Garbage Collection & Tag Program

Starting February 7, 2022, Orillia is moving to a clear garbage bag program.  Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

1. What is a clear garbage bag program?  In a clear garbage bag program, residents are to place their garbage in a clear plastic bag instead of an opaque (black or green) plastic bag.  With the program, residents can use up to two small privacy bags – like a regular-sized shopping bag – to hide items they don’t want others to see. Residents are also still able to use rigid garbage containers, but if the garbage bin is lined, it will need to be lined with a clear garbage bag.

 2. Why is Orillia moving to a clear garbage bag program? The main drive is to divert recyclable and compostable materials from the garbage to reduce what is landfilled at Orillia’s Waste Diversion Site (landfill). Clear garbage bag programs discourage residents from setting out recycling and compostable materials in their garbage as it makes it more apparent who is participating in diversion programs and who is not.  Overall, waste diversion rates can increase by as much as 10% when a municipality implements a clear garbage bag program. In Orillia specifically, almost 36% of what goes in the garbage at the curb could go in the recycling box or green bin.

3. What happens if I put my garbage out in an opaque garbage bag after February 7, 2022?  There is no fine for non-compliance, but the garbage will not be collected (even if it is tagged with an Orillia Garbage Tag).  City staff are here to help anyone wishing to learn more about what can be recycled or composted.

4. Will local retailers sell clear bags (both large and small)?  City staff will be informing local retailers and their head offices about stocking up on clear bags of all sizes prior to implementation of the program in February 2022.

5. What can I do with my pet waste?  At present, pet waste in Orillia goes in the garbage. Bags of pet waste within a clear garbage bag will not be considered privacy bags so you can still place two privacy bags in your clear bag over and above the pet waste bags.  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. For more tips visit orillia.ca/recyclingtips

6. My household generates adult diapers that I don’t want my neighbours to see – what can I do?  Disposable diapers can be placed 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.

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 2021 - 2022 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.