Frequently Asked Questions

The recycling system begins on October 6, 2025. 

Carts will be delivered between September 22 and October 3, 2025, at no cost to residents.

Some collection days have changed—please check the updated collection calendar to confirm the zone that you are apart of. 

Waste and recycling are collected on the same day but by different trucks, so items will not be picked up at the same time.

All waste and recycling must be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. for collection. Crews may collect at any time throughout the day.

• Place your recycling cart at the curb by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
• Set your recycling cart so that the wheels face away from the curb (towards your home) and the lid opens toward the street.
• Ensure the cart is at least 3 feet (1 metre) in front of or beside fences, vehicles, or other obstacles.
• Place your cart on a flat surface that is clear of snow and ice to ensure safe collection.

• Sort materials: Ensure recyclables are separated from garbage and organic materials.
• Bundle cardboard: Flatten any cardboard before placing it in the cart.
• Ensure materials are clean, dry and loose: This helps ensure materials are ready for recycling.
• Leave lids and labels on: They are recyclable too.

Waste must be placed in clear bags with an official West Grey bag tag.

Crews have until the end of the day to complete routes. If your items have not been collected by the end of your regularly scheduled day, please contact 1-888-730-3344 or canresidential@wm.ca. Please include your civic address number and contact information.

Crews have until the end of the day to complete routes. If your items have not been collected by the end of your regularly scheduled day, please contact 519-369-2200 ext. 252. or fill out a missed collection form.

Please contact Waste Management:

• Phone: 1-800-561-1655
• Email: canresidential@wm.com

If your recyclables don’t fit in the cart, please save the extra materials for your next collection day. Do not overload your cart or place excess recyclables beside your cart.

·       No, only approved carts will be accepted.

·       Please contact Waste Management for all questions relating to recycling carts at 1-800-561-1655 or canresidential@wm.com

Recycling boxes are not accepted in your curbside recycling. Consider reusing it for storage or re-purposing it for another use.

Carts and waste must be placed at the curb at the end of your driveway. Please do not place carts or garbage across the road.

This ensures:

• Safety for collection operators preventing the need to cross traffic.
• Protection of your cart minimizing the risk of damage.

Following this guideline helps keep the collection process safe, efficient, and reliable for everyone.

1. Minimizes litter and odours: The closed lid prevents litter from blowing away and reduces odours that attract pests.
2. Increased storage capacity: The larger size of the cart allows for more recyclables to be stored between collection days.
3. Ensures safe working conditions for collection staff: Recycling cart collection systems reduce the risk of injuries and accidents for collection workers.

Waste Management will be working with residents to make any necessary provisions on a case-by-case basis. We understand the importance of supporting recycling efforts and are committed to supporting residents during this transition to recycling carts. If you have an inquiry regarding the use of recycling carts or require assistance, please contact WM at 1-888-730-3344 or canresidential@wm.com.

During snowy weather, place your recycling cart on a flat, shoveled surface at the end of your driveway. Please avoid placing it on the street or on top of snowbanks.

Make sure it’s at least 3 feet (1 metre) away from snowbanks, parked cars, and other obstacles so collection crews can easily access it. Always keep the lid closed to keep snow out, and point the lid opening toward the street for proper collection.

Yes, each unit will receive a cart. If your location does not receive a cart by October 6, 2025, please call 1-800-561-1655 or email canresidential@wm.com. For questions about your recycling cart, please call 519-369-2200 ext. 252 or email environment@westgrey.com

No, homeowners do not have to pay if their cart has been damaged. Please contact 1-800-561-1655 or email canresidential@wm.com if your cart is damaged, they will assist with a replacement.

When you move in, please email environment@westgrey.com to arrange for a recycling cart to be delivered to your new home.

Businesses in West Grey are now receiving green recycling carts, while residential recycling carts remain blue. The colour difference simply distinguishes between residential and non-residential use.

Yes. Both blue (residential) and green (business) carts are strictly for recycling materials only.

No. There is no charge for recycling in West Grey. The municipality will not invoice for the carts or for curbside collection of recyclable materials.