Future of curbside collection

March 21, 2024

As our communities grow, our needs and goals for responsible waste management also evolve.

What do our residents want? What is the best way to manage curbside waste collection in a way that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and divert waste from the landfill towards more sustainable solutions?

We're looking for your feedback on proposed changes to the residential curbside collection program through the Future of curbside collection survey. The survey closes on April 30, 2024.

For taking part, you'll have a chance to WIN a backyard green cone or 20 bag tags! Just fill out the question at the end of the survey to enter. One green cone and one set of 20 bag tags will be drawn for each area municipality.

COMING UP: An online public information meeting to learn more and ask questions will take place Wednesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. Register now | Click here to join on April 24

Potential changes to curbside collection

Watch nowAt present, curbside collection for Oxford County residents is made up of:

garbage (garbage bags or bins)
recycling (blue box)
large items (bulk items, like furniture)

We're seeking public feedback on potential changes to the residential curbside waste collection program, such as:

changes to how often garbage is collected;
curbside pick-up on statutory holidays;
waste collection in urban versus rural areas; and,
the start of a "green bin" program to collect residential source separated organics (e.g., food scraps).

Some changes to waste collection services will be mandatory. For instance, the blue box recycling program is changing across Ontario, with Oxford County required to change over to the new program by December 31, 2025. After this date, recycling pick-up will be the responsibility of producers of plastics and other packaging (e.g., manufacturers), and not municipalities. Learn more

Ontario's municipalities also have specific targets for managing food and organic waste.

Watch our Background slide show to learn more or see background notes below.

What's happening now

Right now, Oxford County is exploring potential options for its curbside collection program. This process will unfold in stages.

Step 1: The first step is to understand what residents need and value from their waste collection program through the survey and other ways of providing feedback.
Step 2: Staff will assess public feedback in the context of the County's Strategic Plan goals to address climate change and preserve and enhance our natural environment. Through a report to County Council, the County will share public feedback and various collection options to seek direction on a preferred waste collection program.
Step 3: Once County Council has established a preferred option, County staff will prepare a detailed cost analysis for any changes.

Have your say

SURVEY: The "Future of curbside collection survey" is online now until April 30. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. For completing the survey, you'll be entered in a draw to win a green cone or set of 20 bag tags. Take the survey
INFORMATION SESSION: Additional information and opportunity for questions will be provided as part of a live virtual presentation on Wednesday, April 24 at 6:30 pm.
> Please register for this event here
> Join the online meeting on April 24: https://oxfordcounty.webex.com/oxfordcounty/j.php?MTID=m37e0e7c6d466c32cd44c73fd1273bd87
ONLINE QUESTION AND COMMENT CARD: Submit your comment or question to the Waste Management team through the online form below.

A recording of the presentation will be available and posted here for those unable to attend the live viewing.

More information

Your comments are important to us and will help shape the future of residential curbside collection in Oxford County. For questions, please contact us by email at info@wasteline.ca or by phone at 519-539-9800, ext. 3159, toll-free 1-866-537-7778.