Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


FAQ - Solid waste

Regular waste

What is the waste collection schedule?

Regular waste is picked up every two weeks, on an alternating basis with recyclable materials. To access the pickup schedule and find out the specific dates for your region, please click here.

What kind of bin should I use for waste?

Waste bins must meet certain criteria. They must be wheeled and must be made out of galvanized metal or plastic; they must have handles and a cover and cannot weight more than 50 pounds.

Can I use plastic bags?

You are required to use a waste bin. Plastic bags left beside a garbage can will not be collected during the regular waste pickup.

What should I do with surplus waste?

Using a second waste bin is permitted for regular waste collection. If the waste you have won't fit in your two bins and if you have storage space at home, simply store the surplus waste until the next scheduled pickup.
You can also bring your waste to the waste processing centre, where it will be accepted. Depending on the amount you bring, a fee may be charged.

Who should I contact if my waste bins weren't emptied?

If you notice any oversight, please call the waste processing centre immediately at (506) 394-4166.

How can I avoid or eliminate odours from my waste bins?

In warm weather, your bins may produce unpleasant odours. If you adopt the following practices, bin odours can be avoided or eliminated.

  • Wrap up your food waste
    Use plastic bags for table scraps and for any packaging containing meat, fish and seafood. Also use plastic bags for diapers, sanitary napkins and excrement. Animal waste attracts flies. When you wrap up waste in plastic bags, you are in effect forming a barrier that prevents flies from getting in and laying their eggs.
  • Empty your bins on each pickup day
    Even if your bins don't contain much waste, put them out on the roadside for pickup. Waste that remains in bins for long periods is more likely to produce unpleasant odours and attract flies.
  • Place your bins out of the direct sun.
    Place your bins in a shaded area. Heat speeds up decomposition and intensifies odours.
  • Keep bins securely covered.
    Close bins quickly to prevent flies from getting in.
  • Clean your bins.
    Once your bins have been emptied, let the inside dry out completely. Then clean them with bleach or soap and sprinkle bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) on the bottom.
How do I get rid of bulky items?

Furniture, mattresses and other bulky items that used to be picked up during special weeks are now picked up upon request (collection date is provided when request is made).

*These items will not be picked up from December to March.

  • A limit of three bulky item per residence, per collection applies to this pickup.
  • Bulk waste and glass must be placed in a box.
  • Branches and pieces of wood must not exceed 1.20 m (4 ft.) in length and must be bundled up.
  • The maximum weight per item is 24 kg or 50 lbs.
  • White goods and metal will also be picked up upon request.

If you need to get rid of multiple bulky items, you can do so by bringing them to the waste processing centre.

How can I get rid of "white goods"?

White goods include items such as:

  • Barbecues.
  • Air conditioners.
  • Freezers.
  • Stoves/ovens.
  • Fans.
  • Dishwashers.
  • Washers/driers.
  • Microwaves.
  • Fridges.

Since white goods and metal must be compacted, they will be picked up upon request. Please call (506) 394-4166 to book this service. Please note that pickup of white goods is suspended from December to March. If you would like to get rid of these items during the winter months, you can do so without charge by bringing them to the waste processing centre.

Recycling

What is the recycling pickup schedule?

Recyclable materials, placed in blue bins, are collected every two weeks, on an alternating basis with regular waste pickups. To access the schedule and find out the specific dates for your region, please click here.

What type of recycling bin should I use?

Blue bins must meet certain criteria. They must be wheeled and must be the same size as the blue bins provided by the CSRPA or smaller. They must have a minimum capacity of 240 litres; they must also have handles and a cover and must be hoistable by a mechanical or automated arm.

My bin is damaged. Who should I contact?

You are responsible for maintaining your bin in good condition. If it was damaged during pickup, please call the waste processing centre at (506) 394-4166 for information on your available options.

My bin wasn't emptied. Who should I contact?

If you notice any oversight, please call the waste processing centre immediately at (506) 394-4166.
It is also possible that the bin was not emptied if the employee thought there was a contamination risk, e.g. if there were non-recyclable waste materials in the bin as well.

How can I get rid of surplus recyclable materials?

If your recyclable materials won't fit in your bin and you have storage space at home, simply store the surplus until the next pickup. Otherwise, you can get rid of surplus recyclables by bringing them to the waste processing centre, where they will be accepted without charge.
As a last resort, place your recyclable materials in your regular waste bins. That way, they will be picked up along with the regular waste.
To reduce the volume of recyclable materials and to maximize your bin space, you are advised to flatten out any cardboard boxes, including juice and milk containers.

I'm moving. Should I bring my recycling bin with me?

Please don't bring it with you; simply leave it where it is for the next resident/occupant. The bins belong to the CSRPA and must remain at the assigned municipal/street address. A bin will be available at your new residence since the previous resident/occupant should have left one there for you.

I am the owner of a new residential building. Who should I contact to obtain a recycling bin?

Blue bins re provided without charge by the CSRPA. Please contact the waste processing centre to request one. However, you are responsible for going to the waste processing centre to pick up your bin.

What types of residences/buildings do not have recycling bins provided?

Recycling bins are not provided to owners of cottages, apartments and businesses.

Where can I obtain recycling bins?

Owners of multi-family dwellings (e.g. apartment blocks) and cottages can purchase recycling bins at most hardware stores. The bins must meet certain criteria. They must be blue and wheeled; they must be the same size as the bins provided by the CSRPA or smaller; they must have a minimum capacity of 240 litres; they must have handles and must be hoistable by a mechanical or automated arm.

I own a cottage. Will recyclable materials be picked up there?

Recyclable materials should be picked up as well if regular waste is usually picked up at seasonal residences during the summer period.
As soon as you arrive at the cottage, call the waste processing centre to see whether the service is available in your region. Otherwise, please make the necessary arrangements to have the bin emptied during your stay. Please note that cottage owners must pay for their own bins.