London Ontario Garbage Collection Bylaws & Schedule

Public Health and Welfare Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, residential garbage collection follows municipal rules for what can be set out, how it must be contained, and when crews will collect it. This guide explains the city schedules, acceptable materials, set-out instructions and how enforcement works so residents can avoid fines and missed pickups. For calendar lookups and accepted-item lists consult the city collection pages below for your address and collection week.[2]

Collection Schedules & Set-out Rules

London provides neighbourhood-specific collection schedules and detailed instructions for garbage, recycling and organics. Collection frequency, accepted container types and size limits vary by program; confirm your street-level schedule using the official collection calendar and address lookup.[2]

  • Set-out time: place containers at curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day (confirm for your address).
  • Containers: use approved carts or labelled bins where required; loose garbage not in approved bags/containers may be rejected.
  • Prohibited items: hazardous waste, batteries, sharps and large appliances require special handling—do not mix with regular curbside garbage.
  • Bulk/large items: separate collection or booking may be required for bulky waste or appliances.
Check the city collection calendar before putting out bulky or seasonal waste.

For accepted items, preparation instructions (bagged, rinsed, bundled) and program details, see the official City of London garbage, recycling and organics pages.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

By-law enforcement and compliance for waste collection and set-out rules are managed by municipal enforcement staff; official complaint and enforcement procedures are published by the city. Specific monetary fines and scales for first, repeat or continuing offences are not specified on the cited city pages and should be confirmed with the enforcement office.[3]

  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement officers or designated municipal staff handle inspections and notices; reports can be submitted via the city by-law contact page.[3]
  • Fines: amounts not specified on the cited page; see enforcement contact for current penalty schedules.[3]
  • Escalation: details for first, repeat or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page and may include written orders or court prosecution depending on the case.[3]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: officers may issue orders to correct contraventions; seizure or removal of improperly placed waste is possible where authorized.
  • Complaint pathway: report non-compliance or missed collection through the city web form or by contacting By-law Enforcement.[3]
If you receive a notice, follow the steps and timelines on the notice or contact the enforcement office promptly.

Applications & Forms

No specific permit or application for routine residential curbside collection is required; forms for bulky-item pickup bookings or special waste collection are published on the city collection pages or service request portal.[2]

How to Avoid Missed Pickups

  • Confirm your collection day with the online calendar and set containers out by the required time.
  • Use approved containers and follow preparation rules for recycling and organics.
  • Book special pickups for bulky or hazardous items as directed on the city site.
Containers not meeting the city’s standards may not be collected.

FAQ

When will my garbage be collected?
Check the City of London collection calendar for your address; schedules are neighbourhood specific and available online.[2]
What can I put in my blue/green/black cart?
Accepted materials and preparation rules are listed on the city waste pages; hazardous items are excluded and need special handling.[1]
How do I report a missed pickup or illegal dumping?
Report missed collections or by-law concerns through the city’s By-law Enforcement or service request channels.[3]

How-To

  1. Find your collection week using the City of London collection calendar and note regular pickup days.[2]
  2. Separate waste into the correct streams: garbage, recycling, organics; follow preparation guidance on the city pages.[1]
  3. Place approved containers at the curb by the required time and remove them after collection.
  4. If an item is not collected, use the city service request or report a missed pickup to By-law Enforcement or waste services.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm your address-specific calendar before set-out.
  • Use approved containers and follow preparation rules to ensure collection.
  • Report problems or by-law concerns directly to the city’s enforcement or service request portal.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London — Garbage, Recycling and Organics
  2. [2] City of London — Collection calendar and address lookup
  3. [3] City of London — By-laws and By-law Enforcement

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