Garbage Collection

The City of Owen Sound uses a bag tag payment program to encourage recycling and put a value on our environment. A bag tag is required on each bag or container placed at the curb for pick-up.

You may set out up to 4 bags or containers of garbage every other week for collection. If you live in the downtown core, waste is collected every week and there is a 3 bag limit.

Reminder: There is a 40lb (18kg) weight limit on each bag or can of tagged garbage.

Retail bag tag locations are as follows:

*Bag tags can be purchased individually at City Hall, Public Works, the Transit Terminal and the Library for $2.50 individually or in groups of 5 for $12.50.

Retail outlets selling bag tags will only sell in groups of 5 for $12.50.

Garbage Bag Tag Guidelines

To make sure your garbage will be collected, please ensure the entire Owen Sound bag tag is visible.

Using a bag tag on a garbage bag:

• Secure the bag tag around the neck (or top) of the bag.
• Do not use tags as a twist tie. 
• Make sure the full tag can be seen. 

Using a bag tag on a garbage can:

• Do not place the bag tag on the garbage can itself.
• Place the tag on the top bag inside the garbage can.
• Make sure the tag will be clearly visible when the collector removes the lid. 
• You only need one tag on the top bag for the entire container to be collected as long as it weighs less than 18 kilograms/40 pounds.

Please Note:

• Do not use tags for recycling, hazardous waste or leaf and yard trimmings.
• You must bring garbage that can’t be bagged, placed in an approved garbage can, or properly bundled to the transfer station located at 2085 20th Avenue East.  

Below is a list of materials that cannot be put in your garbage for curbside collection:

• Blue box recyclables (pop cans, glass bottles, etc.)
• Electronics
• Motor vehicle tires
• Used oil
• Leaf & yard waste (grass, leaves, and branches)
• Medical waste
• Batteries
• Low level radioactive waste
• Household hazardous waste
• Liquid waste
• Sewage
• Asbestos
• Brick, rubble, soil, fill, etc.
• Root balls/stumps

Please deposit smoke detectors in your garbage. For more information, please see the proper safety and disposal method for household smoke detectors.

If you have more than 4 bags of garbage (the bi-weekly allowable limit for collection), you can take it directly to the Miller Waste Transfer Station. Ensure these bags do not have bag tags on them, as Miller Waste has outlined disposal fees for their services.

Miller Waste Transfer Station is a privately owned facility, and the tipping fees are set by Miller Waste. Miller Waste operates the City of Owen Sound Recycling Depot, located at the transfer station, on behalf of the City.

For more information about Miller Waste, please see the Miller Group website for the City of Owen Sound, or call (519) 372-1855.

Location:

2085 20th Avenue East. The City of Owen Sound's recycling drop-off depot is also located at the transfer station.

Hours of Operation:

• Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturdays, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Closed Sundays and Statutory Holidays

The following list of materials must be separated from your garbage and placed in the appropriate bin or area at the Miller Waste Transfer Station:

• CFC Appliances (fridge, freezer, air conditioner, dehumidifier, etc.)

• Scrap metal

• Appliances that do not contain refrigerant

• Tires

• Blue box materials

• Corrugated cardboard

• Boxboard, wax and plastic coated boxboard including juice boxes

• Newspaper, fine paper, etc.

• Glass (clear and colour glass jars and bottles - no pane glass)

• Tin and plastics (cans, bottles, clean foil wrap, tubs and lids, etc.)

• Metal pots and pans with plastic handles removed

• Tupperware

The River District and the City of Owen Sound have teamed up to create the Community Clean Up Cart, the first initiative under the Locals Love It Here Campaign. This campaign is focused on people showing their love for the City of Owen Sound and the heart of the city, the River District.

Community Clean Up Carts can be borrowed for free from City Hall and assist in cleaning up public outdoor spaces.  Carts include a pull behind wagon, bin, bags, gloves, and more.