How to Dispose of (Almost) Anything in Brantford County

Whether you're decluttering your home, renovating, moving, or simply trying to recycle responsibly, it isn't always obvious where everything should go. Can batteries go in the garbage? What about leftover paint, broken furniture, old electronics, or propane tanks?

If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Can I put this at the curb?" you're not alone.

This guide covers how to dispose of almost anything in Brantford and the County of Brant, with links to official resources so you can quickly find the right answer.

Know Which Municipality You Live In

Although Brantford and the County of Brant share many services, garbage limits, collection schedules, and landfill information can differ.

Official Resources:

• City of Brantford Waste Collection
  https://www.brantford.ca/en/living-here/garbage-and-recycling.aspx
• County of Brant Waste & Recycling
  https://www.brant.ca/Waste

One of the most useful tools both municipalities offer is their "What Goes Where?" search. Simply type the item you're trying to dispose of and it will tell you exactly where it belongs.

 

Helpful Apps & Tools for Brantford & Brant County Residents

Trying to figure out what goes where? These free apps and online tools can save you time and help you avoid missed collections.

?? Recycle Coach

Both the City of Brantford and the County of Brant use Recycle Coach, a free app that lets you:

• Search where almost any item belongs
• Receive collection day reminders
• Get notifications about holiday schedule changes
• Find Household Hazardous Waste event dates
• Set reminders for garbage, recycling, yard waste, and Green Bin collection

Available for Apple and Android devices, or use the web version through your municipality's waste collection page.

??? "What Goes Where?" Search Tool

Not sure where an item belongs? Simply type it into your municipality's online search tool.

Examples include:

• Batteries
• Pizza boxes
• Styrofoam
• Broken toys
• Light bulbs
• Paint cans

The tool will tell you whether the item belongs in the garbage, recycling, Green Bin, Household Hazardous Waste, or if it needs to be taken to a special drop-off location.

?? Collection Calendar

Instead of keeping a paper calendar on the fridge, download your personalized collection schedule online or through Recycle Coach.

You'll always know:

• Garbage day
• Recycling day
• Green Bin collection
• Yard waste pickup dates
• Holiday collection changes

??? Google Maps

When you're ready to dispose of larger or specialized items, Google Maps is your friend. Search for terms like:

• "Household Hazardous Waste Brantford"
• "Electronics Recycling Near Me"
• "Scrap Metal Recycling Brantford"
• "Textile Donation Bin"
• "Propane Tank Recycling"

You'll often find nearby recycling depots, retailers, donation centres, and municipal facilities that accept the items you're looking to dispose of.

Everyday Household Garbage

Only place regular household garbage at the curb on your scheduled collection day.

City of Brantford

• Up to 5 garbage bags or containers
• Maximum 25 kg (55 lbs) each

County of Brant

• Up to 4 garbage containers
• Maximum 20 kg (45 lbs) each

Items that are recyclable, compostable, hazardous or oversized should not be placed in regular garbage.

Recycling

Most households recycle far more than they realize.

Accepted materials generally include:

• Paper
• Cardboard
• Newspapers
• Glass bottles and jars
• Aluminum cans
• Steel cans
• Plastic containers (accepted types)

Make sure containers are rinsed out to avoid contamination.

Not sure if something is recyclable?

Use your municipality's What Goes Where? search tool before tossing it.

Green Bin & Food Waste

Food scraps are one of the largest sources of household waste.

Instead of throwing them in the garbage, place them in your Green Bin.

Examples include:

• Fruit & vegetable scraps
• Meat & bones
• Dairy products
• Bread
• Coffee grounds
• Tea bags
• Eggshells
• Food-soiled paper towels
• Pizza boxes (if greasy)

Using your Green Bin:

• Reduces landfill waste
• Helps lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Creates compost used for landscaping and agriculture

Yard Waste

Seasonal yard cleanup creates a surprising amount of waste.

Accepted yard waste includes:

• Leaves
• Grass clippings
• Weeds
• Hedge trimmings
• Small branches
• Garden plants

Use:

• Kraft paper yard waste bags
• Clearly marked reusable containers

Large tree trunks, stumps, dirt, rocks and sod generally need to be taken directly to the landfill.

Furniture

Bulky furniture doesn't belong in your weekly garbage.

Options include:

• Municipal bulk collection (where available)
• Landfill drop-off
• Donation if still usable
• Facebook Marketplace
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore (if accepted)
• Local Buy Nothing groups

Many charities appreciate gently used furniture in good condition.

Mattresses

Mattresses often require separate disposal.

If still clean and usable:

• Consider donating (many organizations have restrictions)

Otherwise:

• Take it to the landfill
• Watch for municipal bulk collection options

Avoid leaving mattresses outside for extended periods since moisture makes recycling more difficult.

Electronics (E-Waste)

Never place electronics in your household garbage.

Recycle items like:

• TVs
• Monitors
• Computers
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Printers
• Gaming consoles
• Cell phones
• Chargers
• Cables
• Small electronics

Residents can drop off electronics free through Ontario's electronic recycling program at approved depots, including the Mohawk Street Landfill.

You can also search nearby collection locations through the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA):
https://www.recyclemyelectronics.ca/on/

Batteries

Batteries contain metals and chemicals that should never end up in landfill.

Recycle:

• AA
• AAA
• C
• D
• 9V
• Rechargeable batteries
• Button batteries
• Power tool batteries

Many retailers also accept batteries for recycling, including:

• Home Depot
• Staples
• RONA
• Canadian Tire (participating locations)

Tape the terminals on lithium batteries before transporting them to reduce fire risk.

Paint, Stain & Household Chemicals

Never pour chemicals down the drain or place them in your garbage.

This includes:

• Paint
• Stain
• Varnish
• Solvents
• Weed killer
• Pesticides
• Motor oil
• Antifreeze
• Pool chemicals
• Household cleaners

Residents can dispose of these safely during Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events.

These events are typically held at:

Mohawk Street Landfill
20 Morrison Road, Brantford

Check your municipality's website for upcoming HHW dates and accepted materials before making the trip.

Light Bulbs

Different bulbs have different disposal rules.

Garbage

• Incandescent bulbs
• Halogen bulbs

Household Hazardous Waste

• CFL bulbs
• Fluorescent tubes
• Compact fluorescent bulbs

These contain small amounts of mercury and should never be placed in regular garbage.

Tires

Passenger vehicle tires can often be recycled free through Ontario's tire recycling program.

Many local tire retailers also accept old tires when purchasing new ones.

Find participating locations:
https://rpra.ca/programs/tires/

Appliances

Large appliances include:

• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Stoves
• Dishwashers
• Washers
• Dryers
• Microwaves

Appliances containing refrigerants (such as fridges and freezers) require special handling.

Some metal recyclers will even pay for certain appliances.

Scrap Metal

Many metal items can be recycled instead of landfilled.

Examples include:

• BBQs
• Bicycles
• Metal shelving
• Aluminum
• Steel
• Copper

Scrap metal recyclers may even pay for certain materials depending on current market prices.

Construction & Renovation Materials

Home renovations generate materials that require separate disposal.

Examples:

• Wood
• Drywall
• Concrete
• Asphalt shingles
• Bricks
• Tile
• Insulation

Many items can be taken to the landfill, although disposal fees may apply.

Large renovation projects may be better served with a disposal bin rental.

Propane Tanks

Never place propane tanks at the curb.

Take them to:

• Household Hazardous Waste events
• Participating propane retailers
• Approved recycling facilities

Even "empty" cylinders still contain residual gas and require special handling.

Sharps & Needles

Needles, syringes and lancets should never be placed in household garbage.

Use a proper sharps container and return it to participating pharmacies or approved collection locations.

This helps protect sanitation workers and the public from accidental injuries.

Clothing & Textiles

Before throwing away clothing, consider:

• Donating wearable clothing
• Textile recycling programs
• Animal shelters (old towels and blankets)
• Upcycling into cleaning rags

Keeping textiles out of landfill helps reduce unnecessary waste.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Many people don't realize smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should not go in regular recycling.

Some manufacturers and retailers offer recycling programs, or they may need to be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event depending on the model.

Medication

Never flush medications down the toilet or sink.

Expired or unused medications can be returned free to most pharmacies for safe disposal.

This helps prevent contamination of waterways and protects children and pets.

Still Not Sure?

Before making a trip or placing an item at the curb, use these official resources:

City of Brantford Waste Collection
https://www.brantford.ca/en/living-here/garbage-and-recycling.aspx

County of Brant Waste & Recycling
https://www.brant.ca/Waste

These websites include:

• Collection calendars
• "What Goes Where?" search tools
• Landfill hours
• Household Hazardous Waste schedules
• Accepted materials
• Disposal fees (where applicable)

Why This Matters

As REALTORS® serving Brantford, Paris, St. George, Burford, and communities throughout Brant County, we often work with homeowners who are preparing to sell, downsizing, moving, or cleaning out an estate. Knowing where to dispose of unwanted items can make the process much less stressful.

Whether you're clearing out a basement before listing your home, renovating after moving in, or simply trying to keep unnecessary waste out of the landfill, taking a few extra minutes to dispose of items properly helps keep our community cleaner and protects the environment for future generations.