Garbage collection

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Curbside collection limits

Garbage is collected every second week (opposite week from green cart).

Find your collection schedule, or search what goes where.

Single unit/semi-detached/rowhouse/townhouse

limit of 6 bags (1 dark bag, remaining must be clear)
up to 5 bags can be substituted with bundles of wood or home renovation material
- i.e. 3 bags of garbage + 3 bundles of wood
- Max weight of bundled wood is 34 kg (75 lb), not to exceed 1.2 metres or 4 ft in length
- Small pieces may be put in a clear bag (tied). No loose material in cans.
1 bulky item (i.e. large appliances, fridge (CFCs removed), old furniture, mattresses), not to exceed 200 kg and 8 ft in length

Apartment buildings up to 6 units

limit of 4 bags per unit (1 dark bag per unit, remaining must be clear)
2 bulky items total for the building
no wood or renovation material permitted

Proper containers and weight limits

Any plastic bags that you use for your household waste must comply with the following rules:

bags must be thick enough to hold the material (and not break when garbage collectors pick them up)
bags cannot be yellow, red, or transparent blue colour
each bag has to be between 0.5–1 m long when empty
when full, no single bag can weight more than 25 kg
bags may be placed in a can for storage and privacy
place your curbside waste and recycling 1 metre (3 feet) away from each other. This helps our haulers determine what is garbage and what is recycling at a glance.

There are rules for garbage cans, too. Metal or plastic garbage cans that you put out for collection must:

have handles and a secure cover
be between 46–76 cm in height
have a diameter between 38–51 cm
not weigh more than 34 kg when full

What time will my garbage be collected?

Collection can start as early as 7:00 a.m. but may not happen at the same time each week. You can place garbage curbside as early as 7:00 p.m. the night before. Any garbage not collected must be removed from the curb by 9:00 p.m. on the day of collection.

Some items are not allowed in the garbage

Recycling fridges and freezers

The municipality offers this service for free to properties eligible for curbside collection.

Refrigerant gases (sometimes called CFCs) must be removed by a qualified technician before the appliance is collected for recycling. This service does not include removal of refrigerants in heat pumps, swimming pool heat pumps, or furnace units.

Call 3-1-1 or request CFC removal online. It will take up to 10 business days for the technician to visit your property. Once the service is complete, a sticker is attached and the appliance can be placed out on your regular garbage collection day. Doors may be removed for safety.

Heat pumps are not eligible for this program due to their size but may be placed curbside after gases are removed by a refrigeration company.

Appliance Retirement Program

You may be eligible for free, in-home pickup and an incentive through Efficiency Nova Scotia to retire your old refrigerator, freezer, or room air conditioner. The appliance must be manufactured prior to 2001 and be in working order to qualify for the program.

Construction, demolition, and renovation debris

Small amounts of home renovation waste may be accepted for curbside collection. Excess debris must be taken to a licensed facility in the Halifax region. This includes material such as lumber, old roofing, gyproc, and concrete. These materials are not accepted for drop-off at the Otter Lake Waste Facility.

All loads for delivery to a waste facility MUST be securely tarped.

Facility Information

Halifax C & D Recycling Ltd
902-876-8644
16 Mills Drive, Goodwood
188 Ross Road, Westphal

Hours of operation

Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(Ross Road location opens 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Check with the facility operator for fees and for changes in hours of operation on or around holidays.

Otter Lake Waste Facility

Exit 3 off Highway 103

All loads for delivery to a waste facility MUST be securely tarped.

Hours of operation

Monday to Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday (residential drop-off area only): 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Hours of operation on or around holidays may be adjusted. Stay up to date on the municipality's waste facility holiday hours.

Fees

Effective February 1, 2024, the tipping fee is $12.65 (+HST) per 100 kg. For loads weighing less than 100 kg, a flat fee of $5 is charged. Rates are subject to change.

Payment accepted by cash, debit, or credit card. A deposit may be required for cash customers.