Garbage Program
Garbage set out
When it comes to curbside garbage collection, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Use a garbage bag to keep waste contained.
- Keep the weight of garbage set outs to under 20 kg (44lbs)
- Place the bag tag around the neck of the garbage bag, sticking both ends of the tag together. This will help prevent tags from coming off in wet or cold conditions.
- Place the appropriate number of bag tags required for the collection of multiple bags of garbage stored in a single container on the top bag inside the container (not on the container lid).
- Keep lids on garbage containers.
- Use standard garbage containers purchased from hardware or home improvement store.
- Place loose garbage inside a garbage container.
Why? It will not be collected. - Leave broken or damaged garbage bags out for collection.
Why? Broken or damaged bags may not be collected, and clean-up is your responsibility. - Let water and snow build up inside garbage containers.
Why? This may increase the weight of the container and prevent collection. - Set out garbage in homemade or makeshift containers.
Why? It is a safety hazard. - Place the bag tag on a garbage container.
Why? Bag tags need to be placed on the top bag each week. If it is on the container, the material will be rejected.
Bag Tags - Pay as you throw
The bag tag program was started in Oxford County to pay for the collection and land filling of the County’s residential waste. The $2 bag tag helps offset the total cost of the curbside garbage collection program. This also reduces the individual costs for the program as it rewards residents who reduce how much packaging they throw out, along with reusable, recyclable, and compostable materials.
The simplest way to attach your bag tag to your garbage bag is also the safest – the U method. Both ends of the tag must be visible, wrapped around the neck of the bag.
The bag tags are serrated so if they are torn off a bag they will be ripped and no longer usable. Oxford County will not collect ripped or damaged bag tags.
Bag tags are available in sheets of 10 for $20.00, with an option to purchase between 1 and 5 sheets at a time. Shipping fees will apply.
How many bag tags do I need
One bag tag is needed for:
- Each bag, maximum size of 76 cm x 96 cm (30 in x 38 in) and maximum weight of 20 kg (44 lbs).
- Each rigid container less than 128 litres in size with a maximum weight of 20 kg (44 lbs).
Two bag tags are needed for:
- Large-sized bags, each larger than 76 cm x 96 cm (30 in x 38 in) and maximum weight of 20 kg (44 lbs).
- Each rigid container between 129 and 240 litres in size and a maximum weight of 20 kg (44 lbs).
Good & Bad Set Outs
Good set out example
Garbage bag is placed at the curbside in good condition. Bag tag has been placed around the neck of the garbage bag with ends stuck to one another. This will help prevent the bag tag from coming off, which can be a problem in cold or wet weather.
Bad set out example
Garbage bag has been torn by animals creating litter. It is the property owner’s responsibility to pick up any garbage left behind from a torn bag. Both ends of the bag tag are not visible for collectors.
There are some items that will not be collected in your curbside garbage:
- Animal carcass
- Appliances
- Automobiles, vehicles or parts
- Blue box recyclable materials
- Bio-medical waste
- Combustible material
- Construction debris
- Crates and pallets
- Electronics
- Explosive material
- Fences, fence posts, wire
- Hazardous waste
- Hay
- Household furniture
- Industrial waste
- Liquid waste
- Manure
- Material that is frozen or otherwise
stuck to a container - Scrap metal
- Tires
- Wet or visible animal feces
Unsafe materials will not be accepted as part of the garbage program. This includes medical sharps or needles, broken glass, sharp metal, and other sharp or jagged material.
For needles and sharps, please drop them off at your local pharmacy. Needles and sharps are unacceptable in the garbage and recycling programs due to their possibility to infect, cut, and/or injure our collection crews.
For other sharp or jagged material, please place the material in a box no larger than 75 cm, tape it closed and label it with “Caution. Broken glass/sharp material inside” and place in a garbage bag. Remember, all scrap metal is recyclable free of charge at the Waste Management Facility.