leaves before bagging them, leaving the mulched leaves on your lawn or by backyard composting the leaves.
2. Grass clippings require a garbage tag. The garbage tag is to be placed on top of the grass clippings in a paper bag. For grass clippings in compostable bags, the tag can be attached to the top of the bag to form a flag.
What is considered yard waste?
A. Please see our Solid Waste Collection Guide for a full list of items accepted in the City's yard waste collection program.
Please note: Grass clippings are the only yard waste item requiring a garbage tag for collection.
How do I dispose of grass clippings?
A. Grass clippings are accepted at the curb for yard waste collection only if the bag or can is tagged with a City of Orillia garbage tag.
Please note:
Ideally, grass clippings should be left on your lawn. Simply keep your mower blade sharp, cut when the grass is dry, set your mower at the proper height (2.5" - 3"), and mow regularly. Use a mower with a mulching blade for the best results.
Grass clippings can be composted in your backyard composter.
Orillia residents can drop off grass clippings for free at the Waste Diversion Site. There is a tipping fee for businesses dropping off grass clippings.
Grass clippings set out at the curb need to be tagged as follows:
For a Compostable Bag - attach the tag over the twist tie to form a flag.
For a Paper Bag - leave the bag open and place the tag on top of the grass clippings.
For a Can - place the tag on top of the grass clippings (not on the lid).
Fun Fact: Leaving grass clippings on your lawn does not cause thatch or spread lawn diseases, and won't damage your lawn when you mow regularly and at the proper height. The grass plant's nutrients can then naturally be recycled to the soil, which helps lawns become healthier. So don't spend your time raking and bagging!
No garbage tag is required for setting out leaves or other yard waste.
Leaf Collection
Leaves are an excellent source of organic matter for your lawn and garden. They can be composted, mulched directly on your lawn with a mower with a mulching blade, shredded and used as mulch around shrubs and on garden beds, or dug directly into your garden. Set aside enough brown leaves to jump-start your backyard composter in the spring!
Leaves are picked up year-round at curbside. No garbage tags are needed. Place your leaves in an acceptable container at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your regular collection day.
Acceptable Containers:
Paper yard waste bags
Certified compostable bags
Clearly marked rigid containers
Leaves raked to the curb or ditch will not be collected
Leaves will not be collected if they are in orange, green, or black bags or if they weigh more than 20 kgs/44lbs.
Orillia residents can also take leaves to the Waste Diversion Site for composting. There is no charge and no weight limit.
Christmas Tree Collection
Christmas trees are collected during the first three full weeks following Christmas. Natural trees only. During the collection period, please set out your Christmas tree by 7:00 a.m. on your regular collection day. Placing them out too soon can result in the trees getting covered in snow and making them difficult for our collection crew to find. It can also lead to the trees freezing into the snow bank making them difficult to remove.
Please remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, metal/wood tree stands and other materials that are not part of the original tree. No plastic bags please. Trees will be taken to the Waste Diversion Site to be mulched and composted.
The City of Orillia has wheel kits available with a pull cord that can be installed on your recycling box to allow you to roll it to the curb without having to lift it. The wheel kits fit right into your existing recycling box. They can be purchased at the City's Waste Diversion Site located at 100 Kitchener Street. Please visit the Household Hazardous Waste Depot to pick up a set.
Be a Good Neighbour - Volunteer!
The good neighbour program encourages residents to be more aware of the needs of their neighbours - being seniors or those with physical disabilities - by providing assistance in bringing out and taking in their neighbour's recycling, garbage and green bin. Are you a high school student looking to fulfill your volunteer hours? Perhaps this could be the opportunity you are looking for. Visit your school's guidance office to pick up a form to record these hours and to learn more.
Do You Have Too Much Recycling?
To ensure the ease of bringing your recycling to the curb on weeks where materials are in excess, the City of Orillia offers additional recycling boxes (large or small) for sale at the Waste Diversion Site, 100 Kitchener St.
Your bathroom is full of recyclable items that tend to get tossed in the trash. Here are four simple steps to help you recycle in the bathroom:
Know what to recycle (see above).
Set up a container to collect recyclables separately or use divided waste baskets to keep waste and recyclables separate.
Rinse bottles and fold cardboard to maximize space.
If needed, place a framed reminder on the vanity to recycle.
Also note that soiled tissue paper can go in your GREEN BIN with food scraps.
The next time you empty a bottle or open a new box in the bathroom, give your waste a new life. Recycle!
How can I reduce diaper waste?
A. Diapers currently account for almost 8% of collected waste in Orillia. That is the same weight as about 180 cars. When you choose to use cloth diapers, you are making a positive choice for the earth. Here are just a few of the environmental benefits of cloth:
Depending on the fabric used, cloth diapers can be reused from 50-200 times before being recycled into rags.
Cloth diapers can take less than 1 year to decompose; versus disposable diapers, which take about 500 years to decompose.
Using cloth means that baby's waste goes into the sewer system to be properly processed; not into a landfill where it can seep bacteria into our soil and groundwater.
When cared for properly, cloth diapers can be reused hundreds of times, and even passed onto younger siblings, making them a cost effective choice as well.
Visit the Parenting By Nature Boutique at 15 Cedar Pointe Drive, Unit 4 in Barrie, or search online at bynature.ca
Although the products may claim to be flushable, please do not flush diapers or diaper inserts down the toilet. They can clog sewers and damage pumping station equipment, which can lead to sewer back-ups.
When diapers are placed out separately in clear plastic bags in Orillia, they do not require a garbage tag for collection. Maximum weight per bag is 20 kg (44 lb).
What is the Treasure Hunt Program?
A. The Treasure Hunt Program runs on the 3rd Weekend of the month from May to October to encourage the recycling or re-use of large household items. It's like a community garage sale!!
Leave unwanted but still useful household items at the curb after 5:00 p.m. on the Friday of the event weekend and remember to remove all uncollected items by Sunday at 11:00 p.m. (Note: Residents who fail to remove uncollected "treasures" from the curb will be subject to fines pursuant to Chapter 877 of the City of Orillia Municipal Code - Solid Waste Management). Take items placed at the curb only. Do not take any items from the lawn. All treasures are claimed in an "as is" condition.
The following Treasure Hunt days are noted in the 2024 Waste Collection Calendar:
May 18
June 15
July 20
August 17
September 21
October 19
Treasure Hunters:
Take items placed at the curb only
Do not take any items from the lawn
All treasures are claimed in an "as is" condition
Happy Treasure Hunting!
Where can you recycle Batteries?
Batteries should not be thrown out with your regular as they contain heavy metals and corrosive material that can leach into the ground. Spent household batteries (AA, AAA, D, button, etc.) and rechargeable batteries can be recycled at the numerous locations in and around Orillia at no charge. Please visit call2recyle.ca to find a location near you.
Hint: Save your spent household batteries in a small container until you have enough to make a trip to one of these locations for recycling. Whenever possible, try using rechargeable or solar operated batteries instead.
Curbside Battery Collection
On the week following the change to Daylight Savings Time in November residents can set out spent household batteries (AA, AAA, D, button batteries, etc.) in sealed clear plastic bags (such as a Ziploc bag) and place it on top of your recycling box for paper. They will be picked up on your regular collection day and sent for recycling.
Residents are encouraged to replace batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms when you change your clocks ahead or behind.
Please note the curbside battery collection program does not include businesses and apartments that set out large roll-out carts.
Sign up for the OrilliaNow Online Portal for a customized curbside collection calendar and set-out reminders.
The Orillia Pingstreet App was decommissioned on Aug. 1, 2023 and has been replaced by the OrilliaNow online portal. The Pingstreet App, which was implemented in 2015 is being discontinued by the service provider.
While the City of Orillia's Waste Diversion Site (Landfill) accepts a wide range of waste, its primary function is to divert recyclable and reusable materials from the landfill. The site has approximately fifteen (15) diversion depots and recycling programs many of which are free or have reduced tipping fees compared to garbage.
Orillia's Waste Diversion Site is located at 100 Kitchener St., Orillia. While it accepts a wide range of waste, its primary function is to divert recyclable materials from the landfill.
The following is a list of the most common materials. Many diversion programs are free or have reduced tipping rates compared to garbage. A detailed list of programs and tipping fees can be found below.
Free
Fees Apply
Fees Apply - Special Handling/Requirements
Green bin organics
Leaf/yard waste
Recycling box materials
Scrap metal
Tires (on or off rim)
Electronics
Household Hazardous Waste
Regular household garbage
Building and demolition wood
Drywall
Shingles
Street sweepings
Clean fill (call ahead)
CFC appliances
Mattresses and box springs
Asphalt
Concrete
Green bin organics (from business locations and Township residents)
Asbestos: must make an appointment, an on site assessment of load will be required
Insulation and non-recyclable foam: must be bagged
Mixed waste: applied when divertible material is not separated from garbage and sorted into designated diversion areas
Tipping Fees & Sale of Goods Schedules
Please note that compost is not a free item at this time.
City of Orillia staff would like to make your trip to the Waste Diversion Site hassle and delay free.
Those with small (under 100 kg) single category loads, are encouraged to bring exact change (i.e., $20) when coming to the Waste Diversion Site on busy days, particularly Saturdays.
If you are eligible and the line-up is getting long, staff will collect the $20 minimum disposal fee at your vehicle while you are in the line-up, where you will then be directed around the scale house to the proper disposal area to drop off your material.
Load Limits for Trucks Leaving the Waste Diversion Site
Under the Highway Traffic Act, vehicles may not exceed their legal weight limits. If a vehicle exceeds its legal weight limit, not only can the driver be fined or have demerit points imposed, but Waste Diversion Site (landfill) staff share in this responsibility and can be fined accordingly including the loader operator, scale operator and the site supervisor. Site staff are therefore required to strictly enforce weight limits for loads leaving the Waste Diversion Site.
Be aware that most half tonne trucks have gross vehicle weights that cannot exceed 3,000 kg unless otherwise stated. Your registered gross vehicle weight (GVW) can be found on your Vehicle Ownership and your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) can be found on the driver's side door frame of your vehicle. The lowest value of the two is the legal weight limit for your vehicle.
If you wish to increase your legal weight limit, you will need to increase your gross vehicle weight rating at a Service Ontario Centre. Please note there is a fee charged for this that is based on how much additional weight you wish to carry.
Landfill Charge Accounts
Commercial users may be eligible to obtain a charge account if an ongoing need for disposal services is identified. Upon application evaluation and credit approval, a charge account will be set up whereby the user will be billed monthly rather than having to pay onsite per visit.
Township residents may not take regular garbage to the Waste Diversion Site. To find the nearest landfill or for more information on Township waste collection services, please call the County of Simcoe's Customer Service at 705-735-6901 or at 1-800-263-3199 or online at Simcoe.ca.
All garbage bags placed for curbside collection require a pink, City of Orillia garbage tag. Garbage Tags can be purchased in sets of 5 for $15.00 ($3.00 each) from the Waste Diversion Site, the City of Orillia City Centre and at select retailers (full list provided below). Sign up with OrilliaNow to purchase garbage tags online.
When is the next mailout?
A. The 2024 garbage tag mailout is anticipated to be received by residents by July 1, 2024. The City’s tag year runs July 1st of one year to June 30th of the following year.
Garbage tags can be purchased at the Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew St. S.), the Waste Diversion Site (100 Kitchener St.), and at the following retail stores:
Zehrs Markets - 285 Coldwater Rd.
Metro Food Stores - 70 Front St. N.
Memorial Pharmasave - 1-200 Memorial Ave.
Oscar's Variety - 33 Mississaga St. E. #1
Orillia Home Hardware - 5 King St.
Pharma Plus Drugmart - 58 Mississage St E.
Pioneer Energy - 425 West St N.
(Tag placement: on the uppermost garbage bag within a container or wrapped around a standalone bag to form a “flag”).
All garbage must have a full garbage tag used for collection and be in a clear bag or appropriate rigid container . No tags are needed for green bin/yard waste (excluding grass clippings), recycling materials, or diapers in clear bags. There is a weight limit of 20 kg (44 lbs) per bag or container.
Questions? Call 705-325-3522
Please note, both the bright and reddish pink tags that have been allotted to you from previous years are still valid. Only the old orange garbage tags have expired.
Why does the City mail out only 20 garbage tags?
The City does not distribute the number of tags required for one garbage bag per bi-weekly set-out (or 26 tags/year). The City has decreased its distribution of garbage tags over the years to minimize the amount of garbage requiring disposal in our landfill while also incentivizing the use of the available recycling and green bin diversion programs. Please note, the City has been sending 20 tags in its annual garbage tag mailout since 2015. Any additional garbage tags required can be purchased at the City Centre (50 Andrew Street South), the Waste Diversion Site (100 Kitchener Street), or can be ordered online at OrilliaNow online portal or any of the retailers listed below:
Zehrs Markets - 285 Coldwater Rd.
Metro Food Stores - 70 Front St. N.
Memorial Pharmasave - 1-200 Memorial Ave.
Oscar's Variety - 33 Mississaga St. E. #1
Orillia Home Hardware - 5 King St.
Pharma Plus Drugmart - 58 Mississage St E.
Pioneer Energy - 425 West St N.
The garbage tag program along with bi-weekly collection of garbage and the weekly collection of green bin organics and recycling have reduced the amount of garbage requiring disposal over the years, and with the implementation of the clear bag program we saw a 40% drop in the amount of garbage collected at the curb and a 16% increase in the amount of green bin organics (compost) and approximately 5% increase in recycling collected. This shows that the City's current waste programs, including the garbage tag program, are working as intended and are significantly reducing the amount of garbage being landfilled in Orillia because people are better utilizing the available diversion programs. This is vital to the community to preserve our remaining landfill capacity and addresses the Climate Action Plan Strategy.
Where do I put the garbage tag?
A. Fold the tag around the top of the bag where it is tied to form a "flag".
If your garbage is in a container, place the tag on the uppermost garbage bag.
If your garbage is placed loosely within a rigid container, place the tag on the top item inside (not on the lid).
Where can I buy garbage tags?
A. Garbage tags can be purchased in sets of five for $15.00 ($3.00 each) at the following locations:
Help us keep clothing and textiles out of the landfill by donating them to a charity of your choice. The next City curbside textiles collection event is planned for the spring of 2025. Please check the collection routes map below to confirm your clothing and textile collection day when the time comes. Updates will be provided here once confirmed.
Set Out Instructions:
Place dry, clean clothing and textiles into sealed, clear bags.
There is no limit on the number of bags however individual bags should not exceed 20 kgs.
Place items at the curb by 7:00 am on your scheduled clothing and textile collection day (see collection map below).
Your clothing and textile collection day differs from your regular collection day. To determine your collection date and to get reminders, download the Recycle Coach app. The app is available free of charge from the App Store and Google Play.
Is this program available to all residents?
All households that receive curbside waste collection services are eligible.
Residents in multi-residential buildings that want to participate can visit Recycle Rewards or call 1-866-927-3873 to arrange for a pickup at their building.
Why did the City not partner with a local charity for the curbside clothing and textiles collection program?
The service was opened to any vendor wishing to submit a proposal through the City’s competitive procurement process. Recycling Rewards was the successful bidder and the only service provider that offered a complete curbside collection program as well as the ability to almost fully reuse or recycle all the clothing and textile materials collected. This collection service also covers items not normally donated to, or accepted by, local charities like non-reusable clothing and other textile materials. Through this program these items are recycled.
The purpose of this program is not to discourage residents from donating reusable clothing to local charities if that is what they are already doing; the program is intended for residents who do not typically donate or have items that are not accepted by local charities in an effort to keep this material out of the landfill.
Where do textiles go after collection?
Collected clothing and textiles are sent to a facility for sorting/grading. Ninety-eight per cent (98%) of material collected is reused/recycled. The majority of the materials are reused in Canada, and some are recycled and used for rags or acoustic fill.
I missed the curbside collection what can do with my clothing and textiles?
If you missed the curbside collection event you can either donate to a local thrift store, drop off your items at the Waste Diversion Site located at 100 Kitchener Street in Orillia and place your used clothing and textiles in the donation bins available (items must be contained in clear bags) or contact Recycling Rewards by visiting their website or calling 1-866-927-3873 to arrange a pickup.
Why is my textiles collection day different from my regular waste collection day?
Collection of clothing and textiles is set on a different day to make it easier for the collection crews to distinguish items they are to collect, and so collection routes are not hampered with numerous collection vehicles in the same area.
Household Hazardous Waste and Waste Electronics Depot
Leftover paints, batteries, and motor oil are all part of a long list of items classified as household hazardous wastes. If not disposed of properly, they can be harmful to human health and the environment. Pouring hazardous waste down the drain may corrode plumbing, release toxic fumes, poison septic tanks, destroy sewage treatment organisms, and contaminate surface and groundwater.
Residents of Orillia and the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Ramara can take these items to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot at the Waste Diversion Site, free of charge. There is a limit of one 20-litre (5 gallon) pail, or equivalent, of any hazardous material type per day, per customer.
Sharps and Pharmaceuticals No Longer Accepted Effective July 1, 2023 at Orillia Waste Diversion Site
Effective July 1, 2023, the City of Orillia will no longer be accepting sharps (needles) or pharmaceuticals at its Household Hazardous Waste Depot located at 100 Kitchener St.
There are many local pharmacies in Orillia and surrounding areas that collect these materials free of charge under the Environmental Protection Act. The Health Products Stewardship Association is responsible for administering the take-back program for these items. Residents can visit healthsteward.ca to find a local registered pharmacy by clicking on the ‘find a collection location’ icon at the top right corner of the screen. There are currently 18 registered pharmacies listed in the City of Orillia. There are also ‘How to dispose of’ videos for sharps and medications that can be found in the ‘Consumers’ section of the website that residents may find helpful.
View our Solid Waste Collection Guide. Please also note that the City's Household Hazardous Waste Depot now also accepts helium and expanding foam tanks at no charge.
Place needles/syringes inside a proper "sharps" container (yellow in colour). Please do not place needles/syringes in your garbage bag or can. Doing so is a safety hazard for our collection staff.
Used sharps (needles & syringes) and old medication can be dropped off for free to a local pharmacy. For a list of collection locations near you, visit the Health Products Stewardship Association Website.
Safe Disposal of Unused or Expired Medication
Old medicine may not work and could even harm you and must be disposed of safely. This includes all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins and herbal products.
These types of products must not be thrown in the garbage (children or animals may get into it) nor should they be flushed down the toilet (this will contaminate the environment).
Please note the City of Orillia is not licensed to accept marine flares or large quantities of hazardous waste from businesses, institutions or the industrial sector at the Waste Diversion Site’s Household Hazardous Waste Depot. Below is contact information to help you find the most appropriate way to recycle or properly dispose of your hazardous waste.
Propane Tanks • Tank Traders: 1.888-324-8880 • Simcoe Energy & Technical Services: 1-800-361-7967
Waste Electronics Recycling
Residents and businesses of Orillia and the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Ramara can take the following electronic items to the Waste Diversion Site for recycling free of charge:
Computers (desktops, laptops, handhelds)
Monitors
Televisions
Printer cartridges, printers, scanners drives and modems
Cell phones and hardwired phones
Telecommunications equipment
Thermostats, recorders and meters
Vacuums
Electronic relays and contactors
Fax machines
Pagers
Radio and stereo equipment
Video games and consoles
Digital cameras
VCRs
Photocopiers and printing/plotting equipment
Microwaves
The City of Orillia is part of Ontario Electronics Stewardship's electronics recycling program. Since the program is industry funded it means you do not pay the costs in your property taxes, and you are helping not to fill up the landfill. Visit recycleyourelectronics.ca to find a collection site nearest you.
The City of Orillia is not responsible for any personal or proprietary information that remains on old computers and electronics equipment dropped off at this depot. For your own protection, you should remove this information before you drop off electronics. Electronic equipment or components of electronic equipment may be subject to reuse rather than recycling.
Instructional Video on Orillia's Household Hazardous Waste Depot and Waste Electronics Recycling Depot
The Reuse Depot expanded in 2018 to include household items like furniture, paintings, dishes and books that residents can take free of charge. Many of the materials that come into the Household Hazardous Waste Depot are still useable, so they are put aside for other residents to take free of charge at the Reuse Depot.
If you need paint or refinishing products, the Reuse Depot might have just what you need. Available items include:
Paints
Stains
Car care products
Waxes
Books
Polishes
Paint thinners
Home and garden products
Furniture
Dishes
Treasure Hunt Program
The Treasure Hunt Program runs on the third weekend of the month from May to October to encourage the recycling or re-use of large household items. It’s like a community garage sale!
Leave unwanted but still useful household items at the curb after 5:00 p.m. on the Friday of the event weekend and remember to remove all uncollected items by Sunday at 11:00 p.m. Residents who fail to remove uncollected “treasures” from the curb will be subject to fines pursuant to Chapter 877 of the City of Orillia Municipal Code – Solid Waste Management.
The following Treasure Hunt days are noted in the 2024 Waste Collection Calendar:
May 18
June 15
July 20
August 17
September 21
October 19
Residents are reminded to take items placed at the curb only. Do not take any items from the lawn. All treasures are claimed in “as is” condition. Happy Treasure Hunting!
Assistive Device Exchange Program
Don't waste that wheelchair!
Do you have a walker or other assistive device that you no longer use? Do you need a wheelchair & would like to save money? We have a solution...
The Assistive Device Exchange is a locally based website which allows used adaptive equipment to be re-used. People with equipment that they no longer need, may list the equipment either for sale, or offer it for free. People who need equipment can search the website to obtain equipment at reduced or no cost. Visit the Assistive Device Exchange website here.
For more information contact the Accessibility Resource Centre at Independent Living Services of Simcoe County and area at 705-737-3263 x 239.
Reuse It with Freecycle!
Do you have something that might be of value to someone and it is just taking up space? Why not make it available for re-use by someone else? Freecycle Orillia is a free, on-line bulletin board where you can post (OFFER) your item, or if you are looking for something you can ask for an item (WANTED). Once your item is posted on this bulletin board, interested parties contact you via e-mail, and you choose who to give it to and where they can pick it up. No trades, no bartering, no money. The main rule is that everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages. It's a great way to cut your costs and/or clear your house or garage.
The program helps ensure good things stay out of landfills. Visit freecycle.org and type in Orillia under Find a group near you for more information.
Where can I donate my used clothing?
A. Each year, Orillians throw away over 150 tonnes of textiles, such as clothing, shoes, backpacks, purses, belts, pillows and blankets, that go to landfill instead of being recycled. This is the same weight as about 50 compact cars. There are a number of local charities that accept usable clothing in Orillia. Some locations, like the Salvation Army and Value Village will even take ripped clothing, socks with holes in them, clothing with stains, underwear or other clothing that you may not think is good enough to donate. These lower quality items can still be recycled so please donate them as well where permitted.
Some local charities that accept donations include:
Salvation Army Thrift Store - 55 Wyandotte St. (705-326-6550)
Value Village - 8000 Highway 12 (705-327-8288)
Green Again for New Beginnings - 33 Mississauga St. E. (705-325-0686) - accepts women's/men's/children's clothing that is clean and gently used
The Lighthouse - 75 Queen St. E. (705-329-2265) - accepts men's clothing, twin size bed linens, towels, etc.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - 461 West St. N (705-325-1304) - accepts old blankets, towels and linens
Other charities like the Canadian Diabetes Association (1-800-226-8464), Kidney Clothes (1-800-414-3484) and Community Living Ontario (1-800-278-8025) will pick up your used clothing. Please call ahead if you are unsure of what is accepted.
Where can I fix my broken items?
A. By fixing and not pitching your broken household items, you'll be helping to save valuable landfill space. Below is a list of what to look for in the Yellow Pages for local repair shops. Here is a list of some of the local Orillia businesses that can fix your various items:
Appliances - Look under "Appliances - Major-Sales & Service"
Bicycles - Look under "Bicycle Dealers-Sales & Service"
Furniture - Look under "Furniture Repairing, Refinishing & Stripping"
Vacuum Cleaners - Look under "Vacuum Cleaners-Household Sales & Service"
Audio - Look under "Stereo Equipment-Sales & Service"
Televisions - Look under "Television-Sales & Service"
As the City prepares for upcoming changes to blue box recycling programs and collection models for Ontario municipalities, there are no immediate alterations to Orillia residents’ current recycling schedule or accepted items. However, residents are encouraged to begin focusing on precise sorting now, to smoothly adapt to future requirements and avoid potential issues like uncollected recycling.
For more information, read our latest news release issued Dec. 18, 2023 or view answers to frequently asked questions below.
What are the blue box changes?
From July 2023 to the end of December 2025, all municipalities in Ontario will transition their blue box program to a new collection model. Under the new model, the companies that produce blue box materials will be required to fully fund and operate the recycling system.
In Orillia, the transition to a new blue box collector will occur by January 2024. In 2026, there will be two new enhancements to the blue box program, including:
Ontarians will be able to recycle more types of materials and this list of materials will be the same across Ontario for the first time.
There will be free blue box collection for schools (public, separate, and private that teach Kindergarten to Grade 12), non-profit retirement and long-term care homes, and multi-residential properties (e.g., apartments and condos).
I am a resident of Orillia. How does this impact me?
As the City prepares for upcoming changes to blue box recycling programs and collection models for Ontario municipalities, there are no immediate alterations to Orillia residents’ current recycling schedule or accepted items. However, residents are encouraged to begin focusing on precise sorting now, to smoothly adapt to future requirements and avoid potential issues like uncollected recycling.
What This Means for You Right Now:
No Collection Changes Yet: The City of Orillia’s transition kicks off on January 1, 2024. Curbside recycling schedules for residents remain the same, and you can still recycle the same materials as before.
Focus on Sorting: The way recycling is handled after collection is what's changing. There will be increased enforcement of proper sorting. This makes separating recyclables correctly more crucial than ever.
Resources for Easier Sorting:
Sort like a pro with the City’s new 'What Goes Where' online tool. It's a search-based app, available online or on mobile, to help identify how an item should be handled. Access the tool at orillia.ca/waste, on the Recycling Coach app, or through the OrilliaNow portal at orillia.ca/now.
Keep an eye out for the 2024 Solid Waste Collection Guide and Calendar arriving in residential mailbox this month. These resources are designed to help you make the most of the City's waste management services.
What Businesses and Institutions in Orillia Need to Know
The new program applies to residential sources only, including single-family households, multi-residential buildings, long-term care facilities, and retirement homes.
As of January 2024,Industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) locations will continue to have recycling collection by the City, but there will be a separate route(s) for ICI recycling in the near future. More details on this will be sent directly to businesses in January 2024.
As of July 1, 2024, IC&I properties utilizing the 360 litre recycling cart collection program will be limited to a set out of no more two recycling carts per location.
ICI waste is regulated separately from residential waste in Ontario. ICI properties will not be served by Circular Materials as per the Government of Ontario’s regulation. The Government of Ontario’s Strategy for a Waste Free Ontario envisions a new approach to modernize the way these properties recycle, however the current Blue Box Regulation does not include IC&I properties as eligible collection sources (excluding Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools and non-profit retirement and long-term care).
Who is responsible for blue box collection?
As of July 2023, the companies that produce blue box materials sold in Ontario will be responsible and held accountable for collecting these materials and recycling them into new products.
These companies, also known as Producers, will fulfill their regulatory obligations collectively through Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs). The PROs have come together to run a single, new, province-wide common collection system. The approved common collection system administrator is a non-profit company called Circular Materials.
Circular Materials will be responsible for the collection of blue box materials from homes and residential buildings across Ontario, including the residential portion of mixed commercial and residential properties.
If you live, work, or visit another municipality, please check local resources for instructions on how to use the new recycling system. By January 2026, all municipalities in Ontario will be switched over to this new producer responsibility collection system.
Why are these changes happening?
The Government of Ontario has introduced provincial legislation that changes how blue box materials are managed and collected in Ontario.
The Blue Box Regulation, made under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, is a key pillar of the Government of Ontario’s Strategy for a Waste Free Ontario: Building the Circular Economy. Under the regulation, municipalities and First Nation communities in Ontario will move from the current system, which splits costs between municipal taxpayers and Producers of blue box materials, to a new system which requires the Producers to pay for and operate the system and achieve performance targets. Producers will be responsible for collecting and recycling blue box materials, reporting to the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority, and meeting increasing targets for materials they collect and recycle.
Placing full financial, operational, and performance accountability for the blue box program on the Producers of blue box materials creates a direct incentive to reduce waste and improve recycling which decreases natural resource extraction and pollution, including greenhouse gases.
Multi-residential properties receiving City service
Starting January 1, 2024, multi-residential properties that were already receiving City waste collection service will continue receiving City service for their Blue Box only. The City will continue to collect garbage and organic waste. Once Circular Materials determine who will be servicing the blue box in Orillia as of January 1, 2026, more information will be made available to property owners and managers about how to coordinate collection with them
Multi-residential properties that do not receive City service
Starting January 1, 2026, all existing multi-residential properties in the province, including those receiving private blue box collection, will become eligible for free blue box collection through the producer responsibility program. Once Circular Materials determine who will be servicing the blue box in Orillia, more information will be made available to property owners and managers about how to coordinate collection with them. Property owners may still apply to the City to service their garbage and organics streams.
New multi-residential properties during transition
If a new multi-residential property opens in 2024, they are immediately eligible for service and do not need to wait until 2026. Property owners may still apply to the City to service their garbage and organics streams.
Industrial, commercial, and institutional properties
Industrial, commercial, and institutional (IC&I) waste is regulated separately from residential waste in Ontario.
As of January 2024, IC&I properties will still have their recycling collected by the City. As of July 1, 2024, IC&I properties utilizing the 360 litre recycling cart collection program will be limited to a set out of no more two recycling carts per location.
ICI properties will not be served by Circular Materials as per the Government of Ontario’s regulation. The Government of Ontario’s Strategy for a Waste Free Ontario envisions a new approach to modernize the way these properties recycle, however the current Blue Box Regulation does not include IC&I properties as eligible collection sources (excluding Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools and non-profit retirement and long-term care).
Learn more about the City’s Waste Management Services by reviewing our Waste Management Playbook.
Included here are the most recent solid waste reports available, including the Solid Waste Management Annual Report, the five year Waste Minimization Plan and the Waste Diversion Site Monitoring Report. Select a report by clicking on the title of the report.
Appendix A of the Solid Waste Management Annual Report provides an update on the progress of the Waste Minimization Plan.
Waste Disposal Assessment Areas
The approximate location of active and closed waste disposal sites, together with a Waste Disposal Assessment Area, has been identified on Schedule 'C' of the City's Official Plan.
Prior to any development or redevelopment of lands within these areas, a property owner must retain the services of a qualified person to complete a study in accordance with the MOECP D4 Guideline to identify any potential risks that are to be mitigated (e.g. landfill gas, groundwater contamination, waste products, etc.) to ensure the waste contamination does not endanger the health and safety of the residents.
The City retained Golder Associates Ltd. to study each of the closed waste disposal sites to determine the appropriate assessment areas shown on Schedule 'C' of the City's Official Plan. Property owners undertaking a D4 Assessment may be able to draw from information contained in Golder Associates Ltd. studies to assist them with preparing their D4 Study.
Inactive Waste Disposal Sites:
The City retained Golder Associates Ltd. to study each of the closed waste disposal sites to determine the appropriate assessment areas shown on Schedule 'C' of the City's Official Plan. Property owners undertaking a D4 Assessment may be able to draw from information contained in Golder Associates Ltd. studies to assist them with preparing their D4 Study. Note that these reports were subject to comment by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP) which resulted in subsequent changes to the determination of the areas affected by the Waste Disposal Assessment Area. The final mapping as approved by City Council and MOECP is available here.
The following Historical Waste Site Investigations have been completed:
Contact the City By-law Office at 705-325-2313 if you observe an area of litter concern or witness illegal dumping in action. We all pay the price when people litter or illegally dump. The City of Orillia has a by-law prohibiting littering with a fine of $300.
Community Clean-ups
For Groups or Individuals looking to organize a community cleanup please note:
Clean-up is for City property only (along City boulevards/ditches)
Clean-up events should occur the day before the regular waste collection day
Special green garbage tags will be provided for collection (any unused tags are to be returned to our office)
Clean containers are to be sorted and placed in a clear plastic bag for recycling (these do not require a garbage tag)
We attempt to make our website documents accessible, however, some of these documents may not completely meet the AODA accessibility requirements. If you require assistance or communication support, please contact 705-326-1502 or email us at enviroservices@orillia.ca.
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A. Please see our 
A. Recycling Wheel Kits
Don't waste that wheelchair! 
