Waste Collection
Container Limits
Residential properties have a 3 container limit per week, whether a bag or a trash can; any additional bags must have a bag tag attached. Please note that dark bags (black or dark green) must be used for waste.
Bag Tags
Refer to our Bag Tag page for a detailed list of places where bag tags can be purchased. Containers must not weigh more than 22 kilograms (48 pounds).
Large Items
Large items will be picked up during the first full week of each month. This includes items such as chairs, couches, tables, etc. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners will also be collected this week; however, they must be purged of Freon and tagged by a refrigeration company.
Difference between large item and regular waste?
If the waste fits into a garbage bag or pail and is not a “non-collectible item” (see Non-Collectibles ), it goes out with your regular garbage. If the waste does not fit into a garbage bag or pail, it is considered a large item.
Electronic Waste
Electronic waste will not be picked up at the curb. Please refer to www.recycleyourelectronics.ca for more information.
When to Set Waste Out
Waste must be at the boulevard (grass part of property behind curb) no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day prior to your collection day or before 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Placing waste to the boulevard prior to collection day and placing it on the road or gutter contravenes the Waste Collection By-law. Waste set out to the boulevard whether in a bag or container cannot exceed 22 kgs.
Assistance
To request assistance and flexibility for residents with medical conditions demonstrating a need for accommodation, please submit an application form to the Public Works Department. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 519-344-1932.
Sarnia’s Waste Collection By-Law
If your waste is set out prior to the designated day or placed on the road or gutter it contravenes Sarnia’s Waste Collection By-Law 62 of 2006. Contraventions of this By-Law can result in fines set by the court.
Brush Collection
Brush will be collected on the weeks with the tree branch symbol as shown in the 2019 Waste Calendar.
- Branches (up to four inches in diameter)
- Twigs
- Hedges
- Shrubs
- Rose bushes
- Vines
- Sticks
- logs
- Stubs
Set Out Requirements
- Brush should only be set on the boulevard for collection after 6:00 pm the night before or before 7:00 am the morning of your designated waste collection day on that week.
- Brush must be tied in a bundle with a compostable material or can be set out in paper bags or a container marked with an X.
- Brush bundles cannot exceed 22 kgs.
- If your brush is set out prior to the designated day or placed on the road or gutter it contravenes Sarnia’s Waste Collection By-Law 62 of 2006. Contraventions of this By-Law can result in fines set by the court.
Yard Waste Collection
Yard Waste will be collected on the weeks with the leaf symbol as shown in the 2019 Waste Calendar.
- Leaves
- Grass
- Weeds
Set Out Requirements
- Yard Waste should only be set on the boulevard for collection after 6:00pm the night before collection day or before 7:00am the morning of your designated waste collection day on that week.
- Yard waste can be set out in paper bags or a container marked with an X and cannot exceed 22 kgs.
- It is recommended to drill holes in the bottom of the bin for drainage.
- If your yard waste is set out prior to the designated day or placed on the road or gutter, it contravenes Sarnia’s Waste Collection By-Law 62 of 2006. Contraventions of this By-Law can result in fines set by the court.
Fun Fact
A mulching lawnmower blade cuts grass pieces smaller, returns moisture and nutrients to the soil, and reduces the need to collect clippings.
Yard Waste is indicate with the symbol below on the garbage and recycling app
Christmas Tree Collection
Christmas Trees will be collected on the week with the Christmas Tree symbol as shown in the 2019 Waste Calendar.
Set Out Requirements
- Christmas Trees should only be set out after 6:00 pm the night before or before 7:00am the morning of your designated waste collection day.
- Trees that are wrapped in plastic or have any attachments such as the tree stand or decorations will not be collected.
- If your tree is set out prior to the designated day it contravenes Sarnia’s Waste Collection By-Law 62 of 2006.
- Also, the tree could blow onto a neighbour’s property or on the street or be buried in a snow bank due to stormy weather.
- If it is buried the property owner is responsible to dig the tree out of the snow for collection. Contraventions of this By-Law can result in fines set by the court.