Downtown waste collection

Downtown collection area

Curbside garbage and recycling collection is provided Monday to Saturday mornings within the Downtown Collection Area defined in the City’s Waste Management Bylaw (2019)-20392.

• Downtown recycling is collected by WM due to the provincial Blue Box Transition, learn more and find WM’s contact information for customer service here.
• Organics collection is currently being piloted through the Downtown Shared Waste Container Pilot (intake open) and Downtown Organic Waste Collection Pilot (intake closed).

What you need to know about downtown waste collection

How to set out waste for collection

Please follow these steps to collect and set out your waste correctly:

• Collect organics, recycling, garbage, and large cardboard separately. For information on how to sort, use the Waste Wizard or download the Guelph Waste app.
• Break down cardboard boxes and place them inside your blue cart only if they fit inside and allow the lid to close. Alternately, you may bundle them together and place them beside your blue cart. If you must use a blue public space container, ensure that the cardboard fits inside while leaving room for other users to use the container.
• Set out your carts at the curb before 5 a.m. Monday to Saturday and retrieve them once they have been serviced no later than 10:30 a.m. Carts should be placed at least one metre apart, with the lid opening toward the street, and away from overhanging branches or structures.
• If you must use a public space container, obtain permission from the property owner first. If the public space container is in front of a neighbouring property, ask the owner of your property to coordinate with the owner of the neighbouring property. This is to ensure that everyone understands and agrees with the placement and number of containers. If more capacity is needed than the public space container can accommodate, contact Solid Waste Resources (contact information at the bottom of the page) to request a set of carts.
• Do not overfill or move public space containers.
• Do not place any waste other than bundled cardboard on the ground.
• During the seasonal patio program, the location of your cart for collection may need to change. Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] if you require assistance.

Report an issue with waste collection in the Downtown

If you notice an issue with waste collection in the downtown area, the best way to let us know is through the City’s Report A Problem service, selecting the “Garbage bin issue downtown” option.

Ordering carts for Downtown properties

To prioritize public space containers for downtown patrons and maintain a cleaner streetscape, the City has requested that properties obtain a set of carts for their own use. A range of sizes suited to small to large storage areas, is available as shown below. To request carts, or to discuss alternatives if you do not have space to store a set of carts, please contact Solid Waste Resources at 519-767-0598 or [email protected].

What’s happening to improve downtown waste collection

In coordination with the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, the Solid Waste Management Master Plan, community engagement during the Downtown Waste Project and Solid Waste User Fee Study, an underground waste container system is planned to be installed Downtown between 2026 and 2033. Visit here for ongoing updates on the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program’s progress.  

Downtown shared waste container pilot program

While construction is underway, the Downtown Shared Waste Container Pilot provides more waste management options to Downtown businesses around Macdonell and Wilson Streets while gathering feedback and information to help inform the operation of the future underground container system.  

Through the pilot program, eligible Downtown businesses and residents can register for secure access to shared organics, recycling and garbage containers in three key locations. Each site is locked and accessible 24/7 only for participating businesses and residents with a special code provided upon registration. The pilot program has been extended into 2026 thanks to the positive feedback from Downtown residents and businesses. We will keep registered participants informed of any changes and updates as the program evolves. 

If you wish to report concerns or issues about the Downtown shared waste container sites, please contact:

• Email [email protected]
• Complete and submit the web form

Resources

• Waste Management Bylaw (2019)-20392
• Provincial Blue Box changes in 2025
• Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program
• Waste Collection for businesses

For more information

Solid Waste Resources
519-767-0598; TTY: 519-826-9771
[email protected]

Guelph Waste app

Use the Guelph Waste app to sign up for email or phone reminders about your waste collection schedule.

Download the free mobile app for Apple or Google devices.