Garbage Collection

1. What is this?

The garbage limit for households is being reduced from three bags to two bags every week starting November 28, 2022. This affects single-family households, each duplex, and townhouse complexes that currently receive curbside collection services from the Township of South Glengarry.

Please note:

• The two bag limit equals 100 pounds (50lbs per bag) of garbage per collection.
• Almost 90 per cent of households already set out two or fewer bags every week for collection.
• This program change was approved by Township Council on December 20210.
• Compared to other municipalities, the Township of South Glengarry offers generous collection programs. Some municipalities have full user pay (pay for every bag), and most have lower garbage limits, including weight limits (for example 18 kilograms/40 pounds, compared with our 23 kilograms/50 pounds).

2. Why was the garbage limit being reduced? 

• The bag limit was reduced to help make the Township be more environmentally sustainable by increasing diversion, preserving landfill space, saving natural resources and reduce our impact on climate change.

3. I generate a lot of waste/have a large family. What should I do? 

• Reduce and reuse as much as you can. 
• Take advantage of programs we offer such as the Household Hazardous Waste, Large Item Pick Up and 2 FREE access days.

4. I have a medical condition that generates additional garbage. Are there any exemption to help with additional medical waste?

• Yes, please complete this application and return it to infrastructure@southglengarry.com
• 2026 Waste Exemption Application 

5. Won't this cause an increase in illegal dumping?

• With any change to waste programs, there is a potential for an increase in illegal dumping. Since the majority of households already meet the lowered curbside limit, illegal dumping should be minimal.  
• Collection crews will continue to enforce overweight garbage bags and will sticker and leave behind unacceptable items.

6. My Family has children in diapers, is this waste exempted for the 2-bag limit?

• Yes, Diapers must be bagged in clear plastics bags in order to be exempted. No limit to this type of waste.

Winter poses many challenges – especially when it comes to waste collection.

Please take note of these tips to ensure your waste is not left behind.

When:

• Waste must be set out by 7 a.m.
• If it snows overnight, be sure to pull your waste out of the snow before 7 a.m.
• If more than 5 centimetres of snow is expected, please wait until morning to shovel out a spot and set out your waste.

Where:

• Place bins and bags in your shoveled driveway
• Waste should never be placed on the sidewalk, as it creates a hazard for pedestrians and snowplow operators.
• Waste should never be placed on the road, as it creates a hazard for drivers and snowplow operators.

Waste will be left behind if it is placed on a snowbank, is buried in the snow, or is frozen into the bin.

Everyone deserves a safe work environment. Waste rules are in place to ensure the health and safety of waste collection staff. When waste is left behind, it is often because it is unsafe for the contractor to collect. 

The bag tag program was started in South Glengarry to reduce waste. The bag tags help offset the total cost of the curbside garbage collection program. 

Starting January 1, 2026, bag tags are priced at $3.50 each and can be purchased at the Municipal Office (6 Oak Street, Lancaster).Tags are also available for purchase online and will be mailed directly to you please add an additional $2.00 charge for postage.

HOW TO USE GARBAGE TAGS 

Each garbage bag or can set out for collection that is over the limit needs to have a blue Township of South Glengarry garbage tag on it. Bags or cans beyond the limit that do not have garbage tags will not be collected.  

• Garbage bags: Tie your garbage bag closed. Remove the tag from the backing and wrap it around the neck of the garbage bag, sticking tag ends together. Do not use the tag to seal the bag.  

• Garbage cans: Remove the garbage tag from the backing and stick it on the very top bag in your garbage can. Do not place it directly on the garbage can.  

• Tags CANNOT be used on bulky or oversized items which are not part of the regular curbside collection program. A special collection of large items is scheduled for all residents on the regular collection day during the year. 

Residents who need an exemption should contact Infrastructure Services for an application form. The request will be reviewed by administration. Once complete, the applicant will be contacted by staff to make arrangements for bag tags, please note if you require that the tags be mailed there will be a $2.00 cost for postage.

The form is only for those who cannot meet the bag limit. To complete the online form, please 

2026 Form

Disposal of diapers is exempt from the weekly bag limit. Diapers must be placed in clear bags for curbside collection. No application required.