Automated Garbage Cart Delivery Begins May 4 for Remaining Thunder Bay Households

THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay will begin delivering pre-assembled 240-litre wheeled garbage carts on May 4 to remaining residential households that did not receive a cart during the 2025 soft launch.

The delivery process is expected to continue over several weeks as the city completes the final rollout of its automated garbage cart collection system.

Citywide automated collection begins the week of June 1

Automated garbage cart collection for all residential households is scheduled to begin the week of June 1.

Residents are being reminded not to use the new carts for garbage collection before that date.

After June 1, garbage placed at the curb in cans or bags will no longer be collected.
An information sheet with instructions for cart use will be attached to each delivered cart.

The city says the sheet can be peeled off and kept for reference.

Extra bag rules remain in place

Residents will still be able to purchase garbage tags.

A tagged additional bag may be placed beside the garbage cart for collection, but only when the garbage cart is full. The tagged bag must not be placed on top of the cart.

The city says “extra bag” days will also continue during peak periods throughout the year, as listed in the Waste Collection Calendars.

Where carts should be stored

Residents are being asked to store their garbage carts beside or behind their homes, or inside a garage.

The cart-based collection system is part of Thunder Bay’s long-term Solid Waste Management Strategy.

“We’re excited to be embarking on the final implementation of the automated garbage cart system for the rest of the city,” said Jason Sherband, manager of solid waste and recycling services. “Many residents have been looking forward to this. A cart-based garbage collection system is an action item of the City’s long-term Solid Waste Management Strategy.”

What residents need to know

The new collection system will change how household garbage is set out at the curb. Once the automated system begins citywide, residents should use the supplied wheeled cart rather than traditional garbage cans or loose bags.

More information is available through the city’s Automated Garbage Carts webpage at thunderbay.ca/garbagecarts.