Automated Garbage Collection

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In May 2019, carts will be delivered to the remaining households required to use the City-issued automated garbage carts. For information on the program and to see if your property is included in Phase II, go to curbitstjohns.ca and look up your address in the “schedules” section. Residents with questions about the program can email curbit@stjohns.ca or call 311 or 754-CITY (2489).

Information on this page is related to the consultation process which took place in 2017.


What is automated garbage collection?
Automated garbage collection consists of specially designed wheeled carts, and collection vehicles equipped with articulated arms. Residents place these carts in designated spots on the curb and a single operator picks up and dumps the carts using an articulated arm controlled from the truck cab. The carts are used for garbage only. Recycling collection remains unchanged.

Carts are owned by the City and assigned to each property. They have large wheels that are easy to roll over curbs, gravel, snow, they are made from durable plastic and have a life span of 15-20 years and come with a 10-year warranty. Residents are responsible for keeping their cart clean and secure and are required to use a City-issued cart.

The size of the cart was decided upon following the engagement process.

Implementation of automated garbage collection began in 2018.



In May 2019, carts will be delivered to the remaining households required to use the City-issued automated garbage carts. For information on the program and to see if your property is included in Phase II, go to curbitstjohns.ca and look up your address in the “schedules” section. Residents with questions about the program can email curbit@stjohns.ca or call 311 or 754-CITY (2489).

Information on this page is related to the consultation process which took place in 2017.


What is automated garbage collection?
Automated garbage collection consists of specially designed wheeled carts, and collection vehicles equipped with articulated arms. Residents place these carts in designated spots on the curb and a single operator picks up and dumps the carts using an articulated arm controlled from the truck cab. The carts are used for garbage only. Recycling collection remains unchanged.

Carts are owned by the City and assigned to each property. They have large wheels that are easy to roll over curbs, gravel, snow, they are made from durable plastic and have a life span of 15-20 years and come with a 10-year warranty. Residents are responsible for keeping their cart clean and secure and are required to use a City-issued cart.

The size of the cart was decided upon following the engagement process.

Implementation of automated garbage collection began in 2018.




Check out the Frequently Asked Questions document or review the questions and answers that have already been posted below. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, post your question here and a staff person will get back to you as soon as possible.

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    ...where do we recycle plastic garbage bags? I bought them to Robin Hood Bay and was told they will just throw them in the garbage.

    mfoley asked about 5 years ago

    A: Plastic shopping bags can be returned to Dominion and Sobeys.  They both have containers to place them in.  You can check with customer services for the location of the bins.

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    When is it available for McGrath place east

    Edie asked over 5 years ago

    A: McGrath Place is included in Phase 2 which rolls our Spring 2019. Keep checking CurbitStJohn's for more information.

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    I got home from work and pur garbage bin is gone. It was very eindy todsy so i dont know if its blown away or if someone has it by mistske but its gone. What happens now?

    RP asked over 5 years ago

    A: Contact 311 or email curbit@stjohns.ca

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    My bin was damaged during trash collection (the lid broke off). What do I do?

    VeroD asked over 5 years ago

    A: Contact 311 or email curbit@stjohns.ca

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    What is the rated lifting capacity of the automated arm that picks up the designated bins?

    JUNIOR asked over 5 years ago

    A: The rated lifting capacity is 400 pounds.

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    when will the garbage bins be distributed to remaining homes?

    rod hale asked over 5 years ago

    A: In the Spring of 2019. Check out Curb It St. John's for updates

    A: In the Spring of 2019. Check out
    A: In the Spring of 2019. Check out
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    WhAt is the cost to have garbage containers?

    Terry asked over 5 years ago

    A: Garbage containers are provided to homeowners at no charge.

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    I love the idea of the bins however, there are homes on my street that put out 10+ bags each week. There is no way they will be making trips to the dump each week with their own garbage. How does the city plan to deal with the heaps of bags left on the street, rat infestations and torn open bags that get strewn everywhere?

    Concerned home owner asked over 5 years ago

    A:  Waste & Recycling Staff regularly leave information regarding the limited garbage bags at households in such circumstances.  At first this will be a note advising them that they will need to reduce there garbage bags.  Information about recycling will be provided as we have staff that can meet with them to discuss the changes required. 

    We have handled this situation in Phase 1 and residents are making the required changes as some did not realize all of the items that could be recycled.  Bulky items like: milk cartons, tin cans, cereal and cracker boxes, all the plastic food containers that food comes in excluding plastic bags, laundry detergent containers, shampoo bottles and household cleaners.

    We also provide information on the City's back yard composting sessions which has a new tumbler bin that has become very popular as it is completely enclosed and off the ground. 

    And we inform residents of the option of Island Composting and having all of their compost picked up weekly at the curb for a small fee.  Containers are provided.

    We also welcome any citizen to email curbit@stjohns.ca or call 311 to bring garbage and recycling issues to our attention.


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    I love the new system. However I can only fit 3 bags of garbage in this bin. Normally this would be enough but i did a cleanup this week and have 5. What can I do with the extra bags? From what I understand I have to hold them for next week. Is this true? It will take a few weeks to get back on track and in the meantime I will have to keep garbage in the house an extra week every week. I think the containers could have been bigger Jeff

    Jeff asked over 5 years ago

    A: Your options for the other bags are :

    1. To hold the bags back till the next collection or
    2. To bring them to the Residential Drop Off (RDO)  at Robin Hood Bay Landfill.  Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00pm.

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    How do I get a black garbage bin for my house? 7 Jackson Place in St. John's. Thank you Jenn

    Jenn asked over 5 years ago

    A: Carts are delivered directly to households in phases throughout 2018 and 2019. If you have not already received a bin, your street would be included in Phase 2 which will begin in the spring.  If you have further questions, please email curbit@stjohns.ca or call 311.