Starting December 31, 2025, changes are coming to blue box and bulky item collection. Learn more about the blue box recycling changes.

Garbage Collection

Garbage is collected every other week on your scheduled collection day. To learn when your collection day is, please visit the Collection Schedule page.

Place garbage, green bins, blue boxes and yard waste at the curb by 7 a.m. on your scheduled day, and no earlier than 8 p.m. the night before.

Please be advised that collection times may vary and are subject to change without notification. To check the status of today's collection, please visit Green for Life (GFL)'s alert page.

Collection Limits

Residents can place up to two bags/items out for collection on their scheduled collection day. Any additional waste over the two bag/item limit requires a collection tag.
If you have concerns regarding collection, please contact Green for Life (GFL) by email or calling. 

Weight Limit

The maximum weight limit for collection materials is 22kg (50lbs) per bag or bin.

Collection Tags

Collection tags allow you to set out additional garbage or bulky items over the two-item limit on your scheduled collection day. One tag per additional item is required. Follow the chart below for tips on how to properly display collection tags: 

How to display Collection Tags
On a BagOn a Garbage CanBulky Items 
  • Wrap the collection tag around the neck of the garbage bag, folding it so both ends of the tag stick together.
  • Do not use a collection tag to seal your garbage bag. Be sure to tie your garbage bag closed first.
  • Place the collection tag around the neck of the top bag in your garbage can, not on the garbage can or the lid.

 

 

 
  • Place the collection tag in a clearly visible spot on any bulky item (such as the front of furniture or mattresses).

 

 

 

Collection tags are sold in quantities of five, do not expire, and are non-refundable. To purchase collection tags, please visit Customer Service located inside of the Civic Centre. Collection tags are not required for yard waste, blue box, green bin or large metal items (White Goods). 

Acceptable Containers

Acceptable Waste Collection Containers

Metal or Plastic Garbage Cans Plastic Garbage Bags 
  • Must have two handles and a removable lid 
  • Do not use ties/bungee cords to secure lids
  • Maximum size 32 gallons/121 litres
  • Must be securely tied
  • No loose grocery/kitchen catcher bags
  • Do not place sharp objects inside bags
  • Maximum size 76cm (30 inches) by 122cm (48 inches)

Recycling

The Town of East Gwillimbury is no longer responsible for collecting recycling. As mandated by the Province of Ontario, Circular Materials is managing the blue box recycling program and has contracted GFL to collect recycling every other week. Visit the Collection Schedule page to view the 2026 Waste Calendar or download the Recycle Coach app. 

Contact Circular Materials for:  

  • A list of accepted recyclable material 

  • Information on the new cart-based recycling program 

Telephone - 1-877-667-2626  
Email  
Circular Materials website

Contact GFL for:  

  • Missed collections 

  • Recycling cart replacements 

Telephone – 1-833-779-4351 
Email 

Blue Box Return Program 

EG is hosting a free blue box return program in January 2026. Residents can drop off their unwanted or broken blue boxes at the EG Operations Centre (19850 Woodbine Ave, Queensville). Blue box drop off will take place outside of the facility, in the parking lot. Residents can drop off their blue boxes anytime (including weekends) until January 23, 2026. Boxes can be dropped off in the parking lot; digital signs are in place to identify the self-serve drop-off location.  

Unwanted or broken blue boxes can also be brought to the Georgina Waste Transfer Station (23038 Warden Avenue, Keswick) from January 5 to 30, 2026, during regular business hours. The new recycling carts are not eligible for the return program.  

Green Bin Collection

Green bin collection takes place every week on your scheduled collection day. To learn when your collection day is, please visit the Collection Schedule page.

Green bin material must be bagged and tied using compostable or paper bags. Please ensure that organic waste material is not placed in black garbage bags as it will not be collected.

Weight Limit

The maximum weight limit for green bins is 22kg (50lbs) per bin.

What goes in the Green Bin?

For more information on what goes in the green bin? Visit the What Goes Where page to search how to properly recycle your items.

Purchasing Green Bins 

Residents can purchase green bins, or kitchen catchers by visiting Customer Service, located inside of the Civic Centre during regular business hours. 

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste collection takes place every other week on your scheduled collection day from April to November. To learn when your collection day is, please visit the Collection Schedule page.

Yard waste containers 

Yard waste must be placed in paper yard waste bags or rigid open top containers (with handles) that are labelled with yellow yard waste stickers. Stickers are available for pick-up at Customer Service inside of the Civic Centre.

Weight Limit

The maximum weight limit for yard waste is 22kg (50lbs) per bin or bag.

Acceptable Yard Waste Materials

Leaves, garden plants, shrubs, weeds, branches and flowers can all be placed out for collection. Branches must be bundled in groups that are no larger than 10 cm (4") in diameter, using twine.

For more information on yard waste collection, visit the What Goes Where page to search how to properly dispose your items.

Unacceptable Yard Waste Materials

Materials that should not be placed with yard waste, include kitchen scraps, grass clippings, rocks, dirt, sod, tree stumps, painted or treated wood, animal droppings, flower pots/trays, and branches larger than 10 cm (4") in diameter.

Grass clippings cannot be collected. Residents are asked to consider grasscycling! Leave grass clippings on the lawn to help keep moisture in the grass and reduce the need for fertilizer.

Yard Waste Drop-off

Yard waste material can be dropped off at select York Region waste depots for disposal (fees apply). For more information, including a list of accepted material, visit York Region's website.

Other Collections

Christmas Trees
Please remove all decorations, nails, tree stands, and plastic tree bags. Please ensure that trees are easily accessible, crews will not dig or climb a snow bank to retrieve a tree.
Grass Clippings

In East Gwillimbury, grass clippings are not collected at the curb with waste collection or York Region waste centres. Residents are asked to consider grasscycling (recycling grass clippings by leaving them on the lawn after mowing) at home to keep your lawn healthy during the summer. Limited quantities of grass clippings can be dropped off at the Bloomington Road Yard Waste Depot located at 1351 Bloomington Road, Richmond Hill. Fees apply and are subject to change.

  •  1 yard or 9 paper bags is $10
  •  More than 1 yard $65/tonne

Here are some tips to keep in mind when grasscycling:

  • Lawnmower blades must be sharp. Dull blades can cause grass to become discoloured, which may lead to disease on your lawn
  • Grass clippings retain water and help reduce the need to water your lawn
  • Saves time on having to dispose of your grass clippings
  • Grass clippings can act as a natural fertilizer for your lawn

Download the Recycle Coach App, to receive updates on collection schedule and disposal information.
Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste (HMW) is anything in your home that is corrosive, explosive, flammable or poisonous and is no longer needed. Examples of HMW include aerosol cans, batteries, cleaning products, and propane cylinders/tanks. HMW should not be placed in the garbage or blue box for disposal. To properly dispose of these items, please visit a York Region Waste Depot. 
Textile

Residents can visit the Diabetes Canada Donation Box, located at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex in the east parking lot to drop-off any unwanted clothing or used textiles. Items can be donated in any condition, including adult and children's clothing and footwear, undergarments, towels, pillows, and curtains.

For more information on what items can be left in the donation bin, visit Diabetes Canada's website.

Metal Item Recycling and Bulky Item Pick-up

Bulky Items (Furniture, Mattresses and Carpeting)

Starting December 31, 2025: 
All bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, and appliances require a collection tag which are available for purchase in Customer Service at the Civic Centre (19000 Leslie St), EG Sports Complex (1914B Mount Albert Rd) or the Health and Active Living Plaza (160 Jim Mortson Dr). 

Collection tags cost $11.50 (plus tax) for a sheet of five tags. 

Contact GFL at 1-866-421-5625 or email to schedule an appointment. 

Please break down or separate large/heavy items, if possible. Please note, that the tank and bowl must be separated on two-piece toilets to ensure collection. Bundle small loose pieces. Tie carpeting and linoleum in rolls measuring no longer than 1.2 metres (4 ft) and weighing less than 20 kilograms (44 lbs).

Construction or Demolition Waste

Please take these materials to one of the York Region Community Environmental Centres. Good quality materials may also be donated and dropped off at the Habitat for Humanity Restore located in Newmarket.

General Information

Damaged or Broken Bins

Broken or damaged Town issued green or blue bins will be replaced free of charge by Green for Life (GFL). To schedule bin replacement, contact GFL by email or by calling 1-866-421-5625.

Missed Waste Collection

For missed waste collection inquires, please contact GFL by email, by calling 1-866-421-5625 or completing the Report a Missed Pickup Form.

You may also track the status of your collection, by visiting GFL's alert page.

Who to Call

Town of East Gwillimbury Customer Service

Contact EG's Customer Service Team for general waste collection inquires, questions about purchasing collection tags and green or blue bins by email or calling 905-478-4282.

Green for Life (GFL)

Contact GFL to report missed collection, broken or damaged bin replacement, or to schedule a metal item pick-up by email or calling 1-866-421-5625.