Ottawa junk-disposal & bulky-item guide

Mattress and box-spring disposal

For an eligible curbside household, a mattress can be set out as a bulky garbage item and counts toward the three-item collection-day limit. At City-serviced multi-residential properties, the authorized property contact must arrange bulky pickup at least 48 hours in advance; bulky items go out after 6 p.m. the night before and no later than 7 a.m. on collection day.

Couches and large furniture

Large furniture follows the bulky-item route rather than being stuffed into a garbage container. The key practical question is whether the property is on ordinary curbside service or part of a managed multi-residential collection arrangement.

Fridges, freezers and appliances

Appliances and electronics can fall into different special-item or recycling streams, so do not assume every large appliance follows the same rule as a couch or mattress.

Drywall and renovation debris

Renovation debris is a separate waste stream. In particular, Ottawa’s multi-residential guidance says construction and renovation waste is not collected with bulky items.

Does your property type change the answer?

Single-family curbside collection and multi-residential collection work differently. At City-serviced multi-residential properties, only the property manager or authorized designate can schedule bulky collection, and the request must be made at least 48 hours before the regular collection day. Construction and renovation waste is not collected as bulky waste.

Ottawa: count the bulky item in the garbage limit

A sofa uses one of the collection day's slots

Ottawa's curbside system takes many furniture and mattress items, but the household limit is three garbage items per bi-weekly collection. A sofa can occupy one slot; three bags and a sofa are not the same as three items. City-approved yellow bags allow extra ordinary garbage, yet they do not turn an extra sofa into compliant set-out. If a household is emptying a room, assign the bulky pieces to collection dates or arrange another route before placing everything at the curb.

Multi-unit scheduling is handled centrally

At City-serviced multi-residential properties, the property manager or authorized designate requests bulky collection at least 48 hours before the regular day. Tenants should not use the curbside single-family rule to schedule on their own. The building's handbook also controls where and when material is staged, with a stated evening-to-morning window. Confirm whether the building actually receives City service before relying on it; a private waste contract changes who can approve the pickup.

Do not relabel demolition waste as furniture

A removed kitchen cabinet, drywall sheet or pile of lumber is construction material, even if it will fit in a pickup truck. Ottawa excludes construction and renovation waste from bulky collection. Identify the disposal destination and any hauling cost separately from the household furniture. On collection day, keep sidewalks and accessibility routes passable and put accepted items out before 7 a.m. This is a collection-service guide; the City's solid-waste by-law and current program page control detailed exceptions.