Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I participate in this program?By participating in the two bag standard program, as well as the Region's other waste diversion initiatives and programs, you will be helping to reduce our reliance on landfills for waste disposal. Your efforts will minimize our waste disposal costs and help preserve and protect the environment at the same time. For municipalities across the province — including Peel — waste reduction is a priority.
What type of waste is included in the two bag standard program?The two bag standard applies only to garbage bags, containers and bundled wood. Recyclable material (Blue Box, organics and yard waste), large appliances, furniture and other large items are not included in the program, and therefore there is no limit to the amounts of these items that can be placed at the curb. A fee applies to curbside collection of Large Metal Appliances and Large Metal Fixtures.
What are the height and weight restrictions for my waste containers?Individual garbage bags/containers (including recycling boxes and green bins) and bundles of wood must not weigh more than 20 kg (44 lbs.). Containers must not exceed 125 L (30 gal.) in volume.
How can I reduce the amount of garbage I generate?The Region of Peel offers a variety of waste diversion programs. Take advantage of programs such as weekly Blue Box and organics recycling services, seasonal yard waste collection, public waste and recycling depots, as well as Community Recycling Centres.
Don't my taxes pay for garbage collection already?Yes, your taxes pay for garbage and recycling collection services. The $1 tag fee is intended to provide an incentive to reduce your garbage and encourage you to recycle as much as possible in order to preserve natural resources and reduce the need for landfills.
How will the program be enforced?Waste collectors will place a sticker on untagged garbage containers in excess of two. The sticker informs the property owner that all waste containers must be removed from the curb by 8 p.m. on the day of collection. Property owners who do not remove their containers may be subject to a fine.
What about basement apartments?Residents in single family homes, including those with basement apartments, can place a total of two garbage bags or containers or bundles of wood per home without tags at the curb each week. Any additional bags or containers or bundles of wood must be tagged. Regional Council endorsed this decision, based on tax assessments, in December 2001.
What about apartment buildings?
Most apartment buildings already meet the two bag standard based on weight per unit. The Region of Peel is working closely with property managers and tenants of multi-residential buildings. The Blue Bag recycling program was launched to promote waste reduction and recycling in apartment buildings.
How is the Region managing illegal dumping?The Region of Peel, like other regional municipalities, has experienced some illegal dumping. Fortunately, only a minority of residents participate in this activity. For those choosing to dump their garbage illegally, the Region will enforce its by-law which carries a fine to a maximum of $5,000 for each offence.
If you see anyone illegally dumping waste at your curb or on public property, please contact the Region of Peel at 905-791-9499.
Tie your garbage bag as you normally would with a twist tie or knot. Place the tag around the neck of the bag and stick the glued ends of the tag together. Do not use the tags in place of a twist tie. For containers, place the tag around the handle.
May I continue to use my old garbage tags?Yes, the Region will continue to collect excess garbage containers that are tagged with the orange three bag standard tag.
Where can I purchase the new garbage tags?
To purchase tags by VISA or MasterCard, please call Public Works at 905-791-9499 or order your tags online. Tags are also available for purchase at garbage tag sales locations throughout the Region, by cash or debit, where debit is available. Garbage tags are available at a cost of $5 per sheet of five tags.
How do I receive a refund for unused garbage tags?A refund for unused sheets of garbage tags will only be issued in person at Region of Peel Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Dr. in Brampton (open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Only complete sheets of garbage tags, intact with no individual tags missing, will be refunded.