4 - Container Garbage Limit

Basic Information
 

Enforcement

Garbage that exceeds the 4 Container Limit may be left behind at the curb. Residents and property owners will receive a notice to remove the extra waste from the curb. The goal is to work with Londoners that are not in compliance by helping them understand their options. If the waste has not been removed after additional warning letters are issued, then City staff would be in a position to remove the garbage and issue an invoice to the homeowner for collection and disposal costs.

What is a "garbage container"?

A can or plastic bag which does not exceed 125 litre capacity and 20 kg (44 pounds) in weight. Small plastic bags (grocery or kitchen catchers) and cardboard boxes are not acceptable garbage containers.  Small plastic bags may be used if they are placed in a standard sized garbage bag. Make sure bags and containers are manageable. There's no need to "stuff" containers to the maximum weight.  Keep in mind that your garbage collector has to pick up from over 1,000 homes each day.

What about extra garbage?

Extra garbage can be taken to a Depot. See City of London Depots

Can tags be purchased for extra containers?

No. Extra garbage must be handled by the homeowner or tenant using alternatives such as the drop off depots or holding until the next pickup.

Limits on recyclables, yard materials or fall leaves

There are NO limits. We encourage households to recycle all household materials that are included in the list of acceptable items. Excessive quantities of recyclables, including cardboard, can be delivered to a Community EnviroDepot.  During the Yard Material Collection weeks there is no limit to the amount of yard materials or fall leaves you can place at the curb. The instructions on the Waste Reduction & Conservation Calendar should be followed.

Bulky item garbage and the 4 container limit

Bulky items such as sofas, mattresses, furniture and carpet (rolled & tied in one metre lengths) are not part of the 4-container limit.  They can be set at the curb on every collection day.

Illegal dumping fines

There is currently a fine of $125 for the ticketable offence of illegal dumping on public or private property under the City's Clearing of Land By-law. If charges are laid (person must appear in court under a summons), there is a maximum fine amount of $5,000 which may be imposed by the Court.

Exemptions
 

Exemption periods when extra garbage will be collected

There are two collections each year when there is no limit; the first collection following Christmas and the first collection in May. The dates are shown in the Waste Reduction & Conservation Calendar.

Is anyone exempt from the limit?

Exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis for confirmed medical reasons.  In the first two months following the implementation of this limit, a survey of the number of containers placed at the curb in London found that 99% of households are in compliance with the 4 Container Limit.

Multi-unit properties
 

Container limit for a duplex or other multi-unit properties

Each assessed unit will be allowed the standard four containers of waste at the curb. For example, in the case of a property that has been assessed as a duplex, each unit will be allowed up to four containers for a total of eight containers at the property. Garbage collectors will have a list identifying all multi-unit properties.

Group homes and rooming/boarding houses

These properties will be permitted one container for each room.

Townhome complex with common collection points

Townhome complexes may set out four containers for each unit. For example, a 60 unit complex may set out 240 containers. It's very important that the correct types of bags and containers are used. Small bags and loose garbage will not be collected.

Townhome complex with bulk bin collection

This applies to a small number of townhome complexes. Bulky items are not collected from townhome complexes receiving bulk bin collection as these items do not fit in the bins.

Businesses and institutions (e.g., churches, fire stations, etc.)
 

What about businesses and institutions?

Businesses and institutions receiving garbage collection from the City are permitted 12 bags (not hard containers) as per the instructions provided in the collection calendar.

What about home based businesses?

Only properties that are zoned for commercial or business use will be permitted 12 bags. Properties that are zoned as residential must comply with the 4 Container Limit.