Keeping your neighbourhood clean is key to preventing pests and avoiding tickets from the city. It can also create a sense of pride for you and other residents in the area. Below is some information to keep in mind when dealing with waste, recycling, compost, and bottle returns!
Additional information on waste collection is available at cityofkingston.ca/waste
Houses and buildings with fewer than 7 units
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Only put your garbage waste out on collection days (or after 5pm the night before. You may be ticketed if you put waste out any earlier). Visit cityofkingston.ca/collection or download the Kingston Waste app to find out when your collection day is.
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Waste must be placed at the curb by 6am on collection day. (TIP: put waste, compost and recycle out the night before to prevent missing collection pickup!)
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Collection is limited to 1 free garbage bag, 1 green bin, and unlimited recycling (in blue/grey boxes), per unit.
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Bag tags, for additional garbage bags, can be purchased for $2 each at the Pharmacy in the Queen’s Centre (see the bag tag collection map on the City of Kingston’s website)
Houses and buildings with 7 + units in your building
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Speak with your landlord to confirm how waste is handled in your building, some may use private collection services that differ from city programs. Some smaller buildings may continue to use blue/grey boxes and garbage bags, while larger buildings will use recycling carts and dumpsters.
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If your building uses city recycling collection, please follow all posted signage, and use the waste lookup tool to help you sort your wastes, cityofkingston.ca/wastelookup or download the Kingston Waste App
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Your building may or may not participate in the green bin program. If it does not, please speak with your landlord before picking up a green bin.
City of Kingston Waste App
The Kingston Waste App is a great resource to find information on how to dispose of any item and get waste collection reminders sent directly to your phone!
Composting
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The green bin is used to collect food waste, soiled paper, and some yard waste.
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By placing food waste in the green bin, you are offsetting the amount of waste sent to the landfill!
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Green bins are available free of charge at the Kingston Area Recycling Centre for replacement or for properties that do not already have a green bin.
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Kitchen containers for composting can be purchased at the Recycling Centre for $3.90, but you can use any bin to collect compost in your kitchen.
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Ensure that you are using proper green bin liners (look for BPI certified symbol)
Recycling
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The city should provide each residential unit with two blue boxes, one grey box, and one green bin (for household organics/compost). If you are missing your blue/grey bins or they are damaged, you can get new ones free of charge from the Kingston Area Recycling Centre, City Hall, or the Rideau Heights Community Centre. Inquire with your landlord about receiving new boxes if they are not provided with your unit.
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Blue box: clean and rinsed plastic from household kitchen containers, plain white Styrofoam, aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles and jars.
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Grey box: paper, paper cartons, cardboard, plastic grocery bags and produce bags (tied up into another bag).
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Not sure if an item is recyclable? Use the city’s waste lookup tool or on the Kingston Waste app.
Alcohol Bottle Returns
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Thanks to the Ontario Deposit Return Program, The Beer Store collects all empty wine and spirit containers sold in Ontario over 100ml. When you return your empties, they will refund you the small deposit you pay when you purchase alcohol.
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The Beer Store will also take back the packaging from these products including bottle caps, plastic rings, kegs, cardboard packaging, and any other packaging included with a purchase.
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Before you return your empties, ensure that they are rinsed and that glass bottles are separated by colour (green, brown, clear).
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Look out for local bottle drives in your neighbourhood. Some bottle drives will be able to collect them from your house if you do not have transportation to The Beer Store.
Waste Tips!
The City of Kingston has an entire Youtube Channel with Garbage & Recycling Tips! Make sure to watch some videos and inform yourself about Waste Management!
City of Kingston waste youtube channel