Garbage and recycling

The City of Guelph inspects and audits residential waste carts on a random basis throughout the year. Our Waste Management by-law (2019)-20392 authorizes City staff or contractors working for the City to look through waste carts placed at the curb to see if people are sorting their waste properly. Staff or contractors will always carry identification.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for anything that might be in the wrong cart. That includes items that don’t belong in any of your carts like household hazardous waste. We use this information to understand how often people mis-sort items and whether there are common items that enhanced communication could address. Proper sorting keeps the people who collect and sort your garbage safe, and helps avoid high tax increases by minimizing interruptions at the sorting facility due to mis-sorted items. In some cases, after someone has checked your carts they’ll leave some information like a door hanger or brochure to let you know if something was out of place so you know the right place for it next time. And if you’re sorting right, we may just want to say we noticed and we appreciate your efforts. Thanks for being a good sort, Guelphites!

Questions about sorting? Visit the City’s Waste Wizard.

Be a good sort: Sorting guide

For more information

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

Please tell us about your experience. Take this survey to help us continue improving City services.