KAWARTHA LAKES-The City says starting April 20, 2026, Miller Waste collectors will enforce the by-law that no recyclable materials can go in your garbage bags.
What residents can expect starting April 20
At the time of garbage collection, Miller Waste will leave an “Oops” tag on any garbage bags that contain recyclables, indicating why it was left behind.
- If recyclables are properly sorted out and the bag is set out the following week, Miller Waste will collect the previously tagged bag as part of a double collection. This grace period will be in place until further notice.
- If recyclables are not removed and the garbage is set out the following week, it will continue to be tagged and left behind. Residents can take excess waste to the landfill (fees apply) or, for a limited time, purchase and use bag tags for additional garbage set out at the curb.
NOTE: Using bag tags on garbage containing recyclables will not be accepted on an ongoing basis. This temporary measure is permitted until further notice.
As of January 1, 2026, several items that were previously disposed of as garbage are now accepted in the blue box. With more materials that can be recycled, less should be going to the landfill. For details on what’s recyclable and must be kept out of your garbage bags, visit the Circular Materials – Kawartha Lakes website.
The City says this enforcement supports the City’s Integrated Waste Management Strategy, which focuses on reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and increasing recycling and diversion across the municipality.
Sorting waste properly helps the City:
- Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. The City is working toward a 53% reduction in residential waste by 2048, which means more materials need to be recycled or composted instead of thrown away. Less recyclables in garbage means more items kept out of the landfill.
- Follow the Waste Management By-law. The 2025-137 Collection and Management of Waste and Recyclables By-Law limits how much recycling can go in the garbage.
- Keep collection running smoothly. Garbage is collected by Miller Waste, while recycling is collected by Emterra. Keeping materials separate helps avoid delays, missed pickups, and tagging.
- Reduce our carbon footprint. When done correctly, recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports a circular economy.
The enforcement also begins during Earth Week, leading up to Earth Day on April 22. It’s a reminder that small actions like sorting waste properly can make a big difference for the environment according to the City.
Looking ahead: organics enforcement
Properly sorting waste and recycling will help get residents ready for organics program changes starting June 15, which will affect households in the curbside organics program. After that date, no organics will be allowed in garbage bags (currently up to 10% is permitted). Starting now with recycling helps ensure residents are ready for these upcoming changes.
For all the information about the residential curbside waste program, visit the Residential Waste Collection page.
