Commercial Garbage Best Practices

Property owner garbage collection registration:

Business garbage collection is offered in the downtown Kingston BIA by the City of Kingston for a fee of $315.94 per business on the property. Property owners must apply for waste collection, not the business owner.

Commercial garbage pickup:

  • Commercial pick-up Tuesday mornings apart from holiday weekends

  • Download a digital or print calendar of the garbage pickup schedule using this link: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/garbage-and-recycling/collection-calendar/

Recycling pick up:

  • There is NO commercial recycling collection in downtown Kingston.

  • Drop off recycling at the Kingston Area Recycling Center at 196 Lappan’s Lane or use a private contractor for pickup. DO NOT DISPOSE WITH GARBAGE.

Stay within your bag limit:

  • Each business is limited to six bags.

  • *Purchase tags for additional bags. Bag tag money goes towards improving garbage management (See resources below).

  • If you regularly have more than 6 bags, use a private contractor for additional pickup.

Illegal Dumping:

  • Never dispose of garbage in or beside public garbage receptacles:

  • This is considered illegal dumping and comes with a minimum $200 penalty plus extra charges for cleanup costs. These receptacles are for public use only.

  • If you witness instances of illegal dumping in downtown Kingston, you can report it to bylaw enforcement by emailing bylawenforcement@cityofkingston.ca

  • Do not dispose of large items like construction materials or furniture on the sidewalk. Take it to a designated waste disposal site.

  • Cigarettes and receipts (majority of stray garbage)

  • If you attract patrons that smoke, provide a place to butt out, or contact the BIA and we will provide you with a receptacle.

  • Encourage digital receipts. Patio operators ensure receipts don’t get picked up by the wind.

Invest in garbage containers:

  • Mark them clearly with your business name and/or address with a permanent marker or paint to deter theft.

  • If you have greasy garbage invest in a power washer and clean the sidewalk after garbage day.

  • If your product creates a lot of spills, i.e. ice cream or beer. Invest in a power washer and clean your sidewalk (and sometimes your neighbours) regularly.

Posters on poles:

  • Take time to strip posters on poles outside of your business. It is illegal to post on poles and comes with a fine of $5000.

  • If you are a music venue, ensure that you make it clear to your musicians and promoters that posting on pole is illegal.

  • If you witness someone posting poles, try to take an identifying photo and report them to bylawenforcement@cityofkingston.ca

  • Sidewalk cleanliness:

  • Please keep the sidewalk clean directly outside of your business. Regular sweeping, washing with eco-friendly soap and water, and promptly removing any litter will contribute to a positive image for your business and for the downtown core.

Clean windows, facades:

  • Regularly cleaning windows, facades, and entryways not only demonstrates pride in your establishment but also creates an inviting atmosphere for customers. First impressions matter.

  • Resources to help you succeed

  • Download a digital or print calendar of the garbage pickup schedule using this link: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/garbage-and-recycling/collection-calendar/

  • Download the ‘Kingston Waste’ App to get notified of garbage related events

  • Bag tags: $4 each. City Hall and Metro (Barrie and Princess) sell them