Waste Collection Frequently Asked Questions

Please note, it's important to remember that while having your material left behind is upsetting, there is a good reason. For more specific information please refer to guidelines throughout the County calendar.

Common Reasons for Missed Collections:

•  Items not out by 7:00 a.m.
•  Please click here for collection information
•  Items hidden (behind parked vehicles, snowbanks, etc.)
•  Materials not scheduled for collection that particular week
•  Collections cancelled due to inclement weather. The normal practice is to collect double the following collection week
•  Access issues (construction, snow/ice, overgrown trees, animal issues)

Please note, it's important to remember that while having your material left behind is upsetting, there is a good reason. For more specific information please refer to guidelines throughout the County calendar.

The County reserves the right to leave material behind for:

•  Bags/containers over the limit without a County garbage tag affixed. The County enforces a one bag per week limit for garbage and any additional bag requires a garbage tag.
•  Presence of prohibited materials
•  Items exceed weight of 20kg or exceed volume limit of 80 litres
•  Waste not placed in acceptable containers
•  Plastic bags in the Green Bin
•  Excessive contamination or non-recyclable materials in recycling
•  Recycling materials (containers or paper fibres) mixed together

The County of Simcoe has a very diverse population with a large percentage of seasonal residents. If you are a seasonal resident or cottager it is important to remember that County of Simcoe curbside collection services may be different than the programs offered at your permanent residence. 

Here are a few ways you can get a blue or grey curbside bin:

• County of Simcoe Customer Service Centre (Administration Centre - 1110 Highway 26, Midhurst, ON, L0L 1X0) $5 each
• Select County Waste Disposal Facilities - Contact Customer Service (1-800-263-3199) $5 each
• Select municipal offices (contact your municipal office for availability)

The County of Simcoe now accepts rigid plastic containers and lids marked 1 through 7 (max. size 4L/1 Gallon or less). Styrofoam, plastic film and plastic bags are not accepted in the recycling program.

Yes, the County is now accepting clamshells, plant pots, plant trays, small yogurt/fruit cups containers, coffee/tea lids, rigid plastic containers and lids marked 1 through 7. 

Unfortunately they have to go into the garbage. Consider packaging when purchasing items. For example, try to purchase products with little or choose products packaged in materials that are acceptable in the County of Simcoe's recycling program. Remember it's reduce before recycle.

Only paper and certified compostable bags are acceptable to wrap organic materials. Plastic bags are not permitted.  Approved bags will have either of these logos: 

An alternative to using bags is wrapping your bin and food scraps in newspaper.

Your Green Bin is very durable and has a strong locking lid designed to keep animals out, however, some animals can be quite persistent. Residents should follow these pest proofing tips:

• Place your Green Bin out at 7 a.m. on your collection day instead of the night before if possible
• Always securely latch your Green Bin
• Make sure all contents are inside the bin
• If storing your Green Bin outdoors, try hanging it from a hook out of reach of animals - without leverage raccoons cannot open the latch
  
  

Insects and odours are a problem associated with garbage, regardless of whether your waste is in a garbage bag or in your Green Bin. While they cannot be eliminated entirely here are some tips to reduce odour and insects

•  Keep the lid on your bin tightly closed
•  Place your Green Bin out for collection every week even when partly full
• Wash your Green Bin and mini bin regularly
•  Line your Green Bin with newspaper and wrap food scraps in newspaper before placing into your mini bin, or purchase certified compostable bags and tie before placing in your mini bin.
•  Try keeping bags of organic material in the fridge or freezer until collection day.

Below are some methods to help you deal with liquids in your Green Bin.

•  Paper towels and tissues can be included in your Green Bin. Use these materials to soak up liquids
•  Bacon grease can be poured into a paper cup, also acceptable in the Green Bin and allowed to solidify prior to placing in your Green Bin.
•  Some materials can cause certified compostable bags to sweat, also bags can break down quickly, depending on temperature and materials placed in them; always take your mini bin to your Green Bin to discard material.
•  Line your Green Bin with newspaper or use certified compostable bags to hold liquids and keep materials from sticking and freezing to the inside of your bin.

No, the processor which will be composting the material collected in the County's Green Bin program does not accept these materials. For a list of acceptable materials please click HERE.

Plastic bags are not compostable, they are difficult and costly to remove from the organic matter. The processor which will be composting the materials collected in the County's Green Bin program does not accept plastic bags. You can wrap organic material in newspaper, use paper bags or use certified compostable bags to line your bin and/or your Green Bin.

Paper fibres are re-pulped and made into new paper products. Aluminum cans are melted down and made into new cans or automotive parts - saving significant power over using raw materials. Plastic pop bottles are often made into carpeting and other textiles. Other plastics are made into new containers, fencing, etc. Glass bottles are made into new glass containers, fibre-glass insulation, or incorporated into reflective paint.