Cart-based Garbage Collection

Norfolk County is switching to a new automated cart system for garbage and organics collection. 

On this page:

• Why this matters
• What you need to know about the new carts
• Easy tips for using your green bin
• Other communities already doing this
• What about recycling?

Why this matters

Our garbage goes to landfills outside Norfolk County, which are filling up fast. If we don’t reduce waste, it could cost more and harm the environment. A 2024 waste audit showed that 42–46% of garbage was compostable. The new green bin program will help keep food and paper waste out of landfills, protect the environment and improve waste services.

Stay updated: Check this webpage often for the latest news.

The information provided below is subject to change as Norfolk County finalizes the details of the new automated cart system for garbage collection and the upcoming curbside organics program. 

What you need to know about the new carts

Cart delivery

• Carts will start arriving at homes in mid-2026. More information will be shared closer to that time.

What NOT to put in the garbage cart

• Hazardous waste
• Electronics
• Construction materials
• Other banned items

What goes in the green bin?

Food waste:

• Fruits and veggies
• Bread, pasta, rice
• Meat, bones, fish
• Dairy, eggshells
• Coffee grounds, tea bags
• Sauces, oils (small amounts)

Paper and other:

• Napkins, paper towels
• Muffin cups, paper plates
• Popcorn bags, parchment paper
• Cut flowers (no soil)

Liners you can use:

• Certified compostable bags
• Newspaper

Do NOT put in the green bin:

• Diapers
• Pet waste
• Plastic bags
• Yard waste
• Hygiene products

Easy tips for using your green bin

• Use a small kitchen bin to collect scraps
• Line it with compostable bags or newspaper
• Empty it into your green bin regularly
• Clean your bins often
• Add baking soda to reduce smells

You can buy kitchen bins and liners at:

• Canadian Tire
• Walmart
• Amazon

Look for these symbols to make sure the bags are compostable:

Other communities already doing this

Norfolk is joining many other places in Ontario that already use cart-based collection, including:

• Guelph
• Toronto
• Halton Region
• Waterloo
• Simcoe County
• Barrie
• Kingston

What about recycling?

Good news! Recycling is part of Ontario’s producer responsibility program, which started in Norfolk in 2024 and will stay the same.

• Weekly pickup continues
• Use your two-bin system

Use the Recycle Coach App

• Find your collection schedule
• Learn how to sort your waste properly