Waste Management

Garbage Collection

The Town of Fort Frances contracts out the refuse and recycling collection to GFL Environmental.

Collection Areas Map

Collection Schedules 2023 - 2024

Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 | Area 4 | Area 5

NOTICE TO AREA 2 HOMEOWNERS: THE LAST 2024 GARBAGE AND RECYCLING PICKUP WILL BE ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 27, 2024. This was missing from your schedule.

 

Collection Schedules 2025 - 2026

Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 | Area 4 | Area 5

 

Garbage Collection Reminders:

  • Residents are reminded that garbage must be put out no later than 8:00 a.m. of the scheduled day of pickup.
  • Garbage must be in an approved containers.
  • Only one Type "A" container or receptacle, without a tag, will be picked up. Bag tags should be affixed to either the contents in the type "A" container, so that it is clearly visible once the container lid is removed, or attached around the neck of the receptacle.
  • No waste is allowed to overflow the top of a type "A" container .
  • All excess containers (without bag tags) will be left behind.
  • Incidents of non-compliance with the requirements will be forwarded to the By-Law Enforcement Department for appropriate action.

  • Bag Tags can be purchased from the following locations:

Waste Collection Regulations By-Law 10/04 (PDF)

Recycling

Collection Areas Map

  • Blue boxes are no longer sold by the Town of Fort Frances.
  • Backyard composters can still be purchased for $43.20. Payment will be collected at the Civic Centre and composters can then be picked up at the Public Works office, located at 900 Wright Avenue, during regular business hours.
  • Glass containers can now be included with your curbside recycling.

REMINDER:

Clear/blue- coloured plastic recycle bags are to be used for shredded paper ONLY. If they are being used for other items, your recycling will not be picked up.

Did you know that some businesses, in Fort Frances, collect plastic bags, at their stores, to be recycled? Currently, the following businesses offer this option:

  • Safeway
  • Walmart

If you know of any other places that collect plastic bags, please contact us with their information at 274-9893.

Recycling Strategy - Final Report (PDF)
Recycling Dos and Don'ts (PDF)
Glass Recycling

Single-Use Plastics By-Law

It is estimated that a town the size of Fort Frances could send nearly 2 million plastic bags to the landfill each year. Single-use plastics, it's time for a change.

On January 27th, 2020, Mayor and Council of the Town of Fort Frances passed By-Law No. 11/20(PDF), a ban on plastic bags, and single use food packaging. This by-law comes into effect on Friday January 1st, 2021.

The new regulations are clearly set out and do include a number of specific exemptions. Here are the details;

PART 2: REGULATIONS

  1. Ban of Plastic Bags

    Except as provided in this by-law, no Business shall sell or provide a Checkout Bag to a Customer that is a Plastic Bag.

  2. Reusable Bags Allowed

    No Business shall deny or discourage the use by a Customer of the Customer's own reusable bag for the purpose of transporting items purchased or received by the Customer from the Business.

  3. Ban of Single-Use Food Packaging

    No Business shall sell or provide Single-Use Food Packaging to a Customer for the purpose of transporting, containing, or facilitating the consumption of Prepared Food or Beverages received by the Customer from the Business.

  4. Exceptions

    1. Section 2.1 does not apply to a bag used to:
      1. package loose bulk items such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, or candy;
      2. package loose small hardware items, such as nails, nuts, and bolts;
      3. contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, poultry, or fish, whether pre-packaged or not;
      4. wrap flowers or potted plants;
      5. protect prepared foods or bakery goods that are not pre-packaged;
      6. contain prescription drugs received from a pharmacy;
      7. transport live fish;
      8. protect clothing or other linens after professional laundering or dry-cleaning;
      9. package medical supplies and items used in the provision of health services
      10. protect tires that cannot easily fit in a reusable bag; or
      11. collect and dispose of pet waste
    2. Sections 2.1 and 2.3 do not limit or restrict the sale of bags (including Plastic Bags) or Single-Use Food Packaging intended for use at the Customer's home or business, provided the items are sold in packages of multiple quantities and are not utilized or distributed in the manner restricted by Sections 2.1 and 2.3.
    3. Section 2.3 does not prohibit a Business from providing a Customer with a plastic drinking straw upon individual request, provided that plastic drinking straws are not made available by a Business by default or made accessible for Customer self-service. When requesting a plastic drinking straw, the Customer does not need to specify a reason for needing a plastic drinking straw in order to receive one. Nothing in this by-law obligates a business to carry plastic drinking straws for use by Customers.

If you have questions please contact the Town of Fort Frances By-Law Department at 274-5323, ext. 1218.