In January, 2026 the City of Corner Brook will begin to roll out a new automated garbage collection service for homes and registered apartments. In addition to this, the city will also be implementing new recycling collection standards to reduce instances of contaminated loads.
Below we have assembled some common questions you may have. For any further enquiries please contact 709-637-1666. Details about the rollout will be shared with the public prior to the start of the program.
Q – Why is the City changing the garbage collection system?
Recycling contamination: Collecting garbage and recycling in the same truck causes cross-contamination, leading to recyclables being discarded and fees charged to the City. The new system will eliminate this issue.
Pests and litter: Hundreds of complaints are received each year about garbage being scattered by wind or animals. Automated bins are tamper-proof and emptied directly into trucks, preventing litter on City streets.
Q- Will I receive a bin for recycling?
At this stage, the City is not providing bins for recyclables. Most contamination issues come from garbage, and this approach aligns with other municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Residents may continue using nets for recyclables and must keep a 1-meter (3 feet) separation between garbage and recycling
Q- Will recyclables attract pests?
No, if recyclables are properly cleaned out prior to being placed in their blue bags, they will not attract pests.
Q- Why are we sorting our Recyclables?
Sorting recyclables increases the amount that can be recycled. It also reduces tipping fees charged by our recycling provider, saving money for taxpayers.
Q- Why is the threshold for multi-unit buildings changing from 10 to 5 units?
To safely and efficiently collect garbage using automated collection arms, ample space is required for a truck to safely maneuver and collect each garbage bin. For example, a 10-unit building would require 24m’s of clear area to collect 10 garbage bins. In addition, removing the “grandfather” clause ensures transparency and fairness to all residents.
Q- Can I use my own bin?
No. Only bins provided by the City will be collected, as they are designed to work with automated garbage trucks.
Q- What happens if the bin is lost or damaged?
The City will also repair damages to any bin at no charge to the resident. If the bin is lost, the City will replace it for a fee.
Q- Who owns the bin?
The bin remains owned by the City of Corner Brook and registered to each specific unit. The bin remains registered to each unit regardless of owner/tenant.
Q- What do I do with my old bin?
Whatever you would like! You could use it for storing your recyclables before curbing them, storage of household items such as rakes or shovels depending on the season, for rain water collection for your garden or even compost.
Q- Does this mean I can use whatever bag I’d like for my waste?
No, your household waste must still be bagged in clear bags. While our collection contractors will not be handling the waste curbside with this system, clear bags ensure the safety of workers at the Wild Cove transfer station. We still have to be sure there is nothing in the bags that should not be there.
Q- What if I can’t manage the bin?
The City has specifically sourced bins that are maneuverable and much easier for residents to manage then traditional garbage bins. However, once you have received your bin, if you have difficulty manoeuvring the bin, the City does have a medical exemption process to accommodate these instances. Please contact the City at 709-637-1666 and the process can be initiated.
Q- Is the four-bag weekly limit still in place?
No, as part of the bin selection process, the City identified bins that were sufficient size to handle the weekly limit of 4 garbage bags. Residents may exceed the 4-bag limit provided their bin lid is completely closed when placed curbside. No garbage outside of that placed in the garbage bin will be collected.
