Skip to content

Getting ready to roll, with Simcoe County's new Cart Program

New automated collection doesn't begin until Nov. 1.

A rumble like thunder marks the delivery: the new County of Simcoe solid waste carts have arrived.

And despite a campaign featuring cartoon raccoons and owls, there’s no getting around the fact. They are big.

The recycling cart holds 360 litres, and measures 110.4 cm or 3.6 ft. in height. The garbage cart, which holds 240 litres, stands 102.8 cm or 3.37 ft. tall. The smaller Organics cart stands 95.2 cm or 3.1 ft tall, and holds 120 litres.

Only the ergonomically designed handles and 2 wheels make it relatively easy to move the carts

A tag, “This is how we roll”, provides instructions on the use of the wheeled carts, which are designed to be mechanically collected and emptied into the garbage truck on collection day.

The carts remain the property of Simcoe County, but a serial number connects each one to a specific address. Homeowners are asked to write their address on the side of each cart in permanent marker, and store carts in a “safe and convenient” location, like a garage, or next to the house or a fence.

With their wheels and bulk, the carts can be vulnerable to high winds.

Some things haven’t changed. Garbage must still be at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day – and collection weeks will alternate between garbage and recyclables. Organics will continue to be collected every week.

But there are a number of other rules, to ensure safe curbside collection.

Carts must be placed within 2.4 metres (8 ft.) of the travelled portion of the road on a level surface, and away from any overhanging branches. In areas where on-street parking is permitted, the carts may be placed on the road itself.

It’s described as “The Rules of 2” – rolling out 2 of the 3 carts each week; setting the carts 2 ft. (0.6 metres) apart with the 2 arrows on the lids pointing toward the street; setting the carts at least 2 ft. away from other objects, including fences and vehicles.

There’s one more critical bit of advice: Don’t begin using the new carts until November 1, the official start of the program. And watch for changes to your date of collection – many residents will have a new “Garbage Day.”

For more information, visit carts.simcoe.ca. To report a broken, lost or found cart email [email protected] or call 1-800-263-3199.

Complaints regarding collection should be directed to the County of Simcoe, or to the municipal Mayor and Deputy Mayor, who are members of County Council.

 

 


Reader Feedback

Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
Read more