Keeping your neighbourhood clean helps prevent pests, avoids city tickets and builds pride in your community. Below is what you need to know about garbage, recycling, composting, and bottle returns in Kingston.
More information is available at .
Houses and buildings with LESS than 7 units
Only put garbage at the curb after 5 pm the night before or by 6 am on collection day.
Find your collection day at or through the .
Each unit can set out:
1 free garbage bag
1green bin
Unlimited recycling (blue/grey boxes)
Need to put out an extra bag of garbage? Buy bag tags for $4 at the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Centre Pharmacy or other locations listed on the .
Houses and buildings with 7 units or MORE
Ask your landlord how waste is handled within your building. Some buildings use private collection, while others follow city programs.
Smaller multi-unit buildings may still use blue/grey boxes and garbage bags, while larger ones typically use recycling carts and dumpsters.
If your building uses city recycling, follow posted signage and use the or the to sort items correctly.
Some buildings do not participate in the green bin program. Check with your landlord before picking one up.
City of Kingston Waste app
The is a great tool for figuring out how to properly dispose of items and for getting collection reminders sent straight to your phone!
Composting
The green bin is used for food waste, soiled paper, and some yard waste. Using your green bin helps reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill.
Green bins are free at the (for replacements or if your property doesn't already have one).
Kitchen compost containers are available for $3.90, but you can use any small bin at home.
Make sure you are using .
Recycling
Each residential unit should receive two blue boxes, one grey box, and one green bin. The Kingston Area Recycling Centre (KARC) is permanently closed for bin pickups. You can contact Emterra Environmental directly to acquire or replace your recycling bins:
Phone: 1-888-597-1541
Email: customercareont@emterra.ca
Alternatively, you may want to inquire with your landlord about receiving boxes if they are not provided with your unit.
Blue box: Clean and rinsed plastic kitchen containers, plain white Styrofoam, aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles and jars.
Grey box: Paper and cardboard, paper cartons, and plastic grocery and produce bags (tied together inside one bag).
Not sure if an item is recyclable?
Use the city’s or the to check how to dispose of an item.
Bottle returns
Through Ontario's Deposit Return Program, The Beer Store accepts all empty wine, beer and spirit containers over 100ml. When you return your empties, you'll get back the deposit you paid at the time of purchase.
The Beer Store accepts:
Empty alcohol containers (over 100 ml)
Bottle caps
Plastic rings
Kegs
Cardboard packaging
Any packaging that came with your purchase
Before returning your empties:
Rinse containers
Sort glass bottles by colour (green, brown, clear)
Bottle drives
Watch for local bottle drives in your neighbourhood. Many will collect empties directly from your home if you don't have transportation.
Waste tips!
The City of Kingston has a dedicated with short, helpful videos on garbage, recycling, and waste sorting tips. It's one of the easiest ways to learn how to dispose of items properly and avoid fines; plus, the reminders are quick and easy to follow.