Commercial Waste Collection

Changes Coming January 1, 2026 to Industrial, Commercial & Institutional (IC&I) Recycling

Due to provincial regulation, IC&I properties are not included in the new curbside recycling program being managed by Circular Material Ontario. Curbside garbage collection will remain the same, including bag limits for commercial properties and the requirement to separate recycling from garbage.

The municipality is concerned about the impact this will have on small businesses and non-profits, and we’ve shared these concerns with the Province through a letter. Without the ability to combine IC&I recycling with residential collection, it would be very expensive for the municipality to offer the service on its own.

Despite last minute efforts by the province to see small businesses and not-for-profits added to the collection routes, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks confirmed on October 1, 2025 that there will not be an option to co-collect commercial recycling with the residential material. The effect of this omission is impacting all Ontario municipalities

What you can do:

Options for commercial and institutional properties to recycle 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 at kawarthalakes.ca/landfills.

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.

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: