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Garbage, recycling and collection in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Thunder Bay, Ontario: garbage, recycling and collection. Find local rules, practical steps, useful answers and official service links.
Key information
Thunder Bay has moved household garbage to automated carts. The cart belongs to the property and must stay there when you move. Curbside recycling has a separate provider, so use the correct service contact.
On this page
At a glance
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| How often is garbage cart collection? | Weekly, generally on the same weekday with some holiday adjustments. Use the address calendar for the actual dates. |
| Can I buy an extra garbage cart? | The city says it provides one cart per residential household and does not offer additional carts for purchase. |
| How should I position the cart? | Use level ground with lid arrows facing the road. Leave one metre between garbage and recycling carts and keep them clear of parked vehicles. |
Sources: Garbage Collection | City of Thunder Bay · Garbage and Recycling | City of Thunder Bay
Plan your next step
- Find your service
Check the address, building type and collector for the material.
- Sort and prepare
Use the local container, quantity, weight and set-out rules.
- Check the date
Use the address calendar and the correct reporting route if collection fails.
Collection, containers and dates
How often is garbage cart collection?
Weekly, generally on the same weekday with some holiday adjustments. Use the address calendar for the actual dates.
What if my new home has no garbage cart?
Call City Dispatch at 807-625-2195. Previous residents should have left the property’s assigned cart behind.
Can I take the cart when I move?
No. It belongs to the city and is assigned to the address.
Sorting and special services
Can I buy an extra garbage cart?
The city says it provides one cart per residential household and does not offer additional carts for purchase.
How full can I pack it?
The lid must close fully. Do not jam waste so tightly that it cannot fall out when the truck tips the cart.
Should garbage be bagged inside the cart?
Yes. Use bags that close to keep loose waste from escaping during collection.
Problems, exceptions and help
How should I position the cart?
Use level ground with lid arrows facing the road. Leave one metre between garbage and recycling carts and keep them clear of parked vehicles.
Do all apartment buildings have carts already?
The page says properties with five units or fewer receive carts, while six or more units move in a later phase. Ask Dispatch about the correct provision.
Who manages curbside recycling?
Circular Materials uses GFL for the curbside recycling program. The city’s garbage service is separate.
Can I put batteries or renovation waste in the garbage cart?
No. The garbage guidance excludes batteries, medical sharps, construction debris and other dangerous materials. Use Waste Wizard for their proper destination.
Local service links
These are the service sources used for this Thunder Bay guide. Use their current forms, calendars and notices when completing a task.
Sources: Garbage Collection | City of Thunder Bay · Garbage and Recycling | City of Thunder Bay