How to dispose of large, bulky or other items

During COVID-19, we ask that you hold on to bulky items like furniture, mattresses, couches for the months of April, May and June. Minimizing the set out at the curb of your large items and extra waste from spring cleaning, it will allow the collection operators to do their job efficiently and maximize their physical distancing.

Appliances

The City does NOT pick up appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dryers, dishwashers, hot water tanks, furnaces or oil tanks at the curb. These appliances contain recyclable parts. Residents must make their own arrangements to have them taken away. Check the Yellow Pages under "recycling" for a list of businesses providing this service, or take them back to participating retailers - electronic or household items.

Remember all refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units and dehumidifiers must have cooling chemicals removed and be tagged by a certified technician prior to being brought to a landfill site. Any items that are not tagged will be refused entry into the site.

Batteries

Many retailers will accept AA, AAA batteries and rechargeable batteries. Also, check out our household hazardous waste depots.

Construction material

Plaster, wood (including pressure-treated lumber), drywall, concrete, asphalt or other waste resulting from building construction, renovation or demolition ARE NOT collected with regular garbage. Bring this material to the Trail Road Landfill Site or to another landfill.

The following companies offer a program for recycling some construction and renovation materials:

Residents must phone ahead before returning an item.

Flares, bullets, explosives, guns and fireworks

Flares, bullets, explosive devices, ammunition, firearms and fireworks can cause severe injury or death, and should never be thrown out with your regular garbage. To dispose of these materials safely, contact Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222. Please do not bring these items to the police station. Police will come and make sure all necessary safety precautions are taken to dispose of these items.

Spent/used fireworks

Soak spent/used fireworks in water for 24 hours and dispose of them in your regular garbage.

Glass (windows, drinking glasses, dishes, coffee pots, mirrors, light bulbs, etc.)

For the health and safety of waste collectors, please securely package glass items in a cardboard box and label the box "glass" so that the operator is aware of its contents when placing it in the truck.

Energy efficient light bulbs

Energy efficient light bulbs can be returned to some local businesses. Visit the Waste Explorer for a retailer near you. The item can also be brought to a household hazardous waste depots.

Fluorescent light bulbs

Bring fluorescent light bulbs to household hazardous waste depots. Or carefully wrap and tape fluorescent light bulbs in the original cardboard container or wrap them in packing material to prevent breakage and you can dispose them in the regular garbage.

Large, bulky items

During COVID-19, we ask that you hold on to bulky items like furniture, mattresses, couches for the months of April, May and June. Minimizing the set out at the curb of your large items and extra waste from spring cleaning, it will allow the collection operators to do their job efficiently and maximize their physical distancing.

Medication

Unused prescription drugs can pose a health risk if not properly disposed. Visit any of our participating pharmacies to have it disposed of.

Motor oil

Used motor oil can be conveniently returned in your community to a number of business partners.

Paint

Paint should be disposed of at one of the City's household hazardous waste depots or by returning it to a retailer.

Pet waste

The best way to dispose of pet waste is to flush it down the toilet, it will be properly treated when it reaches the sewage plant. Place your cat litter material in the green bin. Otherwise, put it in your regular garbage as long as it is properly wrapped in absorbent paper and placed in a sealed, leak proof bag, mixed with your regular garbage. Quantities should be no more than 10 per cent of your garbage bag or can.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are not hazardous. Place them in your regular garbage for collection. Smoke alarms are not recyclable.

Tires

Should be recycled at participating retailers. For free disposal of used tires, visit greenmytires.ca.