Garbage and Recycling

Garbage and recycling services in Cobourg are managed by two organizations:

  • Northumberland County - garbage, organics, and leaf and yard waste
  • Circular Materials Ontario - recycling

Garbage and Organics

Northumberland County provides weekly curbside pickup of organics, and garbage. Please note:

  • A maximum of two garbage bags may be placed at the curb each week
  • Bag tags are required on each garbage bag

Learn more about garbage fees, tips and reminders on Northumberland County's website.

Recycling

Cobourg's weekly recycling program is managed by Circular Materials Ontario as of 2026.

New recyclable items now include:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Chip bags
  • Deodorant sticks
  • Food pouches
  • Pet food bags
  • Styrofoam
  • Takeout cup lids
  • Toothpaste tubes 
  • Wrappers

Visit Circular Materials Ontario's website for full recycling guidelines.

Leaf and Yard Waste

Northumberland County provides free, monthly curbside pickup of leaf and yard waste from mid-April to mid-December.

Additional Waste

In addition to curbside collection, you may drop off additional waste, like household hazardous and electronic waste, bulky items and more at a Community Recycling Centre.

Questions?

For garbage, organics or leaf and yard waste questions, please contact Northumberland County's Garbage Hotline at 1-866-293-8379 or visit the Garbage and Green Bin page on their website.

For recycling-related questions (including missed pickups, blue/grey box purchases and exchanges), please contact Circular Materials Ontario at 1-888-852-4723, by email at area8@millerwaste.ca or visit the Circular Materials Ontario website.

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