Garbage placed in non-approved containers will not be collected. Please do not use cardboard boxes or grocery bags as containers.

Items not collected at the curb include:

• Construction or demolition materials, such as shingles, drywall, tiles, concrete, bricks and large amounts of wood (take to landfill)

• Household hazardous waste (take to the annual orange drop event)

• Tires and automotive parts (take to landfill)

• TV`s, Computers (take to Electronic Recycling Bin, located at the Haileybury landfill)

• Large Articles, such as Barbeques, Mattresses, Furniture (take to landfill)

Winter weather conditions create challenges for the collection of waste. During extreme weather conditions, your garbage and recycling collection may be delayed; however, Phippen Waste Management will do their best to ensure regular collection schedules remain on time.

During the winter months, it may be necessary to change the regular placement of your rollout bins after a snowfall.

To view or print an information sheet regarding Curbside Waste Collection during Winter Months, please click here.

Place your garbage or recycling bin at the curb between 8:00 p.m. the evening before and 6:30 a.m. on your collection day, as pick-up times may vary occasionally without notice.

Place your garbage or recyclable bin in a visible location as close as possible to the roadway, but not on a travelled roadway, or in an area that would interfere with pedestrian/ vehicular traffic, mail delivery vehicles, or maintenance operations.

Materials placed for roadside collection at ground level should be placed in accordance to the following:

1. Street with concrete/asphalt curb – placed directly behind the curb;
2. Street with gravel road shoulders – placed directly on road shoulder;

The front-side of the bin must face the street and the immediate space around the bin must remain unobstructed (at least three (3) feet from an object for the mechanical lift arm used in automated collection). If you wish, you may clear a spot for your recycle and garbage bin that is free of snow and easy for collectors to see. Do not place any of your containers on top of or behind snow banks.

It is important to keep a safe distance between you and the waste collection truck. Whether you are driving or walking near a truck, always stay alert and please do not approach the vehicle or the automated side arm.

• Excess garbage or recyclable material beside your cart will not be picked up. If you have excess material, you can:

• Store it so it can be picked up during the next collection period.

• Dispose of your garbage at the City of Temiskaming Shores landfill site on Dump Road.

• Reduce your waste by:
  • Avoiding purchasing items with excess packaging;
  • Avoid purchasing single-use and disposable products, and use refillable or reusable containers;
  • Remove your name from mailing lists of materials you no longer wish to receive;
  • Do not throw away items that can be reused or donated;
  • Maximize waste diversion by using the recycling program to the fullest; and
  • Bring your own bags when you shop.

Garbage and recycling collection occurs on the same as your existing pick-up, but on alternating weeks. Please refer to the Curbside Collection Schedule below for your scheduled day.

Animal Prevention Tip:

For animal resistance, consider keeping your garbage containers inside a garage or a shed, and place your garbage at the curb or roadside by 6:30 a.m. on your collection day, not the previous evening.

If you are unable to place the containers inside, regularly wash to help reduce odours.

The hard plastic cover on the bins prevents dogs and other animals from opening and reaching the contents.

Orange Drop is a recycling program aimed at keeping hazardous and special waste materials out of Ontario’s landfills and waterways. The Orange Drop program allows residents to return designated materials to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event. For more information on what you can drop, go to www.makethedrop.ca.

Commercial hazardous or special waste is NOT accepted.

Do I own the garbage and recycling bins?

No. The bins will belong to the property, not the homeowners.

Can residential property owners opt out of the enhanced waste management program?

No. It is the intention of the Town of Cobalt to have all of its residents participate in the program, to ensure that all appropriate material is being diverted from our landfill. This increased diversion rate will extend the life of the landfill.

I am a property owner with renters. What does this mean for me?

You are responsible for ensuring the bins are available for your tenants.

Are the bins durable and easy to manoeuvre?

The garbage and recyclables bin are flexible and are proven to hold their shape even after years of service. The bins are constructed to withstand an automated collection system and are easy to roll even with heavy loads. The reinforced top lip adds strength and rigidity as do the double drag rail and reinforced bottom. The specially designed wide ground-hugging base helps keep these carts upright and stable.

When will garbage and recyclable material be collected?

Collection will be conducted Thursdays, on a bi-weekly basis.

Do I bag my recyclables?

No. Any items received at the sorting facility in garbage or grocery bags are considered non-recyclable materials, as these bags are not opened and the contents are not sorted. Exception: Shredded paper. Place and tie shredded paper in a clear plastic bag.

Are black or green garbage bags required to hold garbage in the bin?

No. You have the option of placing your garbage in a regular sized garbage bag and then into the bin, or you can put smaller, “kitchen catcher” bags of garbage into the bin, eliminating the need to continually purchase large garbage bags.

What if I don’t produce enough waste to fill the garbage or recycling bin every two weeks?

You have the option of waiting until your garbage or recycling bin is full before setting it out for collection.

What if I have too much waste to fit into the bin(s)?

Excess garbage or recyclable material beside your cart will not be picked up. If you have excess material, you can:

• Store it so it can be picked up during the next collection period.

• Cut up or breakdown oversize items.

• Dispose of your garbage at the Town of Cobalt landfill site.

• Reduce your waste by:
  • Avoiding purchasing items with excess packaging;
  • Avoid purchase single use and disposable products, and use refillable or reusable containers;
  • Remove your name from mailing lists of materials you no longer wish to receive;
  • Don’t throw away items that can be reused or donated;
  • Maximize waste diversion by using the recycling program to the fullest; and
  • Bring your own bags when you shop.

What items are recyclable?

Beverage and food containers – Rinse clean and recycle

• Clamshell containers (hinged, clear plastic containers used for food items such as berries and take-out)

• Clear fruit and vegetable containers

• Clear take-out food containers

• Clear molded bakery item trays, egg cartons

• Disposable plastic plates and glasses

• Cold beverage cups/lids

• Plastic bottles and jugs (lids on)

• Milk cartons

• Juice Boxes (e.g. juice, drinks, soup, broth, etc.)

• Glass bottles and jars

• All Plastics No. 1-7 (e.g. margarine, yogurt, ice cream, sour cream, yogurt, pudding, apple sauce containers, etc.)

• Metal cans

• Cardboard cans (e.g. frozen juice, refrigerated dough, chips, nuts, powdered drink mix)

• Aluminium cans, trays, burner liners, pie plates, roasting pans, etc.

• Blister packaging (e.g. gum and lozenges)

Home and personal product containers – Rinse clean and recycle

• Plastic bottles and tubs – lids and sprayers screwed on tight (e.g. shampoo, detergent, fabric softener, etc.)

• Prescription bottles (empty)

• Plastic kitty litter tubs with plastic handle

• Aerosol cans (empty)

• Clear compact disk cases (empty)

• Plastic gift cards

Foam polystyrene (Styrofoam) and plastic retail shopping bags – Rinse clean and recycle

• Styrofoam food containers and protective packaging (e.g. drinking cups, egg cartons, meat trays, takeout food containers, electronics packaging)
• Plastic bags – grocery, shopping, dry cleaning, bread bags, vegetable/fruit bags, milk bags (outer and rinsed inner bag) – Place all plastic bags in one retail or grocery plastic bag and tie handles together
• Plastic outer wrap from packages, such as from paper towels, cases of water, etc.

• Bubbled plastic packaging

Cardboard/ Paper – Not contaminated with food or chemicals

• Bags, rolls, junk mail, writing/computer paper, envelopes, window envelopes, envelopes with padding
• Shredded paper (put in clear plastic bag and tie closed)
• Gift wrap, cards (no ribbons, bows, foil wrap)
• Newspapers, flyers, telephone directories, magazines, catalogues, books (hardcover removed), etc.
• Boxboard boxes (e.g. cereal, tissue, detergent, egg cartons – flatten and remove liners)
• Corrugated cardboard (clean and flattened – pizza boxes must be empty)

What items are not recyclable?

• Organic material – food scraps, diapers, animal waste

• Used/soiled paper or plastic plates and utlensils

• Hazardous waste: propane/helium tanks & cylinders, batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs (Must not be put in recycling or garbage; take to annual Orange Drop Event.)

• Medical waste: needles are hazardous waste (Must not be put in garbage; take to annual Orange Drop event.)

• Auto parts, tools, extension cords

• Clothes, shoes, carpets, curtains, bedding

• Electronics (take to the Electronic Waste Recycling Bin)

• Small Appliances (e.g. coffee makers, microwaves, etc.)

• Plastic: squeeze tubes for home and personal products (hair, body, etc.), caulking tubes, food storage containers, motor oil jugs
• Large plastics (e.g. pool covers, tarps, pools, toys, etc.)

• Binders (e.g. three ring), clipboards

• Hoses

• Glass – drinking glasses, dishes, cups, crystal, window glass, light bulbs, mirrors, pottery, etc.

• Metal – scrap metal, coat hangers, pots, pans, etc.

• Wood – pieces, flooring, crates for fruit, etc.

• Yard Waste – grass clippings, tree limbs, leaves, etc.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Proper disposal of items like propane tanks, batteries, pesticides, oil, fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent light bulbs, etc. means taking these items to the annual Orange Drop Event. These types of items must never be put in recycling or garbage.

For more information on the type of materials accepted, please visit www.makethedrop.ca.

Are all plastics recyclable?

Yes, we recycle ALL plastics No. 1-7. Please rinse out all food containers, and empty liquids from beverage bottles.

Can I recycle Styrofoam?

Yes. The program will accept styrofoam; please ensure to remove the absorbent pad from styrofoam meat trays.

Should I empty out bottles and cans?

Yes. Please pour out leftover liquid from bottles and cans, and rinse food from containers, especially from nut butter, mayonnaise and sauce containers.

Should I remove the lid from my plastic bottle?

No. The plastic lid is recyclable.

Do cardboard boxes need to be flattened?

Yes. Please flatten cardboard boxes and empty all packing materials, such as plastic bags and foam.

Can I recycle pizza boxes?

Yes. Clean pizza boxes are recyclable as long as the leftovers and wax paper liner are thrown away.

Is shredded paper recyclable?

Yes. Please bag shredded material in a clear plastic bag and place it in the recycling bin.

Are paper towels, tissues, and napkins recyclable?

No.  These items are considered to be used / soiled and are not accepted at the Material Recovery Facility.

Are books recyclable?

Yes. We recycle all books; however, please separate cover from hardcover books.

Is aluminum foil recyclable?

Yes. Sheets of aluminum foil are recyclable along with other aluminum containers, such as pie pans and lids from some carry-out restaurants. Please rinse off all food prior to placing in bin.

Greasy and or food-laden aluminum trays from grills or other cooking are not acceptable. Please put aluminum contaminated with grease and/or food in the trash.

Can electronics go in the recycling bin for curbside pickup?

No, but an electronic waste recycling bin is located at the Haileybury Landfill site, located on Dump Road off Highway 11. Acceptable items include:

• Display Devices (Monitors & Televisions)

• Desktop Computers

• Portable Computers

• Computer Peripherals

• Printing, Copying & Multifunction Devices

• Telephone & Answering Machines

• Cellular Devices & Pagers

• Home Theatres (Equalizers, Amplifiers, Speakers, Tuners & Turntables)

• Aftermarket Vehicle Audio & Video Devices

• Image, Audio and Video Devices

Where do I call for additional information?

Please contact the town office at (705) 679-8877.