Ottawa Recycling Bylaws and Accepted Materials

Public Health and Welfare Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario residents must follow municipal rules for curbside recycling and organics collection to keep diversion programs effective and avoid enforcement action. This guide summarizes what the City of Ottawa accepts at the curb, common set-out rules, enforcement pathways and how to report problems or request services. For the most current accepted-material lists and collection instructions consult the City’s official waste pages referenced below.[1]

Accepted Materials & Curbside Rules

The City separates streams commonly as recycling (blue box), organics (green bin) and garbage. Typical accepted blue box items include paper and cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles and jars, and many rigid plastic containers; do not bag recyclables unless the collection instructions allow it. For organics, accepted items generally include food scraps and food-soiled paper; yard waste rules may vary seasonally. Check the City’s accepted-items list and set-out instructions for details and seasonal programs.[1]

  • Paper and cardboard (flatten boxes, remove liners)
  • Metal cans and tins
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Rigid plastic bottles and containers (follow City list)
  • Food scraps and food-soiled paper in the green bin
Rinse containers and keep recyclables loose unless the City allows bags.

Set-out rules include placing containers at the curb by the observed collection time, ensuring lids are closed, and not blocking sidewalks or hydrants. Bulky or hazardous wastes require special drop-off or collection programs; consult the City pages for booking and accepted hazardous items.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for improper set-out, contamination, illegal dumping or bypassing diversion programs is managed by City by-law enforcement and Solid Waste Services. Specific fine amounts and daily rates are not specified on the cited enforcement page; see the official enforcement page for any published schedules and procedures.[3]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, removal of materials, and court action may be used (details not specified on the cited page)
  • Enforcer and complaints: By-law and Regulatory Services and Solid Waste Services handle inspections and complaints; contact details are on the City site.[3]
If you receive a notice, act promptly to correct the issue and contact the listed City unit to learn appeal options.

Applications & Forms

Regular curbside recycling and green bin service does not require a special permit. Requests for new or replacement bins, special collections, or bulky/hazardous waste drop-off bookings are made through the City’s service request tools or specific program pages (see Help and Support / Resources below for links).

How to Reduce Contamination

  • Keep materials dry and empty liquids before placing in recycling
  • Break down cardboard to save space and ensure full collection
  • Do not place plastic bags in the blue box unless specifically allowed
Contamination can cause whole truckloads to be diverted to landfill, so small sorting steps matter.

FAQ

What goes in the blue box?
Paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles and many plastic containers; check the City’s accepted-materials list for exceptions and seasonal changes.[1]
What belongs in the green bin?
Food scraps and food-soiled paper belong in the green bin; yard waste rules vary by season—consult City guidance.[1]
Who do I contact for missed collection or to report illegal dumping?
Report missed collections, contamination issues or illegal dumping to the City’s Solid Waste Services or By-law Enforcement via the official contact channels.[3]

How-To

  1. Place all recyclables loose in the blue box; rinse food residue from containers.
  2. Flatten and bundle cardboard so it does not block the sidewalk.
  3. Place the green bin out for organics collection with food scraps and food-soiled paper only.
  4. Hold hazardous materials, electronics and large appliances for special collection or drop-off per City program instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • Follow Ottawa set-out times and stream rules to avoid collection refusals
  • Check the City’s accepted-items page before assuming an item is recyclable

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Ottawa - What goes where (accepted materials)
  2. [2] City of Ottawa - Garbage, recycling and green bin program
  3. [3] City of Ottawa - By-law and Regulatory Services

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