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Garbage Cart Collection

  1. What garbage collection service do you provide for single-family homes?
    If you live in a house, duplex, or multiplex with seven units or less, we provide you with automated garbage cart collection every week of the year, including weeks with statutory holidays.
  2. How does automated collection work?
    From inside the vehicle, the driver activates a mechanical arm on the garbage or recycling truck to pick up, empty and return the cart to its location.
  3. What are the benefits of automated garbage cart collection?
    • Cost savings in the long term because automated collection is more efficient than manual collection.
    • Fewer litter, odour and pest problems because the carts have lids.
    • Provides a safer work environment for collectors. They will not suffer from the typical injuries that go with repeatedly lifting heavy objects into a truck (e.g., leg, back and shoulder injuries). Nor will they risk injury from sharp objects in garbage bags (e.g., hypodermic needles, broken glass, nails).
  4. What size is the garbage cart?
    Single-family properties receive one 240-litre garbage cart
  5. I live in a multi-family dwelling. Will I get my own cart?
    The following chart shows the numbers of garbage carts assigned to multi-family dwellings.

    Number of Dwelling Units Garbage Carts
    # of 240L Carts # of 360L Carts
    1 1 0
    2 2 0
    3 3 0
    4 0 2
    5 0 3
    6 0 4
    7 0 4

  6. How do I get a garbage cart if I move to a newly constructed home?
    If you are buying a new home, we will deliver a 240-litre garbage cart once you set up an account with us:
  7. How do I get a garbage cart if I move to an existing home?
    A garbage cart would have been assigned to that address, so we recommend that you account for the condition of the carts at the time of the sale. If the carts are missing or need to be repaired, you will be responsible for the replacement of the carts. Please contact 311.

Collection Day

  1. What is my collection day?
  2. Is there collection on statutory holidays?
    • There will be collection on all holidays except Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. If these holidays fall on a weekday, your collection day could be one day later, and normal collection will resume the following week.
    • This is what will happen, for example, on those weeks when Christmas Day (December 25, 2012) and New Year’s Day (January 1, 2013) fall on a Tuesday:
      • Monday's collection → Monday
      • Tuesday's collection → Wednesday
      • Wednesday’s collection → Thursday
      • Thursday’s collection → Friday
      • Friday’s collection → Saturday

Waste Diversion Fee

  1. What is the waste diversion fee?
    The waste division fee is:
    • $.14 per day,
    • effective October 1, 2012,
    • added to quarterly utility bills if you have a water account with us,
    • billed quarterly if you do not have City water and sewer service.
  2. What does the daily waste diversion fee pay for?
    • The daily waste diversion fee was introduced to fund new programs that provide residents with more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle (e.g., curbside yard waste collection, a curbside kitchen organic collection trial, Community Resource Recovery Centres).
  3. Who is required to pay the daily waste diversion fee?
    Owners of all residential properties, including:
    • properties with seven or fewer dwelling units or their tenants who are responsible for utility services,
    • properties with more than seven dwelling units where the property owner has requested residential service,
    • mobile homes, regardless of the number of mobile homes on the property, and
    • condominium units that pay for utility services and where the condominium corporation has requested residential service on behalf of its unit holders.
  4. Can I opt out of City garbage and recycling collection service and not pay the daily waste diversion fee?
    • No, for two reasons. The daily waste diversion fee:
      • is not charged to cover the collection costs of garbage and recycling
      • was introduced to fund new programs that provide our residents with more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle (e.g., curbside yard waste collection, a curbside kitchen organic collection trial, Community Resource Recovery Centres), ultimately helping our community reduce the amount of garbage that goes to the landfill
  5. What is the daily waste diversion fee based on?
    • The daily waste diversion fee is per residential dwelling unit.
    • The City’s Assessment and Taxation records are used to determine the number of dwelling units at a property.
  6. I am a renter in a single-family dwelling/house. Does this charge affect me?
    • If the utility bill is in your name, you will be responsible for the daily waste diversion fee.
    • If the utility bill is in the property owner’s name, the charge may be added to your monthly rent.
  7. I am a property owner with renters. What does this mean for me?
    As the property owner, you will be responsible for:
    • ensuring the carts are available for your tenants, and
    • the daily waste diversion fee if the utility bill is in your name.
  8. Can a property owner assessed with 2 - 7 dwelling units reduce their level of service and their waste diversion fees?
    • Yes. The property owner can apply for a reduction in service (i.e., the number of carts and the service to empty the carts).
    • Upon approval, we will adjust the daily waste diversion fee to reflect the adjusted level of carts and service.
  9. How do owners assessed with 2 - 7 dwelling units apply for a reduction in the daily waste diversion fee?
    • Property owners or their agent can either apply online or download the printable application form and submit it by mail or fax.
    • If the property is owner-occupied and not a rental property, there is no application fee.
    • If it is a rental property, the application fee is:
      • $100 for the initial application, and
      • $30 for each additional change within 12 months.
  10. Who should I contact if I have questions?
    • For questions about charges on your utility bill, contact the Utility Billing Centre, by phone at 204-986-2455 or by email at utilitybill@winnipeg.ca
    • For questions or requests for service (e.g., large item pickup), contact 311.

About the Carts

  1. What are the cart dimensions and about how many garbage bags does each cart hold?


    2. Cart size Number of Garbage Bags the Cart Holds Approximate Cart Dimensions
    240-litre 3 regular-size 0.59 metres (24 inches) wide,
    0.74 metres (29 and a half inches) deep and
    1.06 metres (42 inches) tall
    360-litre 5 regular-size about 0.64 metres (25 inches) wide,
    0.88 metres (34 and a half inches) deep
    and 1.13 metres (44 and a half inches) tall

  2. Are the garbage carts easy to move?
    Yes, they have large wheels that make them easy to roll, even over curbs, gravel and snow.
  3. What are the carts made of?
    They are made of a durable plastic material, and last about 20 years.
  4. What do I do with the garbage cart if I move?
    • Do not take the garbage cart with you when you move as it is the property of the City of Winnipeg and is assigned to each property address through a serial number and an electronic tag.
    • Store the cart in a safe place for the next resident to use.
    • If you have upgraded your service (i.e., larger size carts, additional carts) and you would like to bring your carts with you to a new Winnipeg address, please call 311 at least two weeks prior to your move.
  5. Who is responsible for maintaining the cart?
    Residents are responsible for keeping their cart clean and secure. If the cart is damaged or vandalized from neglect, residents will be responsible for the cost of replacing the cart.
  6. Where should I store my cart between collection days?
    Store your cart in a safe place on your property (e.g., carport, garage, at the side of your house, just inside your fence). You must store your carts on your property between collections. Do not leave them at the back lane or front street.
  7. What can I do with my old garbage containers?
    • You can use your old garbage containers for your new yard waste collection sevice.
  8. What happens if my garbage cart is lost, stolen or damaged?
    • You have to replace or repair lost or damaged carts unless the collector damages them during collection.
    • Phone 311 to buy replacement parts (e.g., lids, wheels).
    • To reduce the chance of your carts being damaged or going missing, move them back onto your property as soon as possible after collection.

Carts on Collection Day

  1. How should I place my carts on collection day?
    • Place them - Place the carts on or next to the street or lane with the wheels against the curb or edge of the road.
    • Point them - Point the arrow on the cart lid to the centre of the road or lane.
    • Space them - Allow one arm’s length clearance (one metre or 39 inches) on all sides of each cart to allow enough room for the collection arm on the automated truck to grab your cart.
    • Return them - Take your carts back onto your property as soon as possible after collection.



  2. Why do the arrows on the cart lid have to face the road?
    The automated collection truck cannot turn the cart around as it picks it up. Dumping the cart "backwards" can break or damage the lid.
  3. Why do I need to allow space on all sides of the cart?
    The collection arm on the automated truck needs space (at least one arm’s length) so it does not tip over other carts or damage property (e.g., parked vehicles, fences).
  4. Can I place materials beside the cart if I don’t have enough room inside?
    No. Only garbage inside the cart will be collected. You must save any garbage that doesn't fit in your cart until the next collection day. Contact 311 to arrange for special collection of large items that don’t fit in the cart (e.g., mattresses, furniture). A charge will apply.
  5. Do I have to place my carts out every collection day?
    No. You can place your carts out on any of your collection days.
  6. How do I place my carts in winter?
    • Make sure the area around and under your carts is clear of snow.
    • Do not place the carts behind or on top of a snowbank.
    • Clear the snow and ice off the cart lids so that they open easily when the carts are emptied.
    • Keep the lids closed at all times to keep the snow out of your carts.
    For more info on snow removal, please read this winter FAQ.
  7. What if I am not able to get my carts to the curb or lane?
    If you are unable to move the cart and have no one living in the home that is able to do so, you can apply for our walk-up service.
  8. What do I do if I have difficulty placing my carts on collection day (e.g., due to trees, vehicles, telephone poles)?
    • Allow one arm’s length clearance (one metre or 39 inches) on all sides of each cart to allow enough room for the collection arm on the automated truck to grab your cart.
    • Place the carts so they are not under any low-hanging objects (e.g., trees, eavestroughs, basketball net).
    • If you still have difficulties placing your cart, contact 311.

Cart Security

  1. How do you know which cart belongs to each address?
    Every cart has a serial number and is electronically tagged, so carts can be traced to each address.
  2. Can I purchase and use a cart from a home improvement store?
    No. The collection trucks will not empty carts sold by home improvement stores.
  3. Can I chain my carts to my fence in between collection days so they don’t go missing?
    Yes, but they must be unlocked and moved to your collection point before 7:00 am on collection day.

Upgrading Your Garbage Service

  1. Can I get a larger size garbage cart or an additional garbage cart?
    Yes. You can upgrade your garbage collection service for an annual fee:

      2. Garbage Cart Upgrade Annual Fee
      Option 1 – Switch the 240-litre cart for a 360-litre                 cart $33 per year
      Option 2 – Get a second cart, 240-litre size $93 per year
      Option 3 – Get a second cart, 360-litre size $116 per year

    • Phone 311 and sign up.
    • Once your cart is ready, we will contact you to make arrangements.
    • Once we have contacted you, you can pick up your cart from 1120 Waverley Street, or we can deliver your cart for a $25.00 fee.
    • Details on upgrading your recycling service.
  2. Can I temporarily get a larger or additional garbage cart?
    No. If you order a larger or additional garbage cart, you must pay for the upgraded service for the entire year. If you have additional garbage for a temporary time, we will be offering our extra garbage pickup. The fee is $5.00 for up to three extra garbage bags.
  3. What do I do if I want to cancel my upgraded service?
    You can return your additional cart / larger size cart at 1120 Waverley Street, or we can pick up your cart for a $25.00 fee.
  4. If I move, can you transfer my upgraded service to my new address?
    Yes, as long as you move to another single-family property in Winnipeg. Please call 311 at least two weeks prior to the move. If we don’t hear from you, the next resident may report the cart as missing.

Items that Don’t Fit In Your Cart

For an additional fee, we will pick up items that don’t fit in your garbage cart – extra garbage bags, large items and appliances. Phone 311 and request a special pickup two full business days before your collection day.



Extra garbage bags

The fee is $5.00 for a pickup of up to three standard-size garbage bags.

Large items

The fee is $5.00 per item, and we will collect up to ten large items per pickup. Examples of large items are:

  • furniture, mattresses
  • appliances without ozone-depleting substances (e.g., stoves, dishwashers, washing machines)

Appliances with ozone-depleting substances

The fee is $20.00 per item. The service includes professional removal of hazardous materials such as chlorofluorocarbons. Examples of appliances with ozone-depleting substances are:

  • refrigerators, freezers
  • air conditioners

Illegally Dumped Garbage

Will you collect illegally dumped garbage?

  • Contact the 311 Centre by phone or email to report someone dumping garbage in your neighbourhood or to request a pickup of illegally dumped garbage.
  • According to the Neighbourhood Liveability By-law 1/2008Adobe Acrobat icon indicating a pdf file that will open up in a new browser window. Close the new window to return to this page., property owners and occupants must keep the adjacent public sidewalk, boulevard, and back lane free of garbage.

Missed Collections

If we could not collect your cart, we will leave a tag with the reason why it wasn’t serviced.

Here are some possible reasons why your cart might not be emptied.

  1. Not enough space around the carts
    The collection arm on the truck needs space (at least one arm’s length clearance on all sides of the cart) so it will not tip over other carts or damage property.
  2. Cart facing the wrong way
    The arrows on the cart lid must point to the centre of the street. Dumping the cart backwards can break or damage the lid.
  3. Overfilled cart
    The cart lid must be completely closed. Otherwise the lid can be damaged when the cart is emptied.
  4. Items on top or beside the cart
    If you have extra garbage bags or large items that don’t fit in your cart, phone 311 for a special pickup.
  5. Cart blocked
    • on the ground (e.g., snowbank, parked vehicle)
    • overhead (e.g., low hanging wires, trees, eavestroughs)
  6. Inappropriate waste in your garbage cart

If your cart was not tagged and none of these reasons explain why your cart wasn’t emptied, please leave it out and contact our 311 Centre.

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Last updated: April 18, 2013

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