Garbage and Recycling

Recycling Changes in Effect

As of January 1st, 2026, the new recycling changes are in effect. This means recycling collection (BLUE AND GREY BOX) in the enhanced services area is down to one day and will be picked up on Saturdays at 7 a.m.

These changes are in response to the Province of Ontario’s new Blue Box Regulation (O. Reg. 391/21).

FAQ:

How do I know if I am in the enhanced area?

Locations are as follows:

• Academy St. from King St. to St. Paul St.
• Carlisle St. from King St. to St. Paul St.
• Centre St. from Court St. to Geneva St.
• Church St. from Geneva St. to King St. and from James St. to Ontario St.
• Court Alley between Academy St. and Court St.
• Court St. from Geneva St. to King St.
• Garden Park from St. Paul St. to King St.
• Geneva St. from Court St. to Welland Ave.
• Helliwells Ln. from Summer St. to King St.
• James St. from St. Paul St. to Market St.
• King St.
• Ontario St. from St. Paul St. to King St.
• Queen St. from St. Paul St. to King St.
• St. Paul St. from Ontario St. to Geneva St.
• Summer St.
• William St. from St. Paul St. to King St.

What do I do with the cardboard I usually recycle on Tuesday, but now can’t?

You are encouraged to use the cardboard bins that are available for use throughout the week. All cardboard must be broken down and flattened before being placed into a bin.

Where are the cardboard bins?

The locations are shown on the map above and can be found here:

• 8 St. Paul St. South, side of St. Paul St. in city parking Lot
• 1 David Howes Way, Meridian Centre parking lot
• Helliwells Ln.
• Garden Park municipal parking lot, two locations
• 8 Gale Cres., old arena parking lot
• Behind Herzog’s men’s store in parking lot, access on Court St.
• 51 Geneva St. in parking lot of Old Gibby’s Electronic Supermarket
• 66 Geneva St. behind the Big Bee convenience store

What if I am outside the enhanced area?

Businesses within the BIA on Church Street are encouraged to use the cardboard bins.

Businesses outside the enhanced collection zone should arrange private recycling services as soon as possible to avoid service interruptions.

Who can I share my feedback with?

Feedback about the new Recycling changes should be shared to kat@mydowntown.ca

Background Information & Resources

St. Catharines Standard: “This recommendation was not made lightly”: Recycling collection poised to end for Niagara businesses

Niagara Region Public Works Committee Meeting – Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Decision: That Report PW 8-2025, dated March 4, 2025, respecting Recycling to Non-Eligible Soruces Following of Provincial Transition Period December 31, 2025, BE REFERRED to the Public Works Committee meeting on MAY 7, 2025, for staff to undertake additional reach out to ineligible source and advocacy at the province. – CARRIED

How to Get Involved

We encourage residents and businesses to advocate for recycling service to continue in Downtown by sending the following letter to your local MPPs.

Instructions:

• Download a copy of the Draft Letter to MPPs
• Replace the highlighted text with your own information
• Send to your local MPP
  • Jennie Stevens MPP, St. Catharines – jstevens-co@ndp.on.ca
  • Sam Oosterhoff MPP, Niagara West – sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 

The following map shows the boundaries of the Enhanced Collection Area and the Base Collection Area, as well as the locations of cardboard collection bins.

If your commercial property is in the St. Catharines Downtown – Enhanced Collection Area, your curbside collection schedule is:

• Garbage collection (limit of 7 bags/cans) – Sunday morning, 7 a.m., Tuesday evening, 5 p.m., Thursday evening, 5 p.m., Saturday morning, 7 a.m.

• Recycling (Blue and Grey boxes and carts), including CARDBOARD collection (no limits) – Saturday morning, 7 a.m.

• Organics collection (Green bins and carts) (no limits) – Tuesday evening, 5 p.m., Thursday evening, 5 p.m., Saturday morning 7 a.m.

If your commercial property is in the St. Catharines Downtown – Basic Collection Area, your curbside collection schedule is:

• Garbage collection (limit of 4 bags/cans) – Tuesday evening, 5pm.

• Recycling (Blue and Grey boxes and carts), including CARDBOARD collection (no limits) – Tuesday morning, 7 a.m.

• Organics collection (Green bins and carts) (no limits) – Tuesday evening, 5 p.m.

For curbside collection, cardboard should be flattened and placed tightly inside Grey Box/Bin. Cardboard boxes that have not been broken down may not be collected. Throughout the week, you may use these OCC bins intended for the disposal of Old Corrugated Cardboard. You can find them in various locations of Downtown St. Catharines (see map above).

Additional information on waste collection for the Downtown St. Catharines DBA Collection areas can be found at the Niagara Region’s website.

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