Garbage Bag Limit
Two bags per household as of Jan. 1, 2022
The weekly garbage limit is two bags/containers per residential household per week. The maximum weight for each bag/container is 15 kg (35lbs), each. Containers shall not be larger than 150 L (33 gal.). When you have more bags than the permitted limit, you can buy tags. Each household will be permitted to place a maximum of four additional bags at the curb on its scheduled garbage collection day as long as the bags over the limit are properly tagged. Pick-up is delayed one day after statutory holidays except for Boxing Day. If a holiday falls on the weekend it is typically not delayed.
Large appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, washers, and dryers cannot be placed at the curb due to their size and weight. Appliances that are still in good working order, can be sold or sent to a second-hand store. Appliances that are no longer working will be accepted at the Merrick Landfill, based on the tipping fee schedule, or may be accepted by a local scrap dealer.
Application for Special Consideration for Garbage Bag Limits
You may be eligible for the City of North Bay's waste exemption program if you have a valid reason for special consideration such someone in the household with a medical condition, or children in the household under the age of four in diapers. You will be contacted at the email address or phone number provided on the form when the application is approved, denied or more information is required.
Please note If your application is approved due diaper waste, you will receive weekly collection of one clear bag of diapers in addition to the approved two-bag/container limit. Participation in the City’s recycling program is a requirement.
Bag tags
Bag tags to go on extra bags/receptacles are available for purchase for times, such as during spring cleaning or when moving, when residents have more garbage than normal, exceeding the two-bag limit. Extra bags/receptacles can have a maximum weight of 15 kilograms, or 35 pound and receptacles cannot be larger than 150 litres, or 33 gallons. The City will collect four extra garbage bags/receptacles per household as long as they have a bag tag.
City garbage bag tags can be purchased at the Customer Service Center on the Main Floor of City Hall at 200 McIntyre St. East, for $2 per tag.
Use one bag tag for each garbage bag or receptacle over the allowable limit of two bags/receptacles.
On a garbage bag:
- secure top of garbage bag with a twist tie or not.
- attach bag tag above the knot, on the neck of the bag. Do not use tags as a twist tie.
- ensure tag has adhesive ends pressed tightly together and the full tag can be seen.
On a garbage can:
- do not place the bag tag on the garbage container itself.
- place the bag tag on the top bag inside the garbage container.
- make sure the bag tag is clearly visible when the collector opens the lid.
- only one tag on the top bog for the entire container to be collected as long as it is no larger than 150 L (33 gal) and weighs no more than 15 kg (35 lbs).
Waste collectors will not accept bags/receptacles with torn tags. You must bring garbage that can’t be bagged or placed in a container that is 150 L (33 gal) to the Merrick Landfill.
The Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) Sector
The weekly garbage for the ICI sector is 10 bags/containers per property per week. The maximum weight for each bag/container is 15 kg (35lbs), each. Containers shall not be larger than 150 L (33 gal.).ICI properties with more bags than the permitted limit, can buy tags. Each property will be permitted to place a maximum of four additional bags at the curb on its scheduled garbage collection day as long as the bags over the limit are properly tagged.
Collection Schedule
Lookup your garbage and recycling schedule, get reminders and lookup where different waste items go by downloading North Bay Recycles from the App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android,or use it in your browser as a Progressive Web App for all other platforms. Additionally, residents can download North Bay's Recycling and Garbage Collection Calendar, which includes information to help you keep track of your collection days, as well as a list of items that can be recycled. Copies are also available at Customer Service Centre on the first floor of City Hall.
