Your Bins Might Be Waiting Longer Than Usual
If your garbage or recycling hasn't been picked up on its regular day recently, you're not alone. A major transition to a new waste collection schedule in Ottawa is causing delays for up to 80,000 households across the city.
The City of Ottawa is in the process of implementing an updated pickup schedule, and the changeover has not been without hiccups, leaving bins sitting at the curb longer than residents are used to.
Why the Change?
Municipalities periodically revise waste collection routes and schedules to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and better serve growing neighbourhoods. Ottawa's rapid population growth in areas like Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orleans means collection routes that worked five years ago may no longer be optimal today.
While the long-term goal is a more efficient system, transitions like this often come with short-term disruptions as crews, residents, and logistics all adjust to new timing and routes.
What Residents Should Know
If you're one of the 80,000 households affected, here's how to navigate the transition period:
- Check the City of Ottawa's website for your updated pickup day, your collection day may have changed entirely
- Download the Ottawa Waste Explorer app: it lets you look up your specific address and see your current schedule
- Put bins out the evening before your scheduled day to avoid missing collection if crews run early
- Be patient: delays are expected to be temporary as the new schedule gets fully implemented
A Reminder on Waste Rules
While you're at it, the transition is a good time to brush up on what goes where. Ottawa's green bin program accepts a wide range of organic waste, and proper sorting helps keep recycling contamination down. The city's waste sorting guide is available online and is more detailed than most people realize.
The City of Ottawa says it is working to minimize disruptions during the changeover and apologizes for any inconvenience caused to affected residents.
Source: Google News Ottawa
