Get Ready, Thunder Bay! Automated Garbage Collection Is Coming!

Exciting news for Thunder Bay residents! This fall, approximately 10,000 households will experience the convenience of automated garbage collection. Jason Sherband, the city's manager of solid waste and recycling services, unveiled the plans during a recent city council meeting.

Soft Launch Kicks Off This Fall!

Due to supply chain challenges, the city will initiate a soft launch of the curbside garbage cart collection program, allowing residents to start using new side-loading trucks. While the full fleet isn't expected until Spring 2026, the initial rollout marks a significant step towards modernizing waste collection.

What to Expect with the New Garbage Carts!

The new garbage carts will be slightly smaller than last year’s recycling bins. However, one key thing remains unchanged: households will continue to put out the same amount of garbage weekly, at least for now.

Changes Ahead: Organics Program on the Horizon!

But hold onto your hats—come Fall 2026, a provincially mandated organics program will transform the garbage collection routine. Residents can expect their garbage pick-up to shift to every two weeks, making way for a more sustainable waste management system.

Reduce, Recycle, and Reduce Again!

Sherband emphasizes that nearly 43% of household waste is organic material, indicating a potential for significant reduction in garbage volume. He believes that once robust yard waste and organics programs are in place, there will be little waste left for the landfill.

Stay Tuned for More Updates!

While the organic waste program’s start date is tentative, Sherband assures residents that they will keep a pulse on developments and share updates as the project progresses. The RFP for the processing facility is currently in the works, laying the foundation for a greener Thunder Bay.

With these upcoming changes, Thunder Bay is not only modernizing waste collection but also making strides towards more sustainable living. Are you ready to make a difference?