Garbage & Recycling

Download the 2020 Collection Calendar (PDF) today!

Printed copies available at:
Embrun Public Library | 1215 St Augustin Rd, Embrun
Russell Public Library | 1053 Concession St, Russell
Town Hall | 717 Notre Dame St, Embrun

2020 Waste Collection Calendar

Regular Weekly Collections

Garbage Collection

Collection:​

Regular household waste and blue box must be placed at the curb in your driveway by 7 AM on your collection day. Garbage containers must not exceed 125 litres (28 gallons) or 50 lbs (23 kg) in total weight, including the weight of the container. Each resident is allowed one (1) bag or garbage container per week (no tag required).

Garbage Tags for additional bags
Additional bags or containers must have a holographic tag available for purchase for $2 at the following locations:

  • Town Hall, 717 Notre-Dame, Embrun
  • Russell Library, 1053 Concession, Russell
  • Embrun Library, 1215 St-Augustin, Embrun
  • Pronto R J's Convenience store, 1119 Concession, Russell
  • Russell Pharmacy, 110 Craig, Russell
  • Embrun Convenience (Formerly Pierre & fils), 951 Notre-Dame, Embrun

Note: Additional bags must not exceed 125 litres (28 gallons) or 50 lbs (23 kg) in total weight, including the weight of the container.

Curbside Restrictions
The following items are not accepted at the regular curbside pick-up.

  • Ashes, sawdust or combustible materials;
  • Liquid or semi-liquid waste;
  • Hay, straw and manure, grass clippings, garden materials, leaves, yard waste and tree limbs;
  • Major appliances;
  • Fences, fence posts;
  • Hazardous waste, propane tanks;
  • Tires;
  • Construction or renovation debris;
  • Large household furnishings;
  • Crates or packing material;
  • Automobiles or vehicle parts.

Recycling Collection

Collection:
Recycling bins are collected on a weekly basis - the same day as your garbage pickup day. Your bins should be placed at the curb next to your garbage by 7 AM on your collection day. Recycling products do not require tags. Please secure recycling products on a windy day. 
There is no limit to the amount recyclable items in your recycling bins. 


Alternating Recycling Collections
As of January 7th, 2019, your recycling collection will alternate every week between a Grey Bin and a Blue Bin.

During the week of January 7th, set out your Grey Bin with fibres only. The same mixed papers and cardboard that you always recycle. See the list of accepted items below.

The following week set out Blue Bin and recycle all the glass, metal and plastic that you always recycle. See the list of accepted items below.

Please note that bins with incorrect contents not corresponding to the schedule will NOT be collected

FOR THE COMPLETE COLLECTION SCHEDULE, SEE COLLECTION CALENDAR ABOVE.

Broken Recycling Bins:
Replace your broken recycling bin by returning the old one to the Township office. The broken or damaged bin must be identified 'CANTON RUSSELL TOWNSHIP' to be replaced at no cost. Additional bins can be purchased at the cost of $7.00 each. 

Tips & Reminders
- Packaging foam is not recyclable. 
- Styrofoam is not recyclable. 
- By using clear plastic bags (instead of blue bin), paper is not contaminated by rain or snow and will be recycled instead of being thrown in the garbage. 
- Garbage bags & plastic (grocery store) bags are not recyclable.

FAQ - New alternating recycling

1. Why this change?
· This change will reduce the rate of contamination and facilitate the sorting of materials which will reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill sites.
· To comply with the new procedures of the recycling plant where the Township of Russell’s recycling is brought.
· In preparation for provincial rules (Bill 151, Waste-Free Ontario act) and the transition from the blue box program.

2. Why not pick up both bins each week?
To comply with the changes of the recycling plant, which will take place on January 1, 2019.

3. Why haven’t we been informed of these new procedures?
A report was presented to the Council on August 13, 2018. The Council meetings are open to the public and accessible for viewing live and archived on YouTube. Mayor Leroux also posted a wrap-up video on the Township’s Facebook page. An informative document and 2019 collection calendar are being delivered with the gray bins to each household and the information will be published in the local newspaper. This change is only effective as of January 2019.

Mayor Leroux August 13 Council meeting wrap-up: https://www.facebook.com/MUNRUSSELLTWP/videos/1813725992043124/

4. How we remember which collection week it is?
The 2019 collection calendar has shaded weeks that correspond to the collection of the gray bin (fibre and cardboard). The weeks in white are for the blue bin (plastic, glass and metal). See the legend at the bottom of the calendar.

5. What if we have too much recycling for one bin?
Additional bins are available for $7 each at Town Hall and blue bins can also be used as long as they contain the materials corresponding to the collection week.

6. Can I use my blue bin for gray bin week?
Yes, if the materials in your bin match the correct collection week, they will be picked up.

7. I bought a bin at Town Hall and it looks gray, what do I do?
Only blue bins were available at Town Hall up to November 26. The colour might be different because of a different provider but they are all blue.

This change is a step forward to a greener environment. Join us and let’s make a difference!

When is my collection day?

See the village maps below for your collection day. 

Recyclable & Non-Recyclable Items:

(printable version)

BlueBin2019
BlueBin2019

Other Waste Information

Agricultural and industrial Plastic recycling program

Russell Township, in partnership with SWITCH ENERGY CORP, provides free plastic recycling services to local agricultural and industrial businesses. Switch Energy Corp has established a plastic recycling program for the following products:

  • Bale wrap;
  • Silage bags;
  • Bale net wrap;
  • Poly bale twine;
  • Mulch film;
  • Greenhouse film;
  • Pallet stretch wrap;
  • Boat wrap.

In order to become part of the program, please visit the website www.switchenergycorp.com for more information.

Bale wrap plastic can also be recycled at the GFL transfer station in Vars. Plastic must be rolled like a sleeping bag. For more information call 613-443-9552.

Batteries and Electronic Devices

Batteries

Residents can drop off their used batteries and old cell phones at participating location:

  • Town Hall, 717 Notre-Dame, Embrun, 613-443-3066
  • La Source,825 Notre-Dame, Embrun, 613-443-5642
  • Barry's Home Hardware, 120 Craig St, Russell. Restrictions apply. Please call 613-445-2171

*Portable rechargeable batteries weighing less than 2 lbs/1 Kg.

*9 Volt Batteries must be tapped with electrical tape.



Electronic Devices

Residents can drop off their electronics at the GFL Transfer station, 211 Corduroy Road, Vars, 613-443-9552. 

44 different types of home, office and portable electronics are accepted, including: amplifiers, audio and video players, cameras, cell phones, computers and peripherals, copiers, fax machines, monitors, pagers and PDAs, printers, radios, receivers, scanners, speakers, telephones and answering machines, tuners, turntables, televisions video projectors.

For information about products, visit http://www.recycleyourelectronics.ca

Compost

FROM GARBAGE TO GARDEN!

280L (79 cm wide x 84 cm high) composter can be purchased at Town Hall.

Once purchased, you can pick up your composter at the Municipal Garage located at 857 Route 400. Remember to bring your receipt!

IMPORTANT: The sale of composter is offered to residents of the Township of Russell only.

Did you know that composting can help reduce your household waste by up to 30 per cent?

6 good reasons to start composting

  • Conditions your soil for your plants, vegetables, etc.
  • Beneficial for your lawn and garden
  • Recycle your kitchen and yard waste
  • Overall beneficial for the environment
  • Reduces waste brought to the landfill site
  • Saves you money. Free fertilizer

Diaper Program

2019 WASHABLE DIAPERS PROGRAM
Ten (10) $200 grants available

Did you know?
1)One child will use 6000 disposable diapers from birth to potty training,which equals one ton of garbage. Using washable diapers will reduce the quantity of waste sent to landfill.
2)Disposable diapers take years to decompose.
3)Thousands of trees per year are cut down in Canada to make disposable diapers.
4)Savings of approximately $ 1,500 per child.

Eligibility :
1)From January 1, 2019, must have a child of less than 6 months old or be pregnant;
2)Be a resident of Russell Township;
3)Use washable diapers from birth to potty training;
4)Sign up before December 31, 2019;
5)Submit documentation in the first six months after the birth;
6)Purchase a minimum of 20 new washable diapers during 2019.

Documentation required
1)Proof of residence (e.g. driver’s licence, lease, hydro bill, etc.);
2)Original invoice for the purchase of a minimum of twenty (20) washable diapers;
3)Proof of birth of the child (birth certificate). If you are pregnant, you may submit this at a later date.
4) Completed Application Form

Applications can be submitted via email, with the required documents attached, or dropped off at the Town Hall.

Dumpster

Township of Russell is not responsible for the collection service of waste dumpster. It is the responsibility of the waste dumpster holder / owner to contact a contractor to make an arrangement to get this service.

Hazardous materials

Hazardous materials include: 
- Paints
- Propane
- Pesticides
- Batteries
- Fertilizers
- Antifreeze
- Aerosols
- Bulbs
- Fluorescent tubes
- Gasoline
- Oil and filters
- Acids
- Fire extinguishers

To dispose of the above, the Township holds a FREE annual drop off event at the municipal garage, located at 857 Route 400 on Saturday, May 4, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
​
Any other time of year, you can use the following options: 

To dispose of household batteries, aerosols, antifreeze, empty oilcans and oil filters visit: www.makethedrop.ca  

To dispose of other products such as light bulbs, fluorescent, pesticides, flammable products, fertilizer and paint visit: www.regeneration.ca  

Barry’s Home Hardware (120 Craig St, Russell, ON) accepts residential paints and batteries only (not commercial). Restrictions may apply; therefore please call 613-445-2171 before bringing products. 

Rona Embrun (755 Notre-Dame, Embrun ON) accepts residential paints and lightbulbs. Restrictions may apply; therefore please call 613-443-7662 before bringing products.

Landfill / Transfer Station

The GFL Environmental Russell Vars transfer station

Location: 211 Corduroy Road, Vars, Ontario

Business hours: 

Monday - Friday        7am to 5pm 
Saturday                     8am to 1pm (closed Saturdays from the first Saturday of December until the first Saturday of April) 
Sunday                        Closed
For more information, call 1-855-538-2776, 443-9552 or visit their website.

Leaves and Yard Waste

Leaves and Yard Waste can be brought to the GLF Transfer Station in Vars, free of charge to residents. 
See Landfill for more information. 

In addition, twice a year there are Special Collections for Leaves and Yard Waste. 

** New in 2019, a third collection has been added in the fall.

See Special Collections for more information.

Multiple Residential or Commercial Units

Unless you own or rent a dumpster, you must use garbage tags. The garbage tags are sent by mail in December for the future year and they expire on December 31st of the written year. Please provide a series of 52 tags to each unit, apartment or business under your management. Houses with apartments or businesses are also considered 'multiple units' and will receive a series of 52 tags for each unit under their management as well.

·  Garbage tags must be affixed and visible on each bag or on the top item inside each garbage container on the day of pick-up.

·  TENANTS: Please obtain your garbage tags from your landlord.


Pharmaceuticals and Medical Sharps

Canada's Health Products Stewardship Association has made it possible for Ontarians to return unused or expired medications and sharps, free of charge, to the pharmacies in our community. For a list of collection locations, visit www.healthsteward.ca.

 

**Special Collections**

Curbside Exchange Day

Saturday, April 20, July 13, September 14 and October 19, 2019. Between 8am to 5pm

  • Sort and set all your treasures on the curbside (CDs, books, old furniture, small appliances, kitchen gadgets, unwanted gifts, etc.);
  • Identify them as “FREE” for the treasure hunters;
  • At the end of the day, bring any uncollected items back to your home.

DON’T FORGET…

  • Respect other people’s property; don’t walk on people’s lawns and gardens.
  • Take only the treasures marked free at the curb.
  • Don’t discard previously picked-up treasures on another person’s lawn. 


Clean Sweep Day

You want to do more? Help us keep our community clean. After cleaning up garbage left behind in parks, ditches and along the road, leave the garbage bags (no tags required!) on the side of the road or at an intersection. The bags will be collected during the following week. The 2019 spring cleaning is April 13, 2019.


Christmas Tree Drop Off

Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Embrun and Russell arenas at the designated areas during the designated dates. Please consult the Garbage Calendar for more details.


Large Item Pick Up

***ONE ITEM ONLY***

Large item collection scheduled for the week of April 22, 2019.  Place your one (1) item at the end of your drive way ready for pick-up at 7am on Monday, regardless of your regular collection day. Trucks will only drive by once, so make sure the item is out by 7am on Monday.

For more information, click here

*Note that if you have a refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner or dehumidifier, the unit must be drained of Freon (refrigerant) by a certified technician or will not be picked up. 


Leaf and Garden Waste Pick Up
** New in 2019, a third collection has been added in the fall

The Township of Russell organizes Leaf and Yard Waste collections. This year’s dates are: Saturday June 1, 2019, **Saturday October 26 and Saturday November 9, 2019.

The curb side leaf and yard waste collection is FREE. Yard waste must be packaged in paper bags or in reusable garbage containers and placed by the curbside by 7:00 am. Plastic bags will not be collected with the exception of the BIOSAK. Bundle and tie branches; length of branches should not exceed 1.2 m (4 feet) & 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter. Halloween pumpkins are accepted.