Garbage Collection & Tag Program

Starting February 7, 2022, Orillia is moving to a clear garbage bag program.  For a list of answers to our frequently asked questions, please click the link below:

Clear Bag Program - Frequently Asked Questions

More Frequently Asked Questions

For a list of local retailers now stocking clear bags, view the Clear Bag Store Inventory.

What still goes in the garbage? Here is a list of commonly asked items that can go in your garbage. 

For more information, check out our latest video on the Clear Bag Program: 

The City will mail the next set of 20 garbage tags at the beginning of June. These tags are your allotment to cover the period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Garbage tags have been successful in encouraging waste reduction. 

(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 tag used for collection. 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.

Please note, both the bright and reddish pink tags that have been allotted to you from previous years are still valid.  You can continue to use these tags as well as the 2022 - 2023 tags that will be mailed in June.  Only the old orange garbage tags have expired. 

Questions? Call 705-325-3522.

Garbage and bagged diapers are now 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.

As of July 2017, each residential and commercial unit will receive 20 garbage tags each year. These pink tags are mailed out in early June as the tag year runs from July 1st of one year to June 30th of the following year. If you need more garbage tags, they can be purchased in sets of five for $10 ($2.00 each) at the following locations:

All garbage placed at the curbside must have a City of Orillia garbage tag. Garbage tags have been successful in encouraging waste reduction.

Note: Tags are not needed for green bin/yard waste (excluding grass clippings), recycling materials, or diapers in clear bags.

There is also a garbage container size limit of 133 litres (35 gallons) in Orillia. Any container over this size is considered a storage bin and garbage bags placed in such a bin will each require a garbage tag.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. If maggots develop, sprinkle baking soda on your food scraps.
4. 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.
   • Use a paper bag or a certified compostable bag with the logo noted below:

1. There are local waste removal companies that are willing to come to your home and remove large bulky items you no longer want or need for a fee. Look in the Yellow Pages™ under "Rubbish Removal" for a listing of these companies.
2. Most stores that deliver appliances and mattresses will also remove the used item. 
3. Place the item at the curb with a "Free" sign on it. Scrap metal items are also normally picked up.
4. The Treasure Hunt Program runs on the 3rd Weekend of the month from May to October to encourage the re-use or recycling 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. 
5. Post items for free on the Freecycle website and someone else can pick it up. Visit www.freecycle.org for more information.