Big changes are coming to curbside waste collection in Norfolk County this fall
Beginning September 28, residents will see the launch of bi-weekly garbage collection alongside weekly green cart pickup,
That was Supervisor of Waste Management Merissa Bokla.
She says the transition is tied to several factors, including the expiration of the county’s current waste collection contract, growing pressure on landfill capacity across Ontario, and provincial direction encouraging municipalities to divert food waste from the garbage stream.
Studies conducted both locally and in other municipalities suggest nearly half of what residents throw away could instead be diverted through organics collection.
Under the new system, standard residential properties will automatically receive a 240-litre garbage cart, capable of holding roughly three to four garbage bags, along with a 120-litre organics cart and a small kitchen catcher container.
Residents who generate less garbage can request a smaller 120-litre garbage cart instead.
Farm properties and businesses will have larger default cart options and the ability to request additional carts if needed.
Commercial properties wanting municipal collection service under the new program must also register with the county ahead of the rollout.
Officials stress that extra garbage placed beside carts will not be collected under the automated system.
The county says the carts themselves remain municipal property and are tied to each address through serial numbers.
If carts are damaged, Norfolk County will repair or replace them at no cost to residents.
To help residents prepare for the changes, cart display stations have been set up at rotating locations across the county, including libraries, community centres, and municipal buildings.
Bokla says many residents have already been visiting displays with measuring tapes in hand, trying to determine which cart size works best and where the bins will fit on their property.
More information, including cart display schedules and request forms, is available through Norfolk County Waste Changes
