Special Cart set out instructions for winter
- When shoveling, clear a flat spot at the end of your driveway or at the curb for your carts
- Place carts within eight feet of the traveled portion of the road, which ensures the automated arm can reach while allowing room for snow clearing equipment to pass
- Don’t place carts behind or on top of snowbanks
- To prevent material from freezing or sticking, line your organics carts with newspaper or paper egg cartons
- Inclement weather or poor road conditions may result in the cancellation of collection services, download the Simcoe County Collects mobile app to receive alerts specific to your collection area
How to get rolling
When you receive your carts, write your address in the white space on the side of each cart with a marker. The serial numbers on your carts are assigned to your address, so do not exchange carts with others.
Carts remain the property of the County of Simcoe. Report a broken, lost or found cart to service@simcoe.ca or 1-800-263-3199.
Setting out your carts
Roll-out 2 carts by 7 a.m. on collection day and remember to:
- Place carts on a level surface within eight feet of the traveled portion of the road, avoiding low hanging branches
- Remember the Rule of 2: Set out carts 2 feet apart, with 2 feet between your cart and any other objects
- Point the arrows on the carts towards the street and handles towards your house
- Set out your green cart out unlocked (only place it out locked to deter critters – the latch will open automatically during the collection process)
- Do not over-stuff carts, fill loosely, ensure lid is fully closed
- Do not use bungee cords or other items to keep the cart lids closed
What sizes of carts are available?
The standard cart sizes (which are based on an average County household) are:
- 360L recycling cart
- 240L garbage cart
- 120L organics cart
There are smaller size options for recycling and garbage (outlined below). Please review section below for more info (link to more carts tips and information).
Do I have to bag my materials?
Bagging instructions remain unchanged. Each cart is slightly different from one another:
- Recycling: Recyclables are to be placed in the cart with the blue lid and should NOT be bagged (with the exception of shredded paper)
- Garbage: Garbage may be bagged or loose
- Organics: We recommend organics be bagged using certified compostable bags or wrapped in newspaper to minimize sticking inside the cart, reduce odours, etc. Paper or certified compostable bags must be used to contain pet waste / kitty litter in the green
What do I do with material that won’t fit in my cart?
Place overflow organics into your old green bin, or compostable bag, two (2) feet from your cart. If you have overflow organics material on a regular basis, please contact Customer Service to obtain one extra organics cart ($50 fee applies) per serviced unit. Contact Service Simcoe at 1-800-263-3199 or service@simcoe.ca or click here to learn more. There is only one size (120 litres) available for the organics cart.