Commercial Waste Collection

Changes to Industrial, Commercial & Institutional (IC&I) Recycling now in effect

Effective January 1, 2026, the Province of Ontario has changed how recycling programs operate across the province. As part of this transition, Kawartha Lakes is no longer providing curbside Blue Box collection for commercial and institutional properties. 

Who is affected

As of January 1, 2026, the following types of properties will no longer receive curbside recycling collection from the municipality:

• All private-sector businesses
• Commercial portions of mixed-use buildings
• Places of worship
• Commercial farms
• Municipal buildings and facilities
• Non-profit organizations (e.g., shelters, food banks, community halls)
• Daycares and post-secondary institutions

Why this has changed

These changes are required under Ontario’s Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, which shifts responsibility for managing recycling programs from municipalities to the producers of packaging and paper products.

This approach is being implemented across all Ontario municipalities.

What you can do

Recycling options for commercial and institutional properties after January 1, 2026:

• Option 1: Recycling can be dropped off at any of the five City landfill locations during operating hours (tipping fees apply). Accepted materials are listed on our Landfills page.
• Option 2: Businesses may contract directly with a private waste management service provider.
• Option 3: Businesses can partner with neighbouring businesses if available

Businesses can also contact the province to advise them of the impact this is having on your property and business.

More information on these changes can be found on our Recycling Updates page.

Note: garbage collection for commercial properties is still being managed by Miller Waste. Read on for details.

Waste collection guidelines

• Waste and recycling must be at the curb by 6am for collection in the downtown cores of Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls. All other areas out by 7am.
• Waste is required to be in clear bags for curbside collection and at landfill sites.
• For commercial businesses there is a weekly limit of 4 clear bags per week, maximum weight 40 lb/18 kg, maximum size 26" x 32" (65 cm x 82 cm). All extra bags must have $5 bag tags. Clear garbage bags must not contain recyclables to be collected.
• Until January 1, 2026. recycling must be placed in bins or carts for collection. Bagged recycling is not accepted. There is a weekly recycling limit of 4 cubic yards or 4 roll-out carts (65 and 95 gallon).
• Hazardous waste materials will not be collected curbside.

Visit the Landfills section of our website for information about tipping fees.

Collection Map

Use our Curbside Collection Map to find out when your collection day is: