Solid Waste Services in the City of Saint John

City’s Waste Wise program shows impressive early results (December 2022)

Update October 23, 2022

Improved curbside garbage, recycling and compost collection services are now underway with the enhanced Waste Wise Program.

Find more information by visiting the City of Saint John website here: www.saintjohn.ca/wastewise

Questions about the enhanced Waste Wise program can be directed to the Customer Service Centre by calling 658-4455 or by emailing service@saintjohn.ca.

Update September 6, 2022

City’s enhanced Waste Wise program launching in October -- important dates

"I think it's a great system and everyone should be using it."
2021 City of Saint John Solid Waste Pilot Project Participant

We all benefit when the community and City work together to reduce garbage that goes into the landfill.

Beginning October 2022, following detailed planning, a successful pilot program and extensive community consultation, the City of Saint John will roll out the new Waste Wise Program to all households that currently receive City garbage collection. The Waste Wise program will modernize and enhance the solid waste collection service for all customers by updating how and what the City collects at the curb.  

The new municipal Waste Wise Program will include:

• Curbside pick up for recycling.
• Free green and blue bins for the proper separation and collection of recycling.
• A free garbage cart for the majority of households for safe, clean storage and collection.
• Maximum allowable garbage:
  1. limit of one full garbage cart (approximately two large garbage bags)
  2. For households that will continue to receive bag collection:
     1. A limit of two bags every other week
     2. A limit of one bag per weekly pickup
  3. Additional amounts will require the purchase of a green bag tag
• Curbside compost is an existing service that will continue to be offered under the new program.
• A bulky items pick-up service is also offered to all customers, by appointment by contacting Customer Service at 658-4455.

New Waste Wise tools

City of Saint John solid waste customers will get new tools to help limit the garbage that goes into the landfill. Customers will receive two “totes” one blue, and one green tote to use for curbside recycling. There is no limit to the amount of properly sorted recyclables or compost. 

Most customers will receive a garbage cart that will work with the "helping hand" technology helping operators collect garbage faster and safer. Customers will be limited to one full garbage cart (approximately two large garbage bags).

Customers in special collections areas or those who receive weekly service will use the Urban bag tag system. A limit of two bags every other week and one bag per weekly collection. 

Any garbage placed outside of the cart, or in excess of the bag limit, will require a bag tag which can be purchased for $2 / tag. The project team is working to develop a system for customers to purchase bag tags for extra garbage.

Residents of the Lower West side will move to collection every other week and will receive garbage carts.

More information on the bag tag system will be available soon.

Customers will continue to use their compost carts as supplied by Fundy Recycles.

Shape Your City Saint John is where you will find the most up to date information about this project. The column on the right has background information about the project, and what you need to know.

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"It really makes you see how much waste is leaving the household."
2021 Solid Waste Pilot Project Participant

In the summer of 2021, the City of Saint John conducted a pilot of the service to over 1,100 households in the Latimore Lake and Rockwood areas of the city. See summary results here.

Information about what City of Saint John Solid Waste customers will be able to recycle curbside.*

Information about composting for City of Saint John Solid Waste customers (this curbside service is available now).

The Bulky Item Pick Up Program will continue for City of Saint John Solid Waste customers. Register for free pick up of three (3) large items, two (2) times a year

Information about hazardous waste disposal.

*The Fundy Regional Services Commission will be discontinuing their community blue bin service October 2022.

Residents are encouraged to visit Fundy Recycles to find all the different ways you can reduce what goes in the landfill to help our environment and keep your weekly or bi-weekly garbage within limits of our new program. Information on composting, bulky item collection, and disposal of different hazardous wastes is included on this site.

The below graphic shows how much we can save by recycling and composting.

Do you currently compost and recycle? Register to share your recycling and composting tips to residents who may be new to composting and recycling.