Kawartha Lakes Municipal Calendar
Waste management services and
collection schedule
Clear bags are required for waste collection in Kawartha Lakes
• 40 lb/18 kg maximum per bag.
• Recyclables and organics waste (where program exists) must be properly sorted out of the garbage stream to be eligible for collection.
Recycling and waste collection zones
Find your location on the map to identify your recycling and waste collection day. Ensure items are at the curb by 7am.
Landfills
Take your recycling and waste to one of our five landfill locations (see page 29). For more info, such as tipping fees, please visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/landfills
Calendar Legend
Blue box week (recyclable containers)
Green box week (recyclable paper/fibre)
Organics pickup (food/organic waste)
Holidays
Collection moves forward one day
Leaf and yard collection
Curbside battery collection
For more information visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/batteries
Free woodchip/compost giveaway
Every Wednesday at the Lindsay Landfill while supplies last.
Vote
Municipal Election voting days.
View the online version of the calendar: www.kawarthalakes.ca/calendar
Art sourced from the Municipal Archives of the City of Kawartha Lakes in celebration of the municipality’s 25th anniversary. Learn more at www.kawarthalakes.ca/archives and www.kawarthalakes.ca/anniversary
January• 2026
Important changes to your Recycling Collection Program starting January 2, 2026
Meet your new recycling collector — Emterra
Starting in January, you’ll see some new trucks in your neighbourhood picking up recycling on your regular waste collection day. Miller will still be collecting your garbage, so both garbage and recycling will continue to be picked up on the same day.
Reminder: Commercial businesses are not included in the new curbside recycling collection program. Businesses are encouraged to make plans to hire a contractor to collect their recycling or bring it to one of the City’s landfills (tipping fees apply).
Getting your recycling to the curb by 7am (6am in downtown areas) will ensure it is collected. If you need to report a missed recycling collection, please call Emterra (1-888-597-1541) or Circular Materials Ontario (1-877-667-2626). You can also download the Recycle Coach app for Circular Materials by scanning this QR Code.
Car in snow between Oakwood and Little Britain (circa 1942) #2020.002.3_000006
Recognition of the 25th Anniversary of Kawartha Lakes. For details visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/anniversary
Free woodchip/compost giveaway runs every Wednesday from 8am to 4pm at the Lindsay Landfill, while supplies last. Please be advised stock can fluctuate throughout the year.
February• 2026
Obbie (short for Organics Bin Boss) wants to say thank you! Since introducing the organics program in January of 2025, we have collected over 1,000 tonnes of organics from our four urban areas of Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay and Omemee. This organic waste is being processed at a local anaerobic digester to create energy and soil amendments.
Organics Program Updates
Important updates to the Source Separated Organics (SSO) program are coming in June 2026 including:
• Organics collection moving to your regular waste collection day.
• No organics permitted in garbage bags.
• Garbage bag limit of one bag per household.
Additional garbage bags can be set out with a bag tag, available for purchase at Municipal Service Centres and libraries, and online at www.kawarthalakes.ca/curbsidetags.
For full program details, collection schedules, and information on what goes where, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/organics.
Lakes Soupfest
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. To learn more, go to www.canada.ca/blackhistorymonth
View our Spring 2026 Community Guide online February 19 www.kawarthalakes.ca/communityguide
To find ideas and places to visit for winter fun go to www.explorekawarthalakes.com
Learn more about Kawartha Lakes Soupfest at www.klsoupfest.ca
Container collection
Fibre collection
Organics collection
Collection moves forward one day
Kawartha
March• 2026
Garbage Collection Refreshers for 2026
Follow these tips for the safety and efficiency of our Miller Waste Collectors:
• Waste must be set out in clear bags and weigh less than 40lb (18kg).
• Recyclables and organics waste (where program exists) must be properly sorted out of the garbage stream to be eligible for collection.
• Garbage and organics should be to the curb at 7am (6am in designated downtown areas) and remain there until 7pm to ensure collection. There is no “usual” pick-up time.
• Waste storage bins must have a flagging device (similar to a mailbox) to alert collection staff that there are materials inside to be collected.
Report Illegal Dumping
If you do come across areas littered with garbage or hazardous waste, log in to your Service Hub account at servicehub.kawarthalakes.ca or call 705-324-9411 to report it.
Missed Collection
If you need to report a missed garbage collection, contact Miller Waste (1-888-557-4711 or kawarthalakes@millerwaste.ca) or use our Recycle Coach app.
Bobcaygeon Hockey Team (circa 1930’s) #2021.001_000223
International Women’s Day — March 8
Curbside battery collection runs from March 16 to March 19. Place batteries in a clear resealable plastic bag in plain sight for easy pickup.
Spring Recreation Programming — registration opens at 9am on March 10 www.kawarthalakes.ca/register
Planning a non-profit community event? Help get the word out by listing it for free on our Events Calendar: www.kawarthalakes.ca/submitevent
Fibre collection Container collection
Organics collection
April• 2026
Properly maintained roads are an important part of collection schedules. For private, seasonal or unassumed roads, if a collection driver deems the road unsafe for travel, waste will not be collected. All roads must follow the standards outlined in the Collection and Management of Waste By-Law to receive collection. Please keep the following in mind to avoid any delays in service:
• Have the road plowed to a minimum of 4m/12ft wide.
• Sand or salt the road when needed.
• Make sure vegetation is cut back to a minimum of 5m/15ft high and 4m/12ft wide.
• Fill and grade potholes when needed.
• Provide a suitable turnaround area for the collection truck.
• Waste storage bins must have a flagging device (similar to a mailbox) to alert collection staff when there are materials inside to be collected.
Seasonal collection resumes May 4 and ends October 30. For any questions regarding collection on private, seasonal and unassumed roads, please visit the Residential Waste Collection page at www.kawarthalakes.ca/waste.
Biking by the Church (circa 1910) #2023-004_200110
Overnight Street Parking allowed from April 30 to October 31 Collection moves forward one day Organics collection
May• 2026
Our municipality offers curbside collection programs to help you divert as much waste from landfills as possible.
The following free special collection events happen twice a year:
• Curbside battery (March and November)
• Curbside leaf and yard (June and November)
We also offer curbside pickup of large items (old appliances, furniture, electronics, toilets, etc.), freon appliances (fridge, air conditioner, freezer, etc.), and mattresses/box springs with the purchase of a curbside tag.
You can buy tags online at www.kawarthalakes.ca/ curbsidetags or visit one of our Municipal Service Centres or libraries to buy them in person.
Once you’ve bought your tags, all you have to do is call or email Miller Waste (1-888-557-4711 or kawarthalakes@millerwaste.ca) to arrange pick up of the items.
Lindsay Power Station at Fenelon Falls (circa 1950’s)
*Made in Kawartha Lakes event takes place at the Victoria Park Armoury in Lindsay Emergency Preparedness Week – May 3 to May 9 The next Municipal Election will be held on October 26, 2026. For details visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/elections View our Summer 2026 Community Guide online June 4: www.kawarthalakes.ca/communityguide Collection moves forward one day
collection Summer landfill hours begin May 1.
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June• 2026
Round Up Day Events
Round Up Day events are for residents to drop-off household hazardous waste, textiles, bulky plastics and electronics for recycling free of charge. Commercial hazardous waste (produced by a business), mattresses, and freon units will not be accepted at our Round Up Days.
Our Round Up Days, hosted by Waste Management, are occurring this summer on these four dates:
• Carden Round Up Day — Saturday, June 20
• Manvers Round Up Day — Saturday, July 25
• Bobcaygeon Round Up Day — Saturday, August 15
• Coboconk Round Up Day — Saturday, August 29
For all information about Round Up Days, including a full list of what you can dispose of, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/roundupdays.
Battery Disposal
Lithium-ion batteries are found in many rechargeable devices we use everyday (phones, laptops, tools, toys, etc.) and can pose a serious risk of fire when not disposed of properly. These items can be brought to any of our Round Up Events or the Lindsay or Fenelon landfill hazardous waste depots to be disposed of properly and safely.
W.J. Yeo Blacksmith Shop (circa 1890)
Starting June 15, 2026, organics will be picked up with waste on your regular pick-up day (if applicable). For more information visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/organics
Curbside Leaf and Yard (L&Y) collection returns this month. Leaf and yard collection takes place on Fridays depending on your regular collection day as outlined above. Visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/leafandyard
Container collection Note: Note:
Fibre collection
Organics collection
July• 2026
Explore Your Kawartha Lakes Website
Your municipal website is smarter, faster, and designed with you in mind.
municiPal Search — Find what you need in seconds using our AI-powered search tool. You can even use Google search from the same bar.
ServiceHub — Your personal dashboard for Kawartha Lakes services. Look for it in the top navigation bar of the website.
• Sign in once to manage multiple properties
• View the status of applications, permits, and recreation registrations
• Get personalized updates and news
Here to Help — A collection of pages, available from the home page or footer, are organized around your needs, like Parents and Caregivers or Seniors, so you can easily find tailored information.
Events Calendar — Browse and subscribe to community events, City and Council meetings, library and recreation programs. Non-profits can post events for free.
Fully accessible and WCAG compliant so everyone can connect with confidence.
Visit www.kawarthalakes.ca today. Hoppe’s Saw Mill in Little Britain (circa 1900) #2020.002-02.00001
Note:
As of June 15, 2026, organics will be collected on the same day as your regular waste/recycling.
Did you know we offer free woodchip/compost for pickup at the Lindsay landfill?
Get yours on Wednesdays from 8am to 4pm!
Concerts in the Park – Wednesdays and Sundays during July and August at Victoria Park in Lindsay www.kawarthalakes.ca/concertsinthepark
Fibre collection Container collection
Organics collection
Collection moves forward one day
August• 2026
Trying to get rid of summer items like plastic pools, garden hoses, and fishing lines, but don’t know what to do with them? If you’re headed to the landfill, we want you to have a smooth experience. Know before you go by checking out our landfill camera for lineups: www.kawarthalakes.ca/landfills.
Follow these steps when visiting our landfills:
• Report to the scale house and follow attendant instructions. Please follow all signs and directions.
• Ensure your waste is loose or in clear bags (black or opaque bags will be charged at a mixed load rate).
• If you don’t know where a certain material goes, ask a landfill attendant for help.
• After you drop off your material, return to the scale house to weigh out and get your receipt. Always cross the scales; we like to capture the weight of the materials you’re leaving behind.
Kawartha Lakes has a zero-tolerance policy for violence or harassment. Unruly behaviour will not be tolerated and could result in tipping privileges being revoked.
Finally, be sure to thank the staff for the amazing job they do in keeping Kawartha Lakes green!
Mosley Goasd’s [sic] store in Little Britain (circa 1925) #2020.002.7_000063
Concerts in the Park – Wednesdays and Sundays in Victoria Park, Lindsay
View our Fall 2026 Community Guide online August 13 www.kawarthalakes.ca/communityguide
As of June 15, 2026, organics will be collected on the same day as your regular waste/ recycling.
Explore Fall and Winter with the Library of Things
Your Kawartha Lakes Public Library card lets you borrow more than books — discover fun, practical, and educational items for every season.
• Bird Watching Kit and hiking poles
• Snowshoes (youth and adult)
• Luggage Scale for travel
• STEAM Kits for kids of all ages
Browse the full list at www.kawarthalakeslibrary.ca/ LibraryOfThings and enjoy the seasons without the cost or clutter.
Back to School with the Library
Get ready for school at the library! Discover educational books and toys, creative programs, and our 100 Books Before Kindergarten challenge. Explore TumbleBooks, eBooks, audiobooks and more in our Digital Library.
Visit your local branch or explore online at www.kawarthalakeslibrary.ca to start the school year off right.
Students studying at the Lindsay Collegiate Institute Library (circa 1945) #2021.003.25-1_000326
Lindsay Fall Recreation Programming — registration opens September 1 at 9am www.kawarthalakes.ca/register
Canadian Firefighters’ National Memorial Day — September 13
Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day — September 27
National Day for Truth and
September 30: Orange Shirt Day. Wear orange on this day to help raise awareness and to honour the experiences and loss of First Nations children who were taken from their families.
Collection moves forward one day Organics collection Fibre collection Container collection
October• 2026
October is Circular Economy Month
Circular Economy Month is about establishing a more sustainable system for materials to be used as long as possible. We can do that by looking beyond the traditional 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and including Rethink, Refuse, Repurpose, and Repair as part of our waste philosophy.
In 2025, Kawartha Lakes was the recipient of Quantum’s Circular21 award, recognizing organizations that achieve top greenhouse gas emission savings through reuse and recycling of electronics. Some of our circular programs include:
• Textile collection
• Promotion of local reuse opportunities
• Source separated organics diversion
• Electronics recycling
• Hazardous waste — paint reuse program
• Construction demolition, mattress, and bulky plastics recycling
These programs help make sure that valuable resources are recovered and disposed of in a safe way, while taking important steps to minimize waste and promote a healthy community.
Visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/diversion-programs for more information on how you can help divert material from our landfills. Union School on Kent Street in Lindsay (circa 1898) #2021.003_000350
Winter landfill hours begin October 16. Seasonal road collection ends October 30.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month Visit www.supportedemployment.ca/deam to learn more.
October is Circular Economy Month in Canada, celebrating innovations that reduce waste and support a sustainable economy. Learn more at www.circulareconomymonth.ca
collection
moves forward one day
November• 2026
We are excited to announce that in 2025, Council adopted the Integrated Waste Management Strategy update (2025-2029). Thank you to all the residents and businesses who gave input on what programs matter most!
With the shift in responsibility for the Blue Box program, the municipality is changing how we measure the success — focusing on waste reduction targets instead of the waste diversion rate. Our new goals are:
• Reduce annual residential waste generated per capita by 12% or from 283 kilograms per capita to 249 kilograms per capita between 2025 and 2029; and
• Reduce the total annual waste disposed in the City by 6% or from 50,700 tonnes to 47,500 tonnes by 2029.
We look forward to expanding and increasing our waste reduction efforts to include more options for you! To read more about our waste management strategy visit the Waste Education page at www.kawarthalakes.ca/waste.
December• 2026
As severe weather events become more frequent, preparing for collection disruptions is essential. Heavy rain, flooding, snow, and high winds can delay regular pickup schedules. While we can’t control the weather, we will do our best to communicate any waste collection delays as early as possible.
Stay alert by checking the website, Recycle Coach or local alerts. By securing your bins and being prepared, collection services can stay efficient! If your waste is missed, the following will apply:
• Missed garbage: Your next waste collection day will be a double garbage day. The bag limit is doubled for the week.
• Missed organics: Bring your missed organics back inside and then bring them back out the following week for collection.
• Missed recycling: Bring your missed container/ fibre recycling back inside and put it out in two weeks on your next container/fibre collection day.
For more information, visit the Waste Collection Delays page at www.kawarthalakes.ca/waste.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women – December 6
*Lindsay and Laxton landfills are open 8am to 12pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. All other landfills are closed.
Fibre collection Container collection
Organics collection
Landfill locations
There are five landfills in Kawartha Lakes:
To ensure your visit to a landfill is quick and convenient:
1. Stop at the scale house on arrival for instructions
2. Follow instructions carefully (ask again, if necessary)
3. Pay attention to all site signage
4. Once material drop off is complete, return to the scale house to check out
When not in operation, access to landfill sites is restricted. Charges for trespassing will be laid.
Landfill Hours
Summer Landfill Hours • May 1 to October 15 • Hours may be subject to change based on
operational requirements. All landfills are closed Canada Day. Lindsay Landfill is also closed Holiday Mondays (Victoria Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day and Thanksgiving).
Winter Landfill Hours • October 16 to April 30 • Hours may be subject to change based on operational requirements. All landfills are closed New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Lindsay and Laxton landfills are the only landfills scheduled to operate on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, they will be open from 8am to 12pm, all other landfills will be closed.
Customer Service and Municipal Service Centres
Kawartha Lakes Customer Service agents are available Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm by calling 705-324-9411 or toll free at 1-888-822-2225.
For after hours municipal emergencies, including weekends and statutory holidays, please call 1-877-885-7337.
For in-person service go to any of our Municipal Service Centres Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm:
Lindsay City Hall - 26 Francis Street
Lindsay K9V 6H7 Coboconk
9 Grandy Road
Coboconk K0M 1K0
123 East Street South
Bobcaygeon K0M 1A0
For waste inquiries or to arrange large item pickups contact:
Miller Waste Services 1-888-557-4711 kawarthalakes@millerwaste.ca
For recycling inquiries:
Emterra 1-888-597-1541 customercareont@emterra.ca
Circular Materials Ontario 1-877-667-2626 customerservice@circularmaterials.ca
1 King Street West
Omemee K0L 2W0
Information provided in this calendar is subject to change.
Please call 705-324-9411 or visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/waste for the most up-to-date information.
