Cart-based Garbage and Organics Collection

Carts will be delivered to homes starting in mid-2026. More details about cart delivery will be shared closer to that time. Each household will receive a standard-sized (240L) garbage cart that will hold four standard-sized bags.

Carts must be stored on your property in a location that does not obstruct sidewalks 
or roadways. 

Garbage will be collected bi-weekly using automated carts provided by Norfolk County. The collection day schedule will be determined by the contractor. Any changes to current collection days will be communicated in 2026 once available.

The limit will be reduced from four bags per week to two bags per week. Only waste that fits inside the cart will be collected. 

No. Excess waste will not be collected if placed beside the cart. Residents must adhere to the two-bag limit. Additional waste must be taken to designated disposal facilities. Bag tags will not be available. 

To reduce smells, residents should use the green bin for compostable waste and add baking soda to garbage carts. Cleaning carts regularly is also recommended. 

Pet waste and diapers are considered non-compostable and must be placed in your regular garbage cart. These items should be securely bagged to reduce odours and prevent contamination of other waste streams. They cannot go in the green bin. 

Norfolk County recognizes that some households may produce more waste due to unique circumstances, such as: 

• Managing medical conditions 
• Having multiple infants or toddlers 

Residents may be eligible to request an exemption or apply for a higher bag limit. Details on how to apply, including required documentation, will be shared closer to the program launch in September 2026. 

Norfolk County is launching a County-wide green bin program for weekly organic waste collection to divert this material from landfills. 

A recent waste audit found that over 40% of residential garbage in Norfolk is organic material that could be composted. This includes food scraps, tissues, and other biodegradable items.  

• In urban areas, 44.97% of waste was compostable 
• In rural areas, 42.84% of waste was compostable 

By using the new green bin program, residents can help divert this material from landfills, reduce environmental impact, and support a more sustainable waste system. 

Accepted items include food scraps, fruit and vegetable peels, tissue/toweling, and other compostable organics. Pet waste and diapers are not accepted and must go in the garbage cart. 

Yes. Each household will receive a green bin cart and a small kitchen bin. 

The green bin is designed to be secure and will include a gravity lock, designed to keep the bin secure from animals. 

Yes. A kitchen container will be provided with the green bin. Residents are encouraged to use a small kitchen bin to collect scraps and transfer the scraps to their green bin. 

Automated collection uses mechanical arms on trucks to lift and empty carts, reducing manual labour and improving efficiency. 

Automated collection offers several benefits: lower long-term costs, improved worker safety, faster and more consistent service, and reduced litter and animal interference due to secure carts.

Yes. Even after factoring in the cost of carts, automated collection was the lowest bid received among all service models evaluated. 

The chart below is from the report to Council and shows the cost difference between manual and automated garbage and green bin collection.

Scroll the table horizontally on smaller screens to see all columns.

No. In fact, it is expected to enhance service reliability and reduce missed pickups, especially in adverse weather conditions. 

Yes. Yard waste collection will be expanded to run for 14 weeks annually and will include additional hamlet areas.

Bulky items will continue to be collected monthly by appointment. Fees apply. Read more about Bulky Item Pick-Up.

Recycling will continue on a weekly basis using the two-bin system, but it’s important to note that this service is no longer operated by Norfolk County. Under Ontario’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, producers are now responsible for managing and funding the residential recycling system.

While the current collection method remains the same, changes may occur after the full transition to EPR. Norfolk County will continue to share updates as the program evolves.

Read more about Recycling.

The previous curbside waste collection contract was awarded in 2017. Since then, costs have risen significantly due to inflation, labour shortages, higher vehicle and equipment costs, and market pressures across Ontario. 

The estimated cost for the first full year of the new program is $7.99 million, which is $2.75 million less than originally projected. This will result in a 2.8% increase to the net levy requirement. 

Also see the question above: Is automated collection cost-effective?

The increase will be phased in:

• 2026: $1,016,500 added to the budget (an approximate 0.8% increase) due to the contract starting in September
• 2027: $2,759,100 added (impact is still to be determined, likely less than 2.0%).

Yes. The County will invest $5,029,000 to procure garbage and green bin carts. This cost will be fully funded by investment income from the Legacy Fund, meaning no impact to the tax levy. 

Norfolk County followed a formal and transparent procurement process in accordance with its Purchasing Policy. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was publicly issued and accessible to all interested vendors. While eight companies initially obtained the bid documents, only one proposal was ultimately submitted. Several vendors cited challenges such as: 

• The high cost of setting up operations in Norfolk County 
• Limited resources and rising costs in the waste sector 
• Difficulty competing under current market conditions 

These factors reflect broader industry pressures, including inflation, labour shortages, and equipment costs. Although the County cannot compel vendors to bid, the process ensured fairness, transparency, and value for taxpayers. 

Landfills across Ontario are approaching capacity, with an estimated 10 years of landfill space remaining province-wide. Without significant changes, municipalities may face higher costs and environmental impacts from transporting waste longer distances or developing new landfill sites.

Norfolk County does not have its own landfill and relies on a private landfill within Ontario for its disposal needs.

Yes. The 2024 waste audit showed that 42–46% of residential garbage is organic waste that could be diverted through composting. By introducing a green bin program and reducing the garbage bag limit, Norfolk County aims to divert more waste from landfill, extend landfill lifespan, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

If waste continues to grow unchecked, Norfolk may face higher disposal costs, environmental risks, and limited landfill options in the future. 

Yes. The Government of Ontario wants communities to send less waste to landfills and recycle and compost more. Norfolk County’s new waste collection program supports this goal by:

• Starting a green bin program for food and organic waste
• Expanding yard waste collection
• Reducing the number of garbage bags allowed each week 

These changes help protect the environment and follow the province’s direction to make waste management more sustainable.

Norfolk County’s new waste collection program aligns with Ontario’s goals by launching a county-wide green bin program, expanding yard waste collection, reducing the residential garbage limit, and continuing recycling under the producer responsibility framework. 

Possibly. As provincial policies evolve, Norfolk County will continue to adapt its waste management strategies to meet environmental and regulatory goals.