Winter Considerations for Curbside Collection

The winter can be challenging for curbside collection. Please note the following considerations during winter months.

Dos & Don’ts for Winter Cart Setout 

  • When shovelling, clear a flat spot beside or at the end of your driveway to place your carts.
  • Place carts out of the path for snow removal equipment.
  • It's recommended to place your materials on the right side of your driveway or boulevard (when facing the street) so they’re easier for collectors to see in the winter.
  • Ensure lids are closed as items are susceptible to being frozen to your cart or being blown away.
  • Do not place your carts on, behind or within 2 ft (0.6 m) of a snowbank. Your carts will not be collected if they cannot be accessed by the truck's automated collection arms.

Reminder: Your organics and garbage carts need space to be collected. Set carts with 2 ft (0.6 m) of space all around. Place your carts no more than 8 ft (2.4m) from the travelled portion of the road, without blocking the sidewalk. See full cart setout details. 

If collection carts/boxes are hit by snow removal equipment and contents are spilled, it is the resident's responsibility to clean up the materials. If your cart gets damaged, please contact Emterra at customercare.barrie@emterra.ca or 1-833-253 8207. Damaged recycling boxes can be replaced by contacting Circular Materials’ Contractor at customercareont@emterra.ca or 1-888-597-1541.

Text: Set carts on a cleared driveway or cleared area with 2 ft (0.6 m) of space all around; Not on top of a snowbank; not behind a snowbank

Cart Storage in Winter

Try to keep your carts in a dry area throughout the week so materials do not freeze to the bottom or sides of the carts, and so they are safe from snow build up. 

Tip: Lining your organics cart with a fibre (e.g. paper) liner will help to prevent the contents from freezing to the cart.

Christmas Trees Collected Weekly in January

Christmas trees are collected weekly in January (beginning the first full week of the month and ending the last full week). Get full details on Christmas tree collection. 

Barrie residents can also drop off Christmas trees at the landfill for free for composting (must be free of ornaments, bags, stands and plastic of any kind).

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