I AM A TENANT 
Waste Management
Keeping our communities clean is a shared responsibility.
OCH provides waste and recycling services, but we all have a part to play in keeping our communities clean.
As a tenant, you are responsible for:
- Sorting your waste into the right bin.
- Putting garbage, recycling and organics inside the correct bin or container.
- Tying garbage bags securely.
- Following the waste collection system used in your community.
- Keeping hallways, waste rooms and areas around waste bins clear.
- Never leaving garbage or unwanted items on the ground or beside a bin.
When waste is left on the ground or put in the wrong place, OCH has to arrange extra pickups and cleanups. This costs money and takes staff time away from other work in our communities.
Sort it right. Put it in the bin. Help keep your community clean.
What goes where? OCH has four waste streams
Glass, metal and plastic
Containers and packaging made from glass, metal and plastic
Fibre
Papers and cardboard
Organics
Food scraps and other organic waste
Landfill
Garbage that cannot be recycled or composted
Useful Links
City of Ottawa Waste Explorer 
Browse any item and see in which bin it goes.
Garbage and Recycling Calendar
Check when you should take your garbage and recycling out.
Tips to keep your Green Bin odour-free
Sort organic waste without the unpleasant odors.
How is waste collected in your community?
Waste collection is different across OCH communities. Find the type of waste system you use below for tips on disposing of your waste safely and correctly.
- Apartments with traditional garbage chutes
Using your garbage chute
- Use strong garbage bags that are securely tied.
- Use bags that are 50 litres or smaller. Larger bags can leak or block the chute.
- Do not put heavy or bulky items down the chute.
- Do not leave garbage or other items in hallways or service areas. They can attract pests and create safety hazards.
Remember: Recycling and organics do not belong in the garbage chute. Use the recycling and organics bins provided in your building.
- Apartments with community waste rooms
Some OCH apartment buildings have community waste rooms where you can sort your garbage, recycling and organics.
Use the signs in the waste room to find the right bin for each type of waste.
Tips
- Sort your waste before taking it to the waste room.
- Put everything inside the correct bin.
- Break down cardboard boxes so they take up less space.
- Use your green bin for food scraps and other accepted organic waste.
- Do not leave garbage or unwanted items on the floor.
Make organics easier at home:
- Use a small container in your kitchen to collect food scraps.
- Keeping the container in a cool place can help reduce smells. If you have room, you can also keep food scraps in a bag or container in your fridge or freezer until you are ready to dispose of them.
- Townhome communities with shared waste bins
Some OCH townhome communities have shared garbage, recycling and organics bins inside waste enclosures.
Tips
- Bring your waste inside the enclosure and put it in the correct bin.
- Do not throw bags over the enclosure. They can miss the bin or hit someone on the other side.
- If a garbage bag is too heavy or difficult to put in the bin, use smaller bags.
- Put all garbage, recycling and organics inside the correct bins.
- Do not leave waste on the ground or outside the enclosure.
Is the bin full?
- Do not leave your waste beside the bin.
- Contact OCH’s 24/7 Contact Centre at 613-731-1182 to report the problem.
- Townhome communities with curbside collection
In some OCH townhome communities, tenants put their garbage, recycling and organics at the curb or at a central collection area.
What you need
- The City of Ottawa provides a green bin for organics.
- Tenants are responsible for getting the garbage and recycling containers required for their collection service.
Know your collection day
- Use the City of Ottawa’s garbage and recycling collection calendar to find your collection day.
- Put your waste out at the correct time and bring your containers back in after collection.
How to use the waste collection calendar:
- Communities with in-ground waste bins or earth bins
Some OCH communities use in-ground waste bins.
Tips
- Put your waste inside the correct opening.
- Tie garbage bags securely.
- Do not overfill or force waste into a full bin.
- Do not leave bags or other items on the ground beside the bin.
Is the bin full?
- Contact our 24/7 Contact Centre at 613-731-1182.
- Do not leave your waste beside the bin.
Furniture or large items
Do not leave furniture, mattresses, appliances or other large items in or near garbage bins, waste rooms, hallways or waste enclosures. Contact your Tenant Experience Manager to find out where to place these items for collection.
Batteries, light bulbs and hazardous waste
These items should never go in your regular garbage or recycling. The City of Ottawa provides information about where and how to dispose of hazardous waste and special items safely.
Find out where special items goBefore you throw something away
Can your item be reused or repaired? Repairing and reusing household items can keep them out of landfill. The Ottawa Tool Library holds Repair Cafés where volunteers help people repair household items such as small appliances, electronics, textiles and furniture.
Find a Repair CaféThere is a problem?
Contact OCH if a bin is full or damaged, a garbage chute is blocked, or waste has been left in a hallway or other unsafe location.
Contact us
More waste and recycling resources
Green Corner
Tips and information about waste, recycling, energy and other environmental initiatives at OCH.
Waste Reduction Champion Program
Helping residents in apartment and multi-unit buildings learn about recycling and waste reduction and encourage others in their building to participate.
Circular Materials
Learn about Ontario’s recycling system and what happens to recyclable materials.