Cart-based waste collection

A black bin and a green bin along the curb in front of houses.

The cart-base waste collection transition began rolling out in select parts of Kingston in July 2025. The transition approach is phased, with most neighbourhoods expected to be moved to the new system by 2030 as we source new vehicles with automated collection arms.

We will share updates in advance as other neighbourhoods begin to transition.

More information about automated cart collection in Kingston can be found on the City website.

A black bin and a green bin along the curb in front of houses.

The cart-base waste collection transition began rolling out in select parts of Kingston in July 2025. The transition approach is phased, with most neighbourhoods expected to be moved to the new system by 2030 as we source new vehicles with automated collection arms.

We will share updates in advance as other neighbourhoods begin to transition.

More information about automated cart collection in Kingston can be found on the City website.

  • Transition Experience Survey

    This survey is intended for Kingston residents who have transitioned to automated cart-based waste collection.

    If your household has transitioned, we’d love to hear about your experience with the automated cart collection system for garbage and organics in your area. This short survey is an opportunity for you to share what is working well, what could be improved, and how the service is working for your household. 

    Survey closes on July 10, 2026, at 4 p.m.

    Feedback can also be shared by phone or email. Please call 613-546-0000 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or contact us at GetInvolvedKingston@CityofKingston.ca. 

    A PDF of this survey can be downloaded and emailed to the City at GetInvolvedKingston@CityofKingston.ca. 

    Take Survey
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Cart-based waste collection options (CLOSED)

    Kingston will be moving to an automated garbage and green bin collection program starting in 2025. These specialized trucks pick up dedicated carts using a mechanical arm attached to the truck, and no manual lifting is required. To move forward with the program, more feedback is required from residents about preferences on options regarding the frequency of collection, cart size and cost and large item pick up. The feedback collected in this survey may be considered in staff recommendations to Council. 


    About the carts

    Garbage carts are subject to manufacturing and industry standards. The most popular sizes at the open houses was the 120L cart, followed by the 240L cart, shown below. Green bins are available in 100L and 120L sizes, depending on the manufacturer. These potential options were developed based on the feedback we received during previous engagements and municipal operational capabilities. A chart showing three different garbage can sizes. The first column is a black garbage can. It is 120 litres and measures 50 centimetres or 19.7 inches wide and 100 centimetres or 39.4 inches tall. It is the equivalent of one to two garbage bags. The second column shows a small black garbage cart. It is 120 litres and measures 48.6 centimetres or 19.125 inches wide and 95.5 centimetres or 37.625 inches tall. It is the equivalent of one to two garbage bags. The third column shows a medium black garbage cart. It is 62.2 centimetres or 24.5 inches wide and 109 centimetres or 43.25 inches tall. It is the equivalent of 3 to 4 garbage bags.

    Before beginning this survey, residents should be aware the following assumptions were made regarding a cart-based waste collection program:

    • The City has confirmed that it is moving to a cart-based collection system.
    • Accessibility needs related to the carts will be addressed by the City on a case-by-case basis.
    • Recycling collection will be the responsibility of recycling producers beginning on July 1, 2025, and is not in the scope of this transition or public engagement.
    • Carts for automated collection are subject to industry standards for sizing. Garbage cart sizes that are available are 120L, 240L and 360L. Available green bin sizes are 100L and 120L (depending on the manufacturer).
    • No roll-out plans have been developed and per-unit costs have not been confirmed at this point.


    Survey closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9.

     
    Estimated time to complete the survey: 7 minutes.
    Feedback can also be shared by phone or email. Please call 613-546-0000 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or contact us at wastestrategies@cityofkingston.ca.

Page last updated: 24 Jun 2026, 01:22 PM