Three Container Exemption Pickups and Bulky Waste: Expectations during COVID-19

Exemption pickups for waste and garbage will continue as scheduled in April and early May.

Residents are encouraged to check their collection calendar for when their Three Container Exemption Pickup is scheduled, and to be mindful of how much waste they have to place at the curb.

“London’s waste and recycling operators have been working tirelessly while we maintain essential services,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “During this time, small adjustments from Londoners can have a big impact and help protect our waste and recycling collectors.”

“Collecting extra containers and other items has its challenges during COVID-19, and it is our hope that Londoners will only use the Three Container Exemption when necessary,” says Jay Stanford, Director - Environment, Fleet and Solid Waste at the City of London. “Please be kind and considerate to collectors when placing waste to the curb, and don’t throw out what you don’t have to right now especially bulky waste.”

  • Hold on to bulky waste like furniture, mattresses, and couches. Please store these items at your property as long as possible during this time. Heavy, bulky items at the curb are a challenge for collectors and require extra time to manage safely.
  • Reduce the amount of waste placed at the curb. Only throw out what you have to right now.
  • Renovation materials are not collected at the curb.  Store drywall, wood and scrap metal as long as you can before taking it to an EnviroDepot.
  • Don’t throw out paint and batteries. London’s Household Special Waste Depot is temporarily closed at this time. Hazardous materials should never go in the garbage so please hold onto these items until safe and proper disposal can resume.

Help Keep Collectors Safe

It is important that residents practice safe waste disposal to help protect collectors from the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Please bag all used tissues and napkins, and place them in the garbage. Do not place waste loosely in garbage containers.

If you or someone in your household is feeling unwell, place items that have been in contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into a bag and then into the garbage – this includes items that you normally place into your Blue Box such as plastic bottles, pop cans and milk or juice containers.

Respect physical distancing with Sanitation and Recycling Operators and do not approach the vehicle or operator.

EnviroDepots

EnviroDepots remain open, but only for necessary trips. Please continue to maintain physical distancing of two metres at the depots. Cash is not accepted at the depots, but credit and debit continue to be accepted.

The $1.50 per bag fee for residents that need to dispose of Bagged Garbage remains waived until May 4, 2020 at the following three EnviroDepots:

  • West EnviroDepot - Oxford Street, 1450 Oxford Street West
  • East EnviroDepot - Clarke Road South, 28 Clarke Road
  • North EnviroDepot - Clarke Road North (at Try Recycling Inc.), 21462 Clarke Road

Household Special Waste Depot Remains Closed

The Household Special Waste Depot located inside the W12A Landfill is closed until further notice.

Residents are asked to continue to store household special waste items safely at home. Do not place these items in the garbage.

Last modified:Tuesday, August 18, 2020