Reasons your cart may not have been collected:
Cart was not out by 8:00 a.m.
All carts must be at the curb by 8:00 a.m. on your collection day.
Overflowing or excess material in cart
Carts that are overfilled or with open lids will not be collected. This is important as carts with open lids have a high probability of breaking due to the mechanical arms on the automated truck. Materials may also spill onto the streets as the cart is emptied/tipped into the truck. All waste must fit inside the carts provided and the lids need to close completely; material placed on top or outside of the carts will NOT be collected.

Cart is blocked
If your cart is blocked by an obstacle like a car, tree, fence or other cart, the collection truck will not be able to access and service your cart. This is to prevent damage to vehicles or private property. Ensure proper spacing between the carts and all other obstacles.
For more information, please review our Cart Placement page.
Cart did not empty completely
Organic materials such a large amounts of damp grass clippings may sometimes get stuck in the bottom of the bin and may not fully empty. Follow the tips below:
- Line the bottom and sides of your organics cart with newspaper.
- Avoid packing contents down.
- Layer wet and dry organic materials in your cart.
- Use paper leaf and garden bags.
Wrong material/contamination and placement of cart?
Incorrect material in a cart is considered contamination and is a big problem when it comes to recycling and composting the City’s waste. The new automated trucks are equipped with cameras that allow the truck driver to inspect each cart as it is emptied.
You will be mailed an “Oops Card” as a friendly reminder identifying the error.