The 2025 edition of Barrie’s waste collection calendar is now available online and in print from most city facilities. Print versions will also be mailed to residents over the next few weeks.
This year’s version will provide city residents with information on changes being made to the waste management department’s policies. Next year, the city will be divided into 10 zones with boundaries based on, though not identical to, ward boundaries.
Most Ward 1 residents, and Ward 2 residents living north of Kempenfelt Bay will need to leave their garbage out in time for collection on Mondays. Other Ward 2 residents as well as those in Ward 3 and 4 will see their waste hauled away on Tuesdays. Wednesdays will see the city’s waste disposal fleet stop at addresses in Ward 5, 8 and much of Ward 6. Thursdays, the vehicles will move through the Wards 9 and 10 on the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay while Friday will see the completion of collection in Ward 6 and throughout Ward 7.
The calendar also includes details about the arrival of new wheeled carts for organic and other non-recyclable waste. According to city officials, the receptacles offer a variety of improvements over the larger bins currently in service. They feature an ergonomic design meant to prevent users from needing to bend over in order to lift or carry them— even in snowy conditions. The lids have also been redesigned to make it more difficult for them to be torn open by wind.
Perhaps the most impressive update being made to the city’s garbage carts is the inclusion of radio frequency identification tags. Collection trucks will also be equipped with new RFID readers to ensure carts are always returned to the correct property.
According to a schematic chart included in the new calendar, the organic bins will be about a metre — slightly more than a yard — tall and have a maximum storage capacity of 120 litres, or about 30 gallons. The city says these bins should be cleaned by rinsing them with water and emptying them on grass or gravel areas far from storm drains. If this does not eliminate unpleasant odours, city staff advise filling them with a mixture of one part vinegar for every three parts of hot water.
“Using bags will help keep your carts clean,” waste management officials noted in the calendar. “Remember that only certified compostable bags or paper bags can be used for organics.”
The new garbage carts will come in two sizes — one that is identical to the organic cart and a larger version that stands only slightly taller but with a maximum storage capacity of about 240 litres, or 60 gallons.
Residents who are unhappy with the size of their cart will be able to exchange them after paying a $50 fee, though wast management officials warn it will be several weeks before any exchanges will be possible. “Residents are encouraged to try out their cart for a little while. If your garbage cart isn’t the right size for your property after the trial period, you can request either a smaller or larger cart starting October 20.”
