Curbside Garbage Collection

​​2026 Recycling and Waste Collection Guide is now available:

Important: Printed copies of the 2026 Recycling and Waste Collection Guide were found to contain an error. We are preparing an error notice and will make corrected guides available at pick-up locations no later than December 23. 

In the meantime, the corrected guide and schedule are available online: 2026 Recycling & Waste Collection Guide or download Recycle Coach, or use below, for complete program information and schedules.

Garbage collection is a fully automated system. Residents are required to have a compatible garbage container for curbside collection. The standard size for regular garbage containers is 95 gallons. However, residents have the option to exchange their existing cart for a smaller one, available in either 65 or 25 gallons. To request a compatible garbage container, simply contact us via email at ckinfo@chatham-kent.ca or by calling 519-360-1998.

Here’s a breakdown of the capacities for each cart size:

  • 95-gallon carts can hold up to three large garbage bags.
  • 65-gallon carts can hold approximately two large garbage bags.
  • 25-gallon cans can hold about one large garbage bag.

For detailed dimensions of the garbage carts and cans, you can refer to these PDF documents: 95 Gallon Cart Dimensions, 65 Gallon Cart Dimensions, and 25 Gallon Can Dimensions.

Remember that garbage must be placed at the curb for collection no earlier than 7:00 pm the evening before your collection day and no later than 7:00 am the morning of your collection. If you’re using a 25-gallon can, please ensure to remove the lid when placing it at the curb.

Waste Management App (Recycle Coach)

Welcome to the Recycle Coach online waste information app!  Use this application to view and download your own personalized collection schedule, sign up for reminders, and look up "what goes where."

Never again lose track of your collection day with the Recycle Coach App.  Set reminders and find out the proper disposal instructions for thousands of items.  Click one of the buttons below, download the app on your mobile device and put in your address to access your collection information.

Download the Recycle Coach App on the Apple App Store Download the recycle coach app on the google playstore

Garbage Reminders

  • Garbage bags are not permitted at the curb. Only automatically serviceable wheeled carts or containers are acceptable.
  • The lid must close flat. If the lid is not fully closed, the cart will be considered overfilled and will not be collected.
  • All waste inside the cart must be bagged or boxed.
  • Improper cart placement will result in non-collection. It is the property owner’s responsibility to place the cart correctly. See the Wheeled Garbage (Toter) Cart Placement Instructions
  • Bulk item collection is available. You may request up to three items per quarter (e.g. furniture, appliances, mattresses) separate from the weekly garbage limit. For more information, visit Curbside Bulk Item Collection webpage.
  • Excess garbage is the owner’s responsibility. Moderate amounts (up to 5 cubic metre) can be taken to Harwich Transfer Station or Wallaceburg Transfer Station for disposal. Cash-only fees will apply. 
  • The Municipality reserves the right to clean up or collect garbage left at the curb and invoice the property owner accordingly.
  • Litter caused by animals (e.g. crows) is the owner’s responsibility to clean up.
  • Appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, freezers, washing machines, etc., are not accepted at the curb. Please refer to waste depots for disposal options or consider donating.
  • E-waste, tires and scrap metal items are also not accepted at the curb. Please refer to waste depot for disposal options.

Residential Collection Limits

  • One (1) garbage cart/container with the lid closed flat per week.
  • Items left at the curb are the responsibility of the owner to remove/clean up.

Multi-residential and Institutional/Commercial/Industrial Limits

For institutional, commercial, industrial and multi-residential properties (6 or more units), limit is 2.0 cubic metres or five (5) 95-gallon wheeled carts per collection.

Non-Collectible Garbage

The following will not be collected:

  • Overfilled carts (lid not closed flat)
  • Manufacturing or industrial waste
  • Explosives, highly flammable or volatile substances
  • Liquid or gaseous waste, caustics and acids
  • Poisons, pesticides and herbicides, radioactive material
  • Septic tank materials, raw sewage, sludge
  • Infected materials, including dressings and bandages
  • Syringes/needles
  • Organic waste containing liquid (not properly drained)
  • Animal carcasses (except for kitchen and table waste)
  • Live animals or birds
  • Hay, straw and manure
  • Frozen materials stuck in containers
  • Wholesaler or retailer stock (e.g. spoiled produce)
  • Sawdust and/or shavings from a commercial and/or industrial establishment
  • Broken plaster, railroad ties, pallets, lumber or other waste resulting from the construction, alteration, repair, demolition or removal of any building or structure
  • Discarded tires with or without rims, trucks, automobiles and other vehicles and any parts
  • Unbundled or oversized yard waste (must not exceed 5 ft. × 3 ft. × 3 ft.)
  • Tree trunks, stumps, loose leaves or branches, sod or fill of any kind
  • Household paints, solvents
  • Unapproved containers (e.g. garbage bags, 45-gallon drums)
  • White goods/scrap metal
  • E-waste (i.e. computers, monitors, cameras, fax machines, printers, etc.)

Need to report a problem with your garbage collection? Create a Service Request online anytime!

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