Halifax Garbage & Recycling

Garbage, recycling, and organics collection in Halifax is provided by Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) through municipal waste services.

Your Standard Curbside Service (Most Houses)

Single-family homes and small residential properties receive curbside collection.

What you get

Most homes use:

♻️ Blue bags for recycling
🟢 Green cart (organics)
🗑️ Garbage bags or bins

Unlike many cities, Halifax uses a bag-based recycling system.

Collection Schedule

Typical collection frequency:

• Recycling — every 2 weeks

• Garbage — every 2 weeks (alternating weeks)

• Organics — weekly (seasonally adjusted)

Collection can begin as early as 7:00 a.m.

Residents can check schedules using the Halifax Recycles app.

Recycling Program

Halifax requires recyclables to be placed in blue bags.

Accepted items

• Paper and cardboard

• Plastic containers

• Metal containers

• Glass bottles and jars

Quick tips

• Tie blue bags securely

• Separate recyclables properly

• Use the Halifax sorting tool for guidance

Garbage Collection

Garbage is typically collected every two weeks.

Garbage rules:

• Use approved garbage bags

• Follow bag limits set by HRM

• Hazardous waste is not accepted curbside

Yard Waste Collection (Seasonal)

Yard waste is accepted through the green cart program.

Accepted yard waste

• Leaves and grass clippings

• Garden waste

• Small branches

Paper yard bags may be accepted during seasonal cleanup periods.

Large Items & Special Waste

Bulk Item Pickup

Scheduled bulky item collection periods occur throughout the year.

Community Drop-Off Locations

Accept:

• Electronics

• Household hazardous waste

• Appliances

• Special recycling materials

Compost & Food Waste

Halifax has a long-running Green Cart compost program.

Accepted items include:

• Food scraps

• Meat and bones

• Coffee grounds

• Food-soiled paper

Residents are required to separate organics from garbage.

How You Pay for It

Waste collection is funded through municipal property taxes rather than individual pickup fees.

Residents do not pay per collection.