Garbage, Recycling and Waste

Bi-Weekly curbside collection by BRA occurs on alternating Thursdays. Take note as to which ward you live in for your Thursday collection and to ensure pick-up have your bins at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.

• 2026 to 2027 Automated Waste & Recycling Schedule and map identifying Blanshard and Downie areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Automated Collection?

Automated collection is a system where a specially-designed truck picks up the wheelie bin, empties it and then returns it to its original position.

Do I Need To Buy The Bins?

No. The wheelie bins will remain the property of the Bluewater Recycling Association and will be replaced at the end of their life cycle. However, there is an annual fee for waste collection services based on the size of waste bin you request. Bins will be delivered to each residence upon request.

Who Is Responsible For The Bins?

Residents are responsible for keeping their bins clean and secure, and returning their bins to their property after collection. If damage or vandalism of the bins results from negligence, residents may be responsible for the replacement cost. Lost, stolen or damaged bins should be immediately reported to the Association for replacement. Please call 1-800-265-9799 to report your issue.

What Happens To The Wheelie Bins When I Move?

Wheelie bins should remain at your current property, and should not be moved. Each bin has a code which is associated to the residential address to which it was delivered. If you move, the bins should be emptied, cleaned and left at the original residence. Ensure they are in a secure location, such as a garage or shed.

Windy Tips for bins: some possible solutions for preventing your waste and recycling bins from blowing over in windy weather.

If you wish to make a change to your current bins contact Bluewater Recycling Association at 519-228-6678 of 1-800-265-9799 Ext. 243 or info@bra.org

Waste & Recycling Container Options:

We offer three different sizes for waste, each with a different fee. You have two options for the recycling containers and they have no fees attached. You need to select the size that will fulfill your regular needs with some room for occasional variations. The default size is a small waste bin and a large recycling bin.

Users will pay an annual fee for collection services billed through the tax bill based on the size of container used for waste. There is no fee for recycling.

• Waste Bin Fees effective January 1, 2023, includes sizes and descriptions of bins.

To report a missed collection of waste and recycling, please fill out the report a missed collection form (link) or contact Bluewater Recycling Association at 1-800-265-9799 ext 228. In case of disruptions such as inclement weather you can also visit the Bluewater Recycling Association website collection status page (link) for updates.

Acceptable recycling material is collected at no charge. Residents are reminded that there is a weight restriction, as any container over 20kg (45 lbs) or over 30 gallons will not be collected because it unsafe for collection drivers.

For more information, see the Bluewater Recycling Guide.

We encourage you to participate in the green cone digester program. It is a completely natural system that reduces your food waste to its natural components of water, carbon dioxide and a small residue. This solar-heated unit takes ALL cooked and uncooked food waste including meat, fish, bones, dairy products, vegetables and fruit.

You can submit a completed rebate form to claim a rebate of 50% of the purchase price with a maximum of one unit per household.

See more information about the green cone digester.

See the Bluewater Recycling Association construction and demolition recycling menu for more information.

We are partnered with the City of Stratford and Town of St. Marys to offer a hazardous waste collection program.

Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule 2026 -check the dates on each schedule - for the Town of St. Marys and the City of Stratford. St Marys location to bring your Hazardous Waste - Municipal Operations Centre, 408 James Street South, St. Marys. Stratford location to bring your Hazardous Waste - Stratford Landfill Site, 777 Romeo Street South, Stratford.

Municipal Landfill Site:

Blanshard Ward

1591 Perth Road 139

Hours:

Open the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Electronic waste is accepted at this landfill.

Call the Township office for more details.

You can test your acceptable recycling materials knowledge by playing the Recycling Game.