Garbage and Recycling

Christmas trees are run through a chipping machine and composted. All decorations, tree skirts, plastic tree bags and stands must be removed before placing curbside.

Christmas tree collection dates for 2026 are January 2, 5, 6, 9 and 12, 2026.

The Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority operates three Public Drop-Off Depots in Essex County (Windsor, Kingsville and Essex) where residents can drop off a variety of materials including garbage, recyclables, yard waste, electronics and municipal hazardous and special waste.

The Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority Regional Landfill is located at 7700 County Road 18 in Essex. The Regional Landfill accepts residential, industrial and commercial garbage as well as yard waste and asbestos waste. Tipping fees may apply and site access is restricted to vehicles having a gross weight of more than 3 tonne or 3,000 kilograms.

Visit www.ewswa.org for more information. 

Residents will receive weekly garbage collection. If you are located in the urban area, collection is on Tuesday or Friday. If you are located in the rural area, collection is on Wednesday or Thursday. Please review the Urban and Rural collection maps to determine your collection day.

In accordance with the Municipality’s Waste Management By-law, residents are required to adhere to the following guidelines when disposing of garbage:

• Timing for Disposal: Garbage should be placed curbside between the hours of 10:00 PM on the day before collection and 6:00 AM on the day of collection. This ensures that garbage does not sit out for extended periods, reducing the risk of attracting pests and creating unsightly conditions.
• Acceptable Containers: Garbage must be placed in acceptable containers and is limited to no more than four bags or pails per household. Containers must not exceed a weight limit of 20 kilograms (45 pounds) to ensure the safety of waste collection personnel.
• Large Items and Furniture: A maximum of two large items, such as box springs, mattresses, carpets, toilets, couches, and chairs, etc., can be disposed of curbside on your regularly scheduled garbage day. However, white goods require special arrangements for pickup. This provision facilitates the efficient and safe disposal of larger waste items.
• Placement Regulations: Garbage must not be placed in a manner that impedes or obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic or interferes with maintenance operations. It is crucial that waste is disposed of in a way that respects the safety and accessibility of our streets and sidewalks.
• Garbage Can Storage: After garbage has been collected, residents must promptly remove garbage cans from the curbside. Cans should not be left out as they can obstruct pedestrian pathways, attract pests, and detract from the visual cleanliness of the community.

Violations of these guidelines may result in a clean-up charge and/or fine. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid penalties.

Contact GFL, Windsor branch, at 519-948-8126 or the Municipal office at 519-326-5761 with any questions regarding garbage collection.

Residential Recycling

As of August 28, 2024, residential recycling in Leamington is managed by Circular Materials and collection is completed by Green For Life (GFL).  Residents will receive bi-weekly recycle collection and must place their recycling curbside before 6:00 am on collection day.  Please consult the Collection Calendar to determine your collection day and refer to the program updates here.

Residents are asked to contact GFL directly for service inquiries, new bins and general program information at 1-844-415-4351 or by email at WErecycling@gflenv.com.

Business/Not-For Profit Recycling

Recycling for businesses and not-for-profits are now covered by the new non-eligible source recycling program being administered by the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority.  Visit the NES Recycling Program website for more information.

Residents located in the Urban area will receive weekly yard waste collection from April to November. Please consult the Collection Calendar for collection dates and the Urban yard waste collection maps to determine your collection day.

Yard waste includes grass clippings, leaves, trimmings, brush and branches. Yard waste should be placed curbside the night before collection, or no later than 6:00 AM on your collection day. Yard waste should be placed in paper yard waste bags or cardboard boxes. Plastic bags will not be collected. Yard waste containers cannot weigh over 20 kilograms or 45 pounds and bundles should not exceed 2 feet by 4 feet in size.