Important Update: Garbage Collection Changes Effective July 6, 2026
Starting July 6, your first garbage bag will be collected each collection day at no cost, with garbage tags required for the second and third bags. We’re also introducing new green garbage tags to go along with this transition period.
Here’s everything you need to know about our waste services, including information on pickup schedules, drop off locations, and which waste materials belong where.
Curbside Collection
Miller Waste is in charge of picking up your garbage, recycling, and green bin organic waste. Meaford has proudly been recognized as having one of the highest waste diversion rates in the province, thanks to your participation in our recycling and green bin programs.
Please note: The municipality does not provide recycling or organics bins.
All items must be placed at the curb for pickup by 7 am, with collection hours from 7 am to 7 pm. Collection crews may begin their work in any area of the zone, so pickup times may vary from week to week.
For missed pick-ups, please contact:
Miller Waste
Email: area17@millerwaste.ca
Phone: 519-372-1855
Collection Schedule & Tags
Garbage collection occurs every other week. The collection date is based on your location within the municipality. Download the Recycle Coach app to receive pickup reminders. You can view your collection schedule by viewing or downloading the 2026 Collection Guide.
Garbage Bag Tags
First bag is free, second and third bags require tags and a maximum of three bags of garbage can be put at the curb per garbage day. Each bag must not exceed 40lbs.
As part of the updated garbage collection program, the Municipality is introducing new green garbage tags. Here’s what else you need to know:
- Orange garbage tags remain on sale until June 30, 2026
- Green garbage tags go on sale beginning July 2, 2026
- Both orange and green tags will be accepted at the curb until December 31, 2026
- Beginning January 1, 2027, only green garbage tags will be accepted
Note: Tags are only required for garbage. There is no cost or tag required for recycling or green bin collection.
The cost of each bag tag is $5.50, and can be purchased at participating locations:
- Owen Sound Freshco
- Owen Sound Library
- Owen Sound Food Basics
- Annan Post Office
- Rockford Service Centre
- Godard’s Your Independent Grocer
- Meaford IDA Pharmacy
- Meaford Canco Gas Station
- Meaford Circle K
- Meaford Ultramar
- Meaford Convenience and Pet Shop
- Rice’s Home Hardware
- Knights’ Home Building Centre
Recycling Collection
As of January 1, 2026, your curbside recycling collection has transitioned to Ontario’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling system, managed by Circular Materials, which oversees recycling services in Meaford. Miller Waste, contracted by Circular Materials, will continue to handle the local collection of recycling. Both your recycling collection day and blue bin will remain the same.
Download the Recycle Coach App
Meaford has launched Recycle Coach, the new waste and recycling app that replaces the former Meaford Waste App.
Use the app to access information on collection schedules, receive reminder notifications, and discover what goes where.
Download Recycle Coach:
Waste Transfer Station
Meaford residents can use the Miller Waste Transfer Station, located at 2085 20th Ave. East, Owen Sound. Accepted materials include garbage, recycling, cardboard, scrap metal, and tires.
Fees may apply. Debit and credit accepted.
Hours:
- Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
The new green garbage tags will be available for purchase beginning July 2, 2026.
Yes. The Municipality will accept both orange and new green garbage tags at the curb for residents until December 31, 2026. This transition period is intended to allow residents to use any remaining orange tags they already have.
Yes. A transition period will be in place from July 6, 2026 to December 31, 2026, during which both orange and green garbage tags will be accepted for resident use.
Refunds will not be offered for unused orange tags. Residents are encouraged to use their existing supply during the transition period.
Yes. The Municipality will continue to use external vendors, in addition to municipal locations, for the sale of garbage tags.
Winter weather in Meaford can bring heavy snowfall, whiteouts, and freezing rain, making roads hazardous. When this happens, waste collection may be delayed or canceled for safety reasons.
The Municipality contracts Miller Waste Systems for garbage, recycling, and compost collection. During severe weather, Miller Waste assesses road conditions and determines if collection should proceed. If service is disrupted, they notify Municipal staff, who then inform residents of the next collection date.
Miller Waste handles thousands of pick-ups weekly using specialized trucks. Bad weather can impact this complex system, and safety is the top priority. Please be patient and understanding during delays.
Get real-time updates through our Municipal website, social media, or the waste app (available for Apple and Android).
Related Information and Resources
Garbage collection occurs every other week. Must be placed at the curb by 7am.
- One bag without a tag will be collected at no cost
- The 2nd and 3rd bags each require a garbage tag
- Maximum of 3 bags per collection day (1 untagged, up to 2 tagged)
- Wrap each garbage tag around the top of the bag
- Place tied garbage bags inside the garbage can
- The same garbage tag program applies:
- 1st bag: no tag required
- 2nd and 3rd bags: each requires a tag
- Indicator tags must be placed on the outside of the box and be clearly visible to the collection driver (available at the municipal office)
- Place tied garbage bags inside the garbage box/bin
- The same garbage tag program applies:
- 1st bag: no tag required
- 2nd and 3rd bags: each requires a tag
- The box must be:
- Located at least 3 ft from the road edge and no more than 10 ft away
- Clearly visible to the truck driver
- Large enough to hold all garbage set out for collection
- Do not stack different waste types (e.g., recycling on top of garbage)
- NOTE: The Municipality is not responsible for damage to bins