Bin Site Transition Plan

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In 2019, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) directed the District to transition unstaffed dumpster sites to alternate waste collection service. Since then, the District has been working with communities to replace these unlicensed dumpsters with long-term sustainable waste collection.

New servicing includes curbside waste collection, Lakeside Waste Collection, and new depots. Every community is different and through consultation with cottage associations, stakeholders and marinas, new service is put in place that meets MECP requirements.

2023 Status

Following the election in November 2022, the 2023 Budget and Annual Bin Site Transition Report was ratified through Committee and Council in early 2023. Staff are moving ahead with planned bin site transitions for this year. Detailed updates are provided below. A list of all bin sites currently in service is available here.

Bin Site Transition - September 2023

Chub Lake Road (Bin #17)

  • Residents will now have access to curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Thursday, September 28, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Springfield Road (Bin #82)

  • Residents will now have access to curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Thursday, September 28, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.
  • Please see the FAQ document for additional questions you may have.

Bin Site Transition - August 2023

Severn Marina (Bin #75)

  • This bin site has been removed at the request of the property owner.
  • Residents may take material to any District waste facility. The closest waste facility is Baxter Transfer Station. The location and hours can be found on our Drop-off Locations and Landfill page.
  • Other alternate services are still being investigated.

Longs Lake Rd. (Bin #44)

  • Residents will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on Longs Lake Road will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Mainhood Rd. (Bin #45)

  • Residents will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on Mainhood Road will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Penfold Lake Rd. (Bin #46)

  • Residents on Evergreen Trail will now have access to seasonal curbside collection via a designated common collection point starting Thursday, August 24, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on Penfold Lake Road will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

North Muskoka River Rd. (Bin #57)

  • Residents will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Thursday, August 24, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on North Muskoka River Road will be removed and will not return.
  • Residents on North Muskoka River Road and Timothy Lane interested in winter servicing can participate in a designated winter common collection point. Before installing a bin, please contact us regarding proper placement to ensure collection.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Peacock Bay Rd. (Bin #61)

  • Residents on Butler Lane will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at your driveway starting Thursday, August 24, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on Peacock Bay Road will be removed and will not return.
  • We are continuing to work with Ruthven Marine / Peacock Bay Marina for eligible slip owners to be able to use a designated common collection point for summer service.
  • All residents can continue to deliver weekly limits of garbage and recycling to any District waste facility at no charge.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Bin Site Transition - May 2023

Bala Cove Marina (Bin #4)

  • Lakeside Waste Collection will begin in your area starting Sunday, May 21, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters at Bala Cove Marina have been removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Curbside Collection Update - May 2023

Wood Lake Islanders special landing (Bin #16/#69)

  • Residents with island properties on Wood Lake will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at two special landings in the community.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Change in curbside collection day (various sites in Muskoka Lakes)

  • Residents through various communities in Muskoka Lakes that had collection on Tuesdays in 2022 will now have collection on Wednesdays moving forward.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Summer Lakeside Waste Collection 2023

Updates for existing Lakeside Waste Collection events can be found on our Lakeside Waste Collection webpage here.

Depot Development

Public drop off depots are being established to support communities once serviced by bin sites. The depots will licensed, fully secured and staffed by an on-site attendant during hours of operation, in accordance with MECP regulations. The latest updates on depot progress was presented through a staff report and ratified by Council in May 2023.

Housey's Rapids Depot, supporting Riley Lake

  • ECA Application submitted to MECP November 2022, with final ECA approval issued May 18, 2023. Details are provided in this letter to residents within 500 m of site.
  • Work will continue over the next few months to prepare the Site for the new depot including construction, fencing, etc.
  • Collaboration continues with the Town of Gravenhurst to finalize approvals required for the site - including Site Plan Approval and License Of Use agreements as outlined in the staff report linked above.

Southwood Depot, supporting Nine Mile Lake

  • A Site Plan and Design and Operations Report (D&O) are currently being developed.
  • Consultation with local stakeholders (including the marina and snowmobiler's club) regarding planning and approvals is currently underway.
  • Submission of the ECA Application is anticipated by 2023.

Other sites under development

  • Direction has been received to investigate development of new depots to support Skeleton Lake community and Beaumont Drive (including Allport Marina, Pride of Muskoka Beaumont Farm Rd and Strawberry Bay).
  • Site Plans, D&O's, and further consultation with stakeholders in support of ECA Applications will be advanced in 2023.

Consultation Updates

Consultation has begun with bin site communities and stakeholders in the following communities. Updates provided below are for those areas where final transition dates and alternate servicing are continuing to be investigated.

Bracebridge / Beaumont Dr - including Allport Marina, Pride of Muskoka and Spirit Bay Marina

  • Public survey completed 2021 (summary here).
  • Preliminary assessment of potential drop off depot site currently underway.

Bracebridge / Highway 118E - including Bigwind Lake, Bird Lake, Clear Lake and Wood Lake

  • Public survey completed 2022 (summary here).
  • Results have been reviewed with stakeholders.
  • Long-term planning for waste collection in this area will consider the preference for a permanent depot.
  • Interim winter Lakeside Waste Collection service will be provided.

Gravenhurst - including Campbells Landing Marina and Villas Marina

  • Preliminary meetings held with key stakeholders.
  • Given the large population of islanders accessing bins on both the south west / Gravenhurst side of Lake Muskoka and the south east / Bracebridge side of Lake Muskoka (Bracebridge / Beaumont Dr update above), comprehensive final servicing plans are being considered and transitions on both sides of the lake will happen together as we work toward the 2026 deadline.

Muskoka Lakes - including East Bay Landing and Bala Cove Marina

  • Preliminary meetings held with key stakeholders.
  • Investigating alternate servicing options.

Community Surveys

In collaboration with several marinas and cottage associations, communities were surveyed to seek feedback on long-term waste servicing.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort. Community surveys have been completed in 2020, 2021 and 2022 for:



Sign up to be notified when your community is being surveyed.

In 2019, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) directed the District to transition unstaffed dumpster sites to alternate waste collection service. Since then, the District has been working with communities to replace these unlicensed dumpsters with long-term sustainable waste collection.

New servicing includes curbside waste collection, Lakeside Waste Collection, and new depots. Every community is different and through consultation with cottage associations, stakeholders and marinas, new service is put in place that meets MECP requirements.

2023 Status

Following the election in November 2022, the 2023 Budget and Annual Bin Site Transition Report was ratified through Committee and Council in early 2023. Staff are moving ahead with planned bin site transitions for this year. Detailed updates are provided below. A list of all bin sites currently in service is available here.

Bin Site Transition - September 2023

Chub Lake Road (Bin #17)

  • Residents will now have access to curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Thursday, September 28, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Springfield Road (Bin #82)

  • Residents will now have access to curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Thursday, September 28, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.
  • Please see the FAQ document for additional questions you may have.

Bin Site Transition - August 2023

Severn Marina (Bin #75)

  • This bin site has been removed at the request of the property owner.
  • Residents may take material to any District waste facility. The closest waste facility is Baxter Transfer Station. The location and hours can be found on our Drop-off Locations and Landfill page.
  • Other alternate services are still being investigated.

Longs Lake Rd. (Bin #44)

  • Residents will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on Longs Lake Road will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Mainhood Rd. (Bin #45)

  • Residents will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on Mainhood Road will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Penfold Lake Rd. (Bin #46)

  • Residents on Evergreen Trail will now have access to seasonal curbside collection via a designated common collection point starting Thursday, August 24, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on Penfold Lake Road will be removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

North Muskoka River Rd. (Bin #57)

  • Residents will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at their driveway or at designated common collection points in your area starting Thursday, August 24, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on North Muskoka River Road will be removed and will not return.
  • Residents on North Muskoka River Road and Timothy Lane interested in winter servicing can participate in a designated winter common collection point. Before installing a bin, please contact us regarding proper placement to ensure collection.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Peacock Bay Rd. (Bin #61)

  • Residents on Butler Lane will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at your driveway starting Thursday, August 24, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters on Peacock Bay Road will be removed and will not return.
  • We are continuing to work with Ruthven Marine / Peacock Bay Marina for eligible slip owners to be able to use a designated common collection point for summer service.
  • All residents can continue to deliver weekly limits of garbage and recycling to any District waste facility at no charge.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Bin Site Transition - May 2023

Bala Cove Marina (Bin #4)

  • Lakeside Waste Collection will begin in your area starting Sunday, May 21, 2023. Please note, the dumpsters at Bala Cove Marina have been removed and will not return.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Curbside Collection Update - May 2023

Wood Lake Islanders special landing (Bin #16/#69)

  • Residents with island properties on Wood Lake will now have access to seasonal curbside collection at two special landings in the community.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Change in curbside collection day (various sites in Muskoka Lakes)

  • Residents through various communities in Muskoka Lakes that had collection on Tuesdays in 2022 will now have collection on Wednesdays moving forward.
  • Details are provided in this letter to area residents.

Summer Lakeside Waste Collection 2023

Updates for existing Lakeside Waste Collection events can be found on our Lakeside Waste Collection webpage here.

Depot Development

Public drop off depots are being established to support communities once serviced by bin sites. The depots will licensed, fully secured and staffed by an on-site attendant during hours of operation, in accordance with MECP regulations. The latest updates on depot progress was presented through a staff report and ratified by Council in May 2023.

Housey's Rapids Depot, supporting Riley Lake

  • ECA Application submitted to MECP November 2022, with final ECA approval issued May 18, 2023. Details are provided in this letter to residents within 500 m of site.
  • Work will continue over the next few months to prepare the Site for the new depot including construction, fencing, etc.
  • Collaboration continues with the Town of Gravenhurst to finalize approvals required for the site - including Site Plan Approval and License Of Use agreements as outlined in the staff report linked above.

Southwood Depot, supporting Nine Mile Lake

  • A Site Plan and Design and Operations Report (D&O) are currently being developed.
  • Consultation with local stakeholders (including the marina and snowmobiler's club) regarding planning and approvals is currently underway.
  • Submission of the ECA Application is anticipated by 2023.

Other sites under development

  • Direction has been received to investigate development of new depots to support Skeleton Lake community and Beaumont Drive (including Allport Marina, Pride of Muskoka Beaumont Farm Rd and Strawberry Bay).
  • Site Plans, D&O's, and further consultation with stakeholders in support of ECA Applications will be advanced in 2023.

Consultation Updates

Consultation has begun with bin site communities and stakeholders in the following communities. Updates provided below are for those areas where final transition dates and alternate servicing are continuing to be investigated.

Bracebridge / Beaumont Dr - including Allport Marina, Pride of Muskoka and Spirit Bay Marina

  • Public survey completed 2021 (summary here).
  • Preliminary assessment of potential drop off depot site currently underway.

Bracebridge / Highway 118E - including Bigwind Lake, Bird Lake, Clear Lake and Wood Lake

  • Public survey completed 2022 (summary here).
  • Results have been reviewed with stakeholders.
  • Long-term planning for waste collection in this area will consider the preference for a permanent depot.
  • Interim winter Lakeside Waste Collection service will be provided.

Gravenhurst - including Campbells Landing Marina and Villas Marina

  • Preliminary meetings held with key stakeholders.
  • Given the large population of islanders accessing bins on both the south west / Gravenhurst side of Lake Muskoka and the south east / Bracebridge side of Lake Muskoka (Bracebridge / Beaumont Dr update above), comprehensive final servicing plans are being considered and transitions on both sides of the lake will happen together as we work toward the 2026 deadline.

Muskoka Lakes - including East Bay Landing and Bala Cove Marina

  • Preliminary meetings held with key stakeholders.
  • Investigating alternate servicing options.

Community Surveys

In collaboration with several marinas and cottage associations, communities were surveyed to seek feedback on long-term waste servicing.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort. Community surveys have been completed in 2020, 2021 and 2022 for:



Sign up to be notified when your community is being surveyed.

Discussions: All (1) Open (1)

  • Have your say

    about 3 years ago
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    The District of Muskoka is seeking your input as we transition the bin sites. 

    The purpose of initiating an Alternate Servicing Study is to inform the Bin Site Transition Plan by assessing waste collection alternatives for the District’s communities currently served by 88 existing unlicensed bin sites. The Study will be used to identify alternate waste collection services that are compliant with the Environmental Protection Act, 1990 (EPA), in keeping with the District’s Strategic Priorities and future Waste Management Strategy, and reflects the unique waste collection service needs of each 'bin site community'.

    The Terms of Reference outlines the goals, objectives and key actions that will guide the work of the Bin Site Transition Plan from 2020-2023. Please give us your feedback.

    Go to discussion
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Page last updated: 23 Aug 2023, 12:04 PM