Starting July 1st, Kingston is taking an exciting step towards automated waste collection. Instead of workers manually picking up and emptying your garbage can and green bin, this task will now all be done with an automated garbage truck. This is a much safer, lower cost and more efficient system for waste collection, and it’s another great example of how as a City we can embrace technology and innovation to improve services for residents.
The transition to automated collection will roll out gradually across Kingston over the next few years. Select neighbourhoods in the north, east, and west ends of the city will be the first to make the switch, beginning July 1st. You can use the link at the end of this post to see if your area is included in this initial rollout.
If your neighbourhood is part of the change, you’ll soon receive two city-issued bins: a black bin for regular garbage and a green bin for organic waste.
On collection day, simply wheel your bins down to the end of the driveway and they will be picked up and emptied by an automated arm controlled by the driver. This change not only helps reduce workplace injuries for City staff but also features newly designed bins that are more animal-resistant—leading to cleaner streets and neighbourhoods.
Finally, there’s also a change coming to Kingston’s blue and grey box recycling programs. These will no longer be managed by the City. Instead, a new producer-led organization, Circular Materials Ontario, will take over responsibility. The good news? Your bins and collection schedule won’t change—recycling will continue on the same alternating-week system.
For additional details and information, visit CityofKingston.ca