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Garbage Collection

garbage cart on drivewayGarbage carts will be delivered to remaining Thunder Bay households in May 2026, and usage will begin the week of June 1. Learn more at thunderbay.ca/garbagecarts.


Curbside garbage collection takes place every week, usually on the same day every week, with some adjustments for holidays.

Use the Thunder Bay Waste Recycling tool on our Garbage & Recycling page to find your collection date and to schedule reminders.

Note: the information below applies to residents who are not yet on the automated garbage carts system. If you are in the 2025 soft-launch area and using the automated garbage carts system, please see Automated Garbage Carts.


recycling cart, child, garbage can

Remember: garbage must be three feet away from the grey-lid side of your recycling cart.

Place garbage at the curb:

  • before 7 am on collection day (you may put garbage out anytime after 4 pm the day before)
  • make sure garbage is at the curb on time - collection schedules can vary!

If you received a garbage cart in the 2025 soft launch, please see our Automated Garbage Carts webpage.

  • you can put out two non-tagged garbage bags
  • you can put out an additional item of garbage if you attach a $2 garbage item tag
  • only one tagged garbage item is allowed per collection day

Thunder Bay Solid Waste & Recycling's item limit aligns with recommendations of the Solid Waste Management Strategy, and with best practices in Ontario.

How to Purchase Garbage Bag Tags

  • garbage bag tags are sold in groups of five for $10
  • you can buy tags by phone during business hours at 807-625-2266 using a credit card, and receive them by mail
  • you can buy tags in person at the Landfill site (5405 Mapleward Rd) or at any branch of the Thunder Bay Public Library

How to Use a Garbage Bag Tag

  1. Close your garbage bag with a knot or twist tie.
  2. Peel the garbage item tag off the sheet and place the tag around the neck of the garbage bag.

Shows the three step process to use a bag tag

You can put out an additional bag of garbage, FREE (no tag required) on your first collection date after:

  • New Year's Day
  • Victoria Day
  • Labour Day

  • use securely closed garbage bags, or cans containing bags of garbage
  • use durable plastic/metal garbage cans with handles and secure lids (lid not tied to can), or 1.5mm thick black or green garbage bags
  • do not use cardboard boxes for waste
  • wrap broken glass or sharp objects for safety
  • wrap, double-bag and seal animal waste
  • place garbage at ground level at the end of your driveway
  • on recycling days, place garbage cans or bags three feet away from the grey-lid side of your recycling cart, so that garbage collection workers can see your garbage as the truck approaches

NOTE REGARDING AUTOMATED GARBAGE CARTS: if you have received a garbage cart from the City, you will use your cart instead of garbage cans or bags. The cart has capacity for approximately three bags of garbage.

  • max. weight per item: 18kg/40 lbs. (an item is a separate garbage bag or garbage can)
  • garbage can max. volume: 135 litres; max. height: 81cm (32 inches) without the lid; max. combined weight of can + contents: 18kg (40 lbs)

A garbage can may contain several bags.

NOTE REGARDING AUTOMATED GARBAGE CARTS: if you have received a garbage cart from the City, you are asked not to overfill your garbage cart and to ensure that the lid is fully closed.

Do not put out:

  • liquid waste
  • medical sharps (needles and lancets)
  • construction waste

Certain Thunder Bay households may need to set out more than the weekly garbage item limit due to medical circumstances. Under these circumstances, you may apply to increase the limit of waste to a maximum of three items per collection day. Approved applicants may be provided up to a maximum of 52 garbage tags per year, enough for an extra item of garbage each week. To be eligible for the exception, complete and return the Medical Exception Application.

This confidential application is for residents who are physically unable to roll their cart to the curb. The resident or a delegate must complete and return the Application for Garbage Cart Set-Out Service.

Reduce waste with the six Rs!

  • Rethink: Think about waste before you buy. Avoid "disposable" products.
  • Refuse: Try not to bring home bags and containers. When possible, use your own instead.
  • Reduce: Use reusable containers and bags instead of disposable ones.
  • Reuse: Charitable organizations and thrift shops can take reusable items you no longer need.
  • Repair: Be handy! Fix items instead of replacing them.
  • Recycle: Recycle everything you can.

For more information on garbage collection, call City's Dispatch line at 807-625-2195.

Contact Us

City Hall
123 Conestoga Drive
Glasgow G1 5QH

111-222-3333
mail@example.com

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