Collection services for large apartments and condos
Collection services, recycling programs and container information for residents, property managers and superintendents of apartment buildings and condos with seven or more units.
Curbside collection services
Buildings with seven or more units receive the following curbside collection services.
| Service | Frequency | Maximum per week |
|---|---|---|
| Garbage | Every-other-week | Two bags or cans per unit, maximum 24 bags or cans per building |
| Green Bin / Cart | Weekly | Unlimited (one Green Cart per 30 units recommended) |
If your apartment building is unable to stay within the maximum garbage set out, you will have to procure private collection services.
Recycling is mandatory
Provincial regulation requires owners of multi-residential buildings and condominiums with seven or more units to provide garbage and recycling collection services to tenants. If a recycling program is not established, the Ministry of the Environment may order you to establish one.
Ordering and replacing carts
Property managers and superintendents are responsible for buying recycling and green carts and replacing broken ones.
All large apartments and condo buildings in Niagara are eligible for the Organics Cart program. Property managers and superintendents can purchase 120 litre Green Carts or 33 litre Green Bins. Kitchen Catchers to support the Green Cart program can be available free of charge. Contact the Waste Info-Line to arrange.
New to the program? At the start of each organics program, residents will receive an in-unit Kitchen Catcher and information on the organics program.
Order Green Carts
Niagara Region is responsible for organics collection. If approved after submitting a form, you will be sent a link to order the carts.
Order Blue and Grey recycling carts
Multi-residential properties with seven or more units must contact Circular Materials' collection contractor Miller Waste Systems directly for recycling carts, boxes or replacements.
Contamination responsibility
Property managers and superintendents are responsible for contamination issues. If contamination occurs, you're responsible for removing contaminants from the containers before collection. If garbage is mixed with recyclables, or Blue Cart material is mixed with Grey Cart material, the cart may not be collected.
Tips to reduce contamination
- Place Niagara Region recycling signs above or near the carts
- Do not line recycling carts with plastic bags
- Ensure all new tenants receive an information package
- Flatten cardboard and place it inside recycling carts — unbroken-down boxes may not be collected
Additional recycling programs
The following programs are available free of charge to eligible apartment buildings with a superintendent on the premises. Contact the Waste Info-Line to check eligibility and arrange a site visit.
Textile donation and recycling
On-site donation or recycling of textiles for buildings with seven or more units.
Electronics recycling
On-site electronics recycling for eligible buildings. A waste management staff member will schedule a site visit.
Battery recycling
Collection pails provided for residents to drop off used batteries for recycling.
Eco-Ambassador Program
The Eco-Ambassador Program is a volunteer initiative for apartment residents who are passionate about recycling and want to help improve recycling and organic diversion in their building.
Eco-ambassador volunteers will:
- Attend a workshop led by Niagara Region Waste Management staff
- Receive training on how to start programs that improve recycling in their building
- Receive ongoing support from Niagara Region to discuss improvements and challenges
This is a great opportunity for residents who want to green their building, high school students looking for volunteer and community service hours, or anyone interested in getting more involved in their community.
For more information, contact the Waste Info-Line.