Every street in Barrie is about to gain a new, unmistakable accessory: a set of waste carts, delivered directly to driveways beginning June 16. For residents, readiness isn’t just recommended—it’s essential as the city ushers in automated cart collection, a significant change in how waste makes its journey from home to curb.
Barrie’s move to automated waste collection is more than an efficiency upgrade; it’s a call for the community to embrace a new routine. According to Stephanie Mack, Associate Director of Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability, the new carts will “make it easier to get waste to the curb, eliminate heavy lifting and dragging, and keep waste better protected from weather and animals.” The city’s plans mean over 90,000 carts will be distributed in phases based on collection areas, with delivery lasting until late August. But collection itself won’t begin until the week of September 8, making these summer months a critical preparation period.
Being prepared starts the day the carts arrive. Residents are expected to promptly move empty carts from the curb and store them securely until collection begins. With flexibility in storage—from garages to porches or side yards—there’s an opportunity to integrate these carts into daily life without disrupting routines. What’s crucial is that carts must remain on private property and not spill onto boulevards or sidewalks.
Each cart comes with a designated white space for address labeling. Using a permanent marker to add your property’s number isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a step that keeps carts accounted for when collection days begin, reducing the chance of mix-ups and lost bins amid the neighbourhood’s matching sets.
As curbside collection launches in September, those who prepare now will avoid last-minute confusion and missed pickups. For instance, families who have already labeled and stored their carts will find the transition seamless, while those who delay might face crowded curbs or misplaced carts. Staying informed about your delivery window and reviewing the city’s collection area schedule will help every resident keep pace with this city-wide shift.
Barrie’s new waste system is a shared project, and success depends on each household’s readiness. By taking simple, timely steps, residents ensure a smoother rollout and set an example for neighbours and newcomers alike. For further updates and resources, the City of Barrie’s website remains the go-to hub for guidance through this transition.
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Carts are coming this summer; park them until collection begins Sept. 8
