Curbside Garbage Collection

Garbage collection has transitioned to 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-gallon. 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 at the curb.

Garbage Reminders

• Garbage bags are no longer acceptable as curbside containers. Only automatically serviceable carts (toter carts) will be acceptable. 
• Any material that prevents the lid of the wheeled garbage cart (toter cart) from closing flat is considered excess.  If you have excess garbage, your wheeled garbage cart will not be emptied. 
• Material placed in the wheeled garbage cart must be contained in a bag or in a box.
• Wheeled garbage carts that are not properly placed at the curb will not be emptied, and they are the property owner's responsibility. For more information, see our Wheeled Garbage (Toter) Cart Placement Instructions
• You can request the curbside collection of up to three bulk items, such as furniture, appliances, mattresses, etc., once every quarter. This service is separate from your weekly garbage limit. 
• To book your pickup, please submit a request at least seven days before your collection date through Recycle Coach's web-based or mobile app. You can also ask our customer service reps for help with Recycle Coach. 
• Excess garbage is the responsibility of the property owner. Excess garbage in moderate amounts 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 that is created as a result of crows or animals ripping garbage bags open or turning over containers 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 transfer stations for disposal options or consider donating.
• E-waste, tires and scrap metal items are also not accepted at the curb. Please refer to transfer stations for disposal options.
  

Residential Collection Limits

• The garbage limit per week is one 95-gallon wheeled garbage cart (lid closed flat) 

• Items left at the curb are the responsibility of the owner to remove/clean up.
  

Multi-residential and Institutional/Commercial/Industrial Limits

The amount of collectable refuse from any institutional, commercial or industrial property, as well as multi-residential properties (6 or more units), shall not exceed 2.0 cubic metres or five 95-gallon wheeled garbage carts.

Non-Collectible Garbage

• Wheeled garbage carts with excess garbage (i.e. lid does not close flat)
• Clippings/branches from trees/shrubs that are NOT bundled and/or in dimensions of 5 ft. x 3 ft. x 3 ft.
• Manufacturing or industrial wastes
• Explosives and highly flammable or volatile substances
• Liquid or gaseous waste, caustics and acids
• Poisons, pesticides and herbicides, radioactive material
• Septic tank materials, raw sewage, sludge and industrially processed sludge
• Infected materials, including dressings and bandages
• Syringes/needles
• Organic material which has not been drained of all liquid in accordance with the provisions of the by-law
• Carcasses or parts thereof of any animal or other creature, save for bona fide kitchen and table waste
• Live animals or birds
• Hay, straw and manure
• Any materials which have become frozen in a container and cannot be removed by shaking or without breaking the container
• The stock of any wholesaler or retailer (e.g. eggs, fish, pickles, fruit and vegetables)
• 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
• Tree trunks, stumps, loose leaves or branches, sod or fill of any kind
• Cardboard boxes that are wet and may fall apart
• Household paints, solvents
• Non-prescribed containers, such as 45-gallon drums and garbage bags, including loose grocery/kitchen catcher bags
• 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!