What you need to know about multi-family waste
If you live in an apartment, condo, or townhouse, your building handles waste differently than a single-family home. Most multi-unit buildings in Wrenford use shared bins, dumpsters, or private collection companies. This page explains what goes where, how to get bins, and how to find a hauler if your building needs one.
Organics and food scraps
Food scraps must not go in the regular garbage. Ontario law requires all buildings to divert organic waste. You have two main options:
- Large green bins: The City delivers large green bins (240 L or 360 L) to qualifying multi-family buildings. The fee is $75.00 per year for each large bin. You can add a second bin to your account if needed.
- Drop-off locations: You can bring food scraps to any recreation centre year-round. The closest options are the Tamsin Valley Leisure Centre, Northgate Aquatic Centre, Ambrel Lake Recreation Centre, Westbrook Community Arena, Eastfield Twin Arenas, and the Kingfisher Outdoor Pool.
Place only food scraps and yard trimmings in the green bin. Do not include plastic bags, pet waste, or soiled paper products.
Recycling
Recycling in Wrenford is managed through the provincial Blue Box program. Because the program is run by producers, the City does not set the collection schedule or contract directly with the haulers. However, we provide support and resources for residents and building managers.
Multi-family recycling bag program: If you live in an apartment or townhouse, your building management will receive reusable bags for carrying recyclables to shared collection bins. These bags are free and replace the need for individual carts.
Flexible plastics: You can recycle flexible plastics and foam at your building's shared recycling station. If your building does not have a collection point for these items, take them to the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility or the Northgate Drop-off Depot.
Check the Waste Wizard online tool to see exactly what materials are accepted in your building's recycling stream.
Garbage collection
Most multi-family buildings use large dumpsters or hire a private waste hauler. The City does not rent out dumpsters for residential use, but we do service a small number of qualifying multi-unit buildings with standard black carts.
If your building currently uses a private hauler, you are responsible for ensuring they meet City by-laws. All haulers must follow the Waste management bylaw and regulations, which cover container placement, collection frequency, and contamination rules.
Choosing a hauler: If you need a new garbage collector for your building, start with the Multi-family Hauler Registry on the Garbage & Recycling page. This list includes approved private companies that know how to work with apartment and condo complexes. When you interview a hauler, ask about:
- Container size and how often they collect
- Whether they provide odour control and bin washing
- If they offer resident education materials
- How they handle contaminated loads
Resources for residents and managers
Proper sorting keeps waste costs down and helps the City meet its diversion goals. Use these links to find signage, posters, and step-by-step guides you can print and place in your building's laundry room or mailroom.
- Waste sorting guide: Waste wizard and disposal guide
- Building signage: Waste education resources for schools
Contact us
For questions about bin sizes, billing, or to report a missed collection at a multi-family site, email the waste team at [email protected] or call 519-555-0128.