Waste & Recycling
NOTICE: COVID-19 and Change in Operations
•Please note that due to health and safety concerns including COVID-19, the Township has changed it's policy and staff will no longer be permitted to handle and/or collect liquor and beer empties for return.
Waste Management
Waste Facilities
- three in the north portion of The Archipelago (Bayfield, Pointe au Baril and Skerryvore)
- three in the south portion of The Archipelago (Crane, Healey and Woods Bay)
- two water-access sites on Georgian Bay in the south portion of The Archipelago (Devil's Elbow and Sheep Head).
Agreements with Neighbouring Townships
The Township of The Archipelago has an Agreement with The Town of Parry Sound for the disposal of household waste, recycling and household hazardous waste at its MacFarlane Street Transfer Station. In September 2020, the Township upgraded its operation at the Town's MacFarlane site by placing a compaction bin on site for CONTAINER DISPOSAL ONLY. Please speak to the site attendant upon arrival to ensure that your recyclable items are disposed of in the proper bins.
You will be required to present your Archipelago Waste Card as proof of residency to use this site. Please visit the Town of Parry Sound's website for hours of operation. Please note that commercial hazardous waste is not accepted at the MacFarlane Street Transfer Station.
The Township also has an Agreement with The District Municipality of Muskoka for the use by Archipelago residents of its Twelve Mile Bay Depot only. Please note that this site only operates during the summer months and only accepts household bagged garbage and sorted recycling. It is an unstaffed site equipped with video surveillance. Illegal dumping is in violation of Provincial statutes and Municipal by-laws.
Clear Plastic Bags
It is mandatory that all household garbage and/or recyclables be placed in clear plastic bags. Open recycling containers are also acceptable.
The Archipelago is committed to operating safe and efficient waste and recycling facilities. The Township adopted a "clear bag program” as a cost-effective measure to increase the diversion of recyclable materials from the waste stream. As well, implementing a clear bag program improves worker safety and protects staff, as they are able to conduct a quick assessment of the contents and ensure that there are no hazardous items inside that could cause injury, such as broken glass or needles, oil, paint, pharmaceuticals, etc.
Waste Disposal Cards
All users of the Township’s waste disposal facilities must present a
waste disposal card to the attendant. If you are a new owner of
property in the Township and require a card, or if you need to replace a
card that was misplaced or damaged, you may obtain one at the Township
office or alternatively, you can submit a Service Request or contact the
Township office at 705-746-4243 Ext. 338. A new waste card can be sent
to you by regular mail or picked up at the Township office. Please
note that the cards don’t have an expiry date.
Enforcement
Anyone found contravening the Waste By-law will be subject to enforcement action. Please report any abuse by contacting the Township’s By-law Enforcement Department.