What is the Green Routine?

The Green Routine is what we call our weekly waste collection services. Waste services include a curbside recycling program, organics and waste collection carts. Carts are available in two sizes, large (240L) waste and organics carts, and small (120L) waste and organics carts for a lower price.

We also run special waste collection events at certain times of year such as extra yard waste collection and large item pickup.

You can read the full details of the Green Routine in our  Green Routine Guide (6.2 MB) or if you just want the basics, see our Quick Guide.pdf (2.5 MB)

The Green Routine is also available as an app. You can set waste collection day and special event reminders, locate a recycle station, search how to dispose of hundreds of materials in the waste wizard, and get important service notifications.

Learn how to start or stop waste collection services for your property.

Organics

Organics go into your green roll-out cart. Use the small covered pail (green catcher) to collect organics in your kitchen, then transfer them to the large cart for collection.

What goes in the green cart?
Food scraps, soiled paper, coffee filters, plant materials, twigs, kitchen scraps, grass clippings

How much can I put out for collection?
All organics must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Overfilled carts or materials left outside the cart will not be collected.

How often do I put my organics out for pickup?
Every other week (alternated with waste)
From mid-June to mid-September organics is collected every week

Waste

Waste goes into your black roll-out cart.

What goes in the black cart?
Aluminum foil, cleaning wipes, items made of two or more materials that cannot be taken apart (i.e. chip bags, granola bar wrappers)

How much can I put out for collection?
All waste must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Overfilled carts or materials left outside the cart will not be collected.

How often can I put my waste out for pickup?
Every other week (alternated with organics)

Recycling

Recycling goes into clear blue plastic bags only. Bags can be purchased at most grocery or home improvement stores.

What goes into recycling?
All items must be clean and free of food, liquids and dirt.

Clean items accepted:

• Hard plastic containers or bottles. No lids or caps. (e.g. shampoo, detergent or condiment bottles; margarine or large yogurt containers; ice cream pails)
• Aluminum and tin cans, pies plates and containers (clean and in original shape)
• Wrapping paper (no foil); greeting cards (decorations removed)
• Office paper, envelopes, craft paper
• Magazines, flyers, newspaper, catalogues
• Books with front and back covers removed
• Cardboard, flattened (60 cm by 1 m or smaller)
• Boxboard (e.g. cereal, cracker, cookie boxes)

How much can I put out for collection?
As many bags as you need. There is no limit.

How often do I put out my recycling for pickup?
Every week.

Reduce and reuse before you recycle

It's important to start rethinking your Green Routine. Did you know the three R’s of recycling (reduce, reuse and recycle) are in order of priority? Before you recycle, try to reduce and reuse first. Here are some simple steps you can take to cut back on waste and your use of plastics:

Reduce

• Reduce your use of single-serve containers (e.g.: items such as plastic forks, straws and take-out containers)
• Buy products with less packaging
• Bring cloth bags with you when you shop for groceries
• Plan out your meals. Try this simple meal planning worksheet (829.7 KB)

Reuse

• Take reusable coffee mugs and water bottles
• Pack waste-free lunches. For more ideas click here.
• Buy items second-hand
• Fix what you can before replacing items
• Donate items you no longer use to charity