Garbage is collected every other week on your regular collection day. Please follow your Waste Collection Schedule. 

Markham has NEW changes beginning in 2013, scroll down for more information! Current 3 bag limit and tag program still applies until April 30th, 2013. 

3-Bag Limit

Each household in Markham is limited to three bags or containers of garbage every two weeks. If you have more than three bags of garbage, a garbage bag tag must be placed on the extra bag(s).

How to get Garbage Bag Tags

Garbage bag tags are available at the Markham Civic Centre (Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and at Markham's Recycling Depots during Hours of Operation.

NEW April 30, 2013 - Unlimited Clear Bags for Garbage – No More Bag Limits!

Markham Residents Will Be Switching to Clear Bags for Garbage. No More Dark/Tinted Garbage Bags Accepted. 

Guidelines

1. Residents must use clear bags for garbage. 
2. Markham will be eliminating the current 3 bag limit and tag program. 
3. No bag limits for garbage in clear bags. 
4. Dark/Tinted/Coloured/White bags for garbage are not accepted.
5. Clear bags of garbage containing large amounts of recyclable/compostable material will not be collected.

Hint: Use less bags, empty your household waste baskets directly into your clear garbage bag!

Privacy Bag Guidelines 

1. No more than 4 small privacy/shopping bags permitted biweekly with your collection.
2. Privacy/shopping bags may be placed within your clear garbage bag. 
3. You may place privacy/shopping bags (no more than 4) directly into a garbage can biweekly. 
4. Place confidential papers/bills and shredded paper in your Green Bin. 

Why clear bags? Markham’s garbage will be processed for energy recovery and not landfilled. Clean waste means clean fuel – free of hazardous and electronic material that should never be thrown in the garbage!

Using clear bags for garbage also keeps our collectors safe from injuries and supports Markham’s new Mandatory Separation Bylaw, everyone must do their part! Clear bags set out for garbage collection that contain large amounts of recyclable material may not be collected and a notice will be left with the resident.

Spring and Fall Clean Up Days

New! - Markham is introducing Spring and Fall Clean up days (formerly No Tag Days) in May and September so you can get rid of your unwanted, non-reusable items.  Garbage must be contained in a clear bag. Hazardous waste, electronics and appliances are not collected on Clean Up Days. Appliances and scrap metal items require a special collection appointment. Please call 905.415.7535.

2013 Clean Up Days

Garbage Set Out Rules  

New in 2013! Starting April 30^th Clear Garbage Bags for Collection - no more tags or 3 bag limit! 

Guidelines

1. Residents must use clear bags for garbage. 
2. Markham will be eliminating the current 3 bag limit and tag program. 
3. No bag limits for garbage in clear bags. 
4. Dark/Tinted/Coloured/White bags for garbage are not accepted.
5. Material separation required in Markham - separate material into 4 streams: Recycling, Organics, Yard Material and Garbage. Clear bags of garbage containing large amounts of recyclable/compostable material will not be collected.

Privacy Bag Guidelines 

1. No more than 4 small privacy/shopping bags permitted biweekly with your collection.
2. Privacy/shopping bags may be placed within your clear garbage bag. 
3. You may place privacy/shopping bags (no more than 4) directly into a garbage can biweekly. 
4. Place confidential papers/bills and shredded paper in your Green Bin.

Dark garbage bags will be accepted at the curb until April 26th, 2013. CLEAR BAGS are a requirement for collection beginning on April 30th 2013. 

Garbage must be set out at your curb for collection by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day; but not earlier than 7:00 p.m. the day before collection. The time of collection in your area can change at any time without notice (By-law 32-95).

Until April 30th, garbage can be set out for collection in any combination of the following (limit of 3):

• 1 regular size garbage bag, under 18 kg
• 1 garbage can (0.5 m x 0.9 m), under 18 kg 
• 1 group of 4 grocery bags of garbage, under 18 kg
• Unlimited clear garbage bags containing non recyclable garbage, under 18kg

Some items require preparation before putting them out for collection. For example:

• Carpets must be rolled up and tied with rope or string. Make sure the rolled carpet is safe to handle, with no protruding nails or staples. Carpet rolls cannot be longer than 1.2 m in length or weigh more than 18 kg. Maximum 8 rolls per set out.
• Wood must be bundled and tied securely with rope or tape. Each bundle must be under 1.2 m in length and not heavier than 18 kg. Make sure the bundles of wood are safe to handle by removing all the nails or by hammering them in.
• Broken Glass must be placed in a cardboard box, sealed shut and labelled "broken glass". Glass sheeting (from a window pane) must be taped with masking tape and completely covered with cardboard to cover any exposed or sharp edges so that it is safe to handle.

In the winter, please place your materials at the side of the end of your driveway. Please do not put your garbage on top or behind snow banks.

Non-Collectable Garbage

Garbage will not be collected if it is:

• New - Containing significant amounts of organic or recyclable material 
• New - Electronic waste or electronic equipment and household batteries
• Loose material
• New starting April, 30 2013 - In a dark garbage bag
• In an oversized container/cart
• In a cardboard box
• Grass clippings
• Leaf/yard waste
• Hazardous waste such as motor oil and batteries
• Beverage containers
• Sharp edged such as broken glass, unless properly sealed, covered and labelled "broken glass".
• Automotive waste such as tires
• Construction or demolition waste such as concrete 
• Medical waste such as needles 
• Carcass of any animal, or live animal or bird
• Radioactive waste
• Liquid waste
• Sewage
• PCB's
• Asbestos
• Manure, hay or straw

Bulky Items

Bulky items are collected on your regular garbage day. A special collection appointment is not required.

Bulky items include:

• Chairs
• Sofas
• Mattresses
• Furniture
• Television consoles

Bulky items that are NOT accepted on your regular collection day include:

• Household metal items
• Household metal furniture
• Appliances  

Televisions can be dropped off at York's Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Depot.

Appliances and scrap metal items require a special collection appointment. Please call 905-415-7535.

Garbage Drop-off

Garbage can be dropped off at the Public Drop-Off Weekend Collection Centre. Fee's apply.

What Happens to my Garbage?

The Region of York processes Markham's garbage. Find out what happens to your garbage once it leaves your curb.