Garbage Collection & Tag Program

Pink Garbage Tags

On June 1, 2017, pink garbage tag sets for Orillia residents were mailed out and cover the period from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.  Please note the pink tags that have been allotted to you from previous years are still valid (even though they are a more reddish colour).  You can continue to use these tags as well as the 2017 - 2018 tags that have just been mailed.  Only the old orange garbage tags have expired. Please call 705-325-3522 if you have any questions.

Garbage Collection Every Other Week

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 Solid Waste Collection Calendar for full details on setout requirements and the collection schedule.

Where to Buy Garbage Tags

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.

View Our Instructional Video On Orillia's Garbage Tag Program & Green Bin Program.

Waste Collection - 7am

Garbage, recycling, and green bin/yard waste must be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. to ensure collection. Even if your waste is usually collected later in the day, it should still be out by 7:00 a.m. to ensure collection. This is because on occasion, collection times may change due to construction activities, new routes, replacement drivers for when a driver calls in sick, etc. Thanks for your cooperation.  

Garbage - Weight & Container Size Limit

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. This policy is in place because our collection crew have a lot of lifting to do in a day, and can be injured by repeatedly lifting heavy bags and cans. For example, in one day, a collector can lift up to 14 tonnes of garbage alone! Your cooperation is appreciated.

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.

How To Reduce Maggots 

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.  The following are suggestions on how to reduce maggots in green bins: 

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:

Removing Bulky Items from Your Home

Although the City of Orillia does not offer a bulky item collection service, there are several options for removing large items from your home including:

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.

Please call the Waste Diversion Site at 705-325-3522 for more information.

Instructional Video on Orillia's Garbage Tag Program & Green Bin Program (NOTE: Cooked meat, bones and dairy products are now accepted in Orillia's Green Bin Program). 

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.