In addition to traditional garbage, recycling and compost bins, some residents may opt to use their own bins. These are sometimes are referred to as ‘Cottage Bins’.

• Regardless of the type of bin you use, the Municipality of Meaford has requirements you must follow so that they are easily identified by our collection team:
• Bins must display indicator tags. The municipality provides these, free of charge. Tags display the Meaford logo and indicate whether it is garbage, recycling or compost.  Tags are available at the Municipal Administration Office, located at 21 Trowbridge Street West during regular business hours (Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm).
• Different types of waste should not be stacked on top of each other. For example, recycling on top of garbage.
• The bin must be large enough to hold all waste set out for pickup.
• Bins and indicator tags must be clearly visible to the approaching truck driver.
• There is a maximum of 3 garbage bags allowed, and bag tags are required on all bags.
• Bins must be at least 3ft from the road’s edge but no more than 10ft and visible to the truck driver.
• The Municipality is not responsible for any damage to bins.

 Waste Management Area Map - Urban

Waste Management Area Map - Rural

 Garbage Bag Tag Information

Garbage collection occurs every other week. Each bag of garbage requires a garbage tag, and a maximum of three bags of garbage can be put at the curb per garbage day. Each garbage bag must not exceed 44lbs. 

The cost of each bag tag is $4.00, and can be purchased at participating locations:

• Owen Sound Library
• Rockford Service Centre
• Food Basics Owen Sound
• Annan Post Office
• Meaford Ultramar
• Godard's Your Independent Grocer
• Circle K
• Noble's Used Cars
• Jet Variety
• IDA Pharmacy Meaford
• Meaford Convenience Plus
• Meaford Convenience and Pet Stop
• Meaford Canco
• Rice's Home Hardware
• Knight's of Meaford

Harsh Weather and why Garbage, Recycling and Compost Collection can Sometimes be Missed

We live in a climate that, at certain times of the year, brings heavy snowfall, whiteouts and freezing rain, which can make travel on our roads quite hazardous. When this happens, your garbage, recycling and compost collection can be delayed or cancelled. 

During these bad weather days, Municipal staff will hear from some of our residents who are upset that they did not receive the level of service that they normally would and inquire why the Municipality cannot make waste collection happen in bad weather. 

The process. The Municipality of Meaford is in a contractual relationship with Miller Waste Systems (Miller Waste), who is charged with the collection of our garbage, recycling and compost. During these bad weather events, based on the safety of their operators, Miller Waste will make a decision if collection should be delayed or cancelled for that day. When a decision is made that results in a service disruption to residents, Miller Waste informs Municipal staff, providing details on the next collection date. Municipal staff then communicate this information to you, the resident. 

It’s a big job. Miller Waste uses two different types of trucks, which operate year round in our municipality. Compost and recycling are picked up on the same truck and garbage is picked up on a different truck.  On a regular collection week, the compost/recycling trucks make 2,850 pick-ups and garbage trucks make 1,850 pick-ups. It’s important to know that waste collection is a complex system, with lots of moving parts and plenty of human power. When bad weather hits, please have patience and understanding, most importantly, consider the safety of the operators who make many stops all over the municipality. 

There are many ways to stay informed about waste collection and we invite you to find the method that is best for you. Accurate and timely information on waste collection services is communicated here on our Municipal website, social media as well as on the nifty waste app. This app supports both Apple and Android devices and you can download it from the links provided above. 

Next time you see Miller Waste staff picking up your garbage, recycling and compost, don’t forget to wave, they will appreciate the greeting.  

Additional Documents

• 2025 Waste Management Guide