Norfolk County shares cart program details for new curbside waste collection program

As Norfolk County prepares to launch a new curbside waste collection program in September, residents and businesses are invited to preview garbage and organics carts in person and determine the option that works best for their property.

Curbside waste changes coming in September 

Starting Monday, September 28, 2026, Norfolk County’s waste collection program will transition to: 

• Bi-weekly garbage collection
• Weekly green bin collection for food and organic waste
• Weekly recycling collection (no changes, same recycling boxes) 

Properties will receive two types of carts: one for garbage and one for organic waste. These carts are designed to be used with automated waste collection vehicles.  
Each property will also receive a small kitchen container that fits under the sink for organic waste.  
 
Once the program begins on Monday, September 28, 2026, the carts must be used for garbage and organic collection. Residents will continue to use their current recycling boxes for recycling. 
 
These changes are intended to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and support long-term environmental and financial sustainability.

View carts in person

Cart displays will be available at libraries, community centres, and municipal buildings on a rotating schedule across Norfolk County from Tuesday, April 7 to Friday, May 8, 2026. The schedule of in-person cart display locations is available online at norfolkcounty.ca/wastechanges or by contacting ServiceNorfolk at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0.  
 
Residents are encouraged to visit a display during this period to view the garbage carts in person to determine the best size for their household.

Cart change requests

Different cart options apply to residential properties, residential farm properties, and commercial properties.

Residential properties 

Residential properties will automatically receive one 240 L garbage cart (fits 3-4 garbage bags) and one 120 L organics cart. Residents can choose to receive the smaller 120 L (fits 1-2 garbage bags) garbage cart.

Residential farm properties 

Residential farm properties will automatically receive one 360 L garbage cart (fits 5-6 garbage bags) and one 120 L organics cart. To accommodate farm workers, residential farm properties can request a second garbage cart, a second organics cart, and/or a smaller garbage cart.

Commercial

Commercial properties must pre-register to receive municipal waste collection services starting on Monday, September 28, 2026, under the new program. Commercial properties that register will automatically receive one 360 L garbage cart (fits 5-6 garbage bags) and one 120 L organics cart. Commercial properties can request a second garbage cart, a second organics cart, and/or a smaller garbage cart.

How to request a cart change

Cart changes can be made online at norfolkcounty.ca/wastechanges, by calling ServiceNorfolk at 519 426 5870 or 226 NORFOLK, extension 0, or in person at a customer service counter in Simcoe or Delhi. 
 
Cart change requests must be made by Friday, May 8, 2026, to ensure the correct carts are ordered and delivered on schedule. Cart change requests made after the carts have been delivered will result in a cart exchange fee. Carts will be delivered this summer, in advance of the new program rollout. Dates will be shared prior to delivery.

Supporting and informing residents through the waste changes

To help support the rollout, residents will begin to see a new communication campaign across Norfolk County titled “Please don’t feed the landfill.” Themes in the campaign will focus on:  

• Sorting waste is a simple everyday choice: don’t feed the landfill, feed the right cart.  
• Food scraps go in the green bin, recyclables in the blue box, and remaining garbage in its cart.  

Communication messaging will appear across print, digital, and community channels, along with clear guidance to support residents in using the new system. Additional tools and resources will be provided to residents and businesses to help them prepare for the changes, including: 

• A “What goes where” guide
• Updates and reminders through Norfolk County’s Community Connections eNewsletter and on County social media accounts
• Online resources and FAQs  

Residents can stay informed and access resources at norfolkcounty.ca/wastechanges.

Subscribe for waste-related news and updates by email 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for updates, review available materials, and reach out with any questions as the program rolls out at norfolkcounty.ca/subscribe.