Waste collection is changing in Windsor, Ont. Here's everything you need to know

Starting April 1, Windsor residents will see a new company handling their curbside waste collection.

The Canadian-owned company will be responsible for curbside collection of garbage, yard waste and soon, organics. The transition marks a shift from the previous contractor, GFL Environmental, but city officials say residents shouldn't notice any major service disruptions.

Most aspects of waste collection in Windsor will remain unchanged. Residents will continue to place garbage and yard waste at the curb as usual, and there are no modifications to what materials are accepted. 

So, what's expected to change?

A new collection schedule

Under the new contract, collection days will be shifting by one day — moving from Monday through Thursday to Tuesday through Friday. That means residents who previously had their garbage picked up on Mondays will now have to put it out on Tuesdays, and so on throughout the week.

"Traditionally when we'd have a Monday stat holiday, everything would get pushed back across the schedule and some residents, particularly in the east end of the city, would experience collection on Saturday," said Jim Leether, Windsor's manager of environmental services. "We're trying to eliminate frustrations for the residents and make the whole suite of services accessible and easy for them."

Leether said the adjustment eliminates up to eight weeks of schedule disruptions caused by holiday pushbacks.

New trucks, new staff

Miller Waste's arrival in Windsor also means new investment in the community. The company has hired 40 new staff to handle operations, maintenance and support roles. It has also brought in 18 new collection vehicles to serve the city.

"Miller Waste is excited to become embedded in the Windsor community," said Joe Johnson, president of Miller Waste Services. "All the collection units are state-of-the-art. So we'll be able to be very productive. They're outfitted with the most latest technology to be able to allow our workers to work safely and productively and make sure that we don't miss a stop."

While many of the 40 new jobs created by the contract are new positions, Johnson noted that some employees from the previous contractor were retained, ensuring continuity for residents familiar with their collection teams.

The move to curbside pickup

One of the most notable shifts for some residents is the move from alleyway collection to curbside pickup. According to Leether, this shift will allow Miller Waste to use larger trucks, making the collection more efficient.

"Most of the residents that are switching from alley collection to curbside, roughly 85 to 90 per cent were already placing their yard waste and recycling at the curb. It's just adding garbage to that… It allows the trucks a little bit better access," he said. 

The move is expected to reduce the number of trips to transfer stations and cut fuel consumption, supporting a more sustainable waste management approach.

While Miller Waste is handling garbage and yard waste collection, the company is not responsible for recycling, which remains under a separate contract. However, Miller will take on organic waste collection when Windsor launches its green bin program on Oct. 21, 2025.

Green bin program coming soon

 When that happens, the company expects to hire an additional 25 staff to manage organic waste collection.

"We're involved in producing electricity from methane gas from the collection of the organics. We see ourselves as an integrated waste management facility," said Blair McArthur, the owner of Miller Waste.

Who can residents contact for further questions?

Residents will continue to report any issues or missed collections through the City of Windsor's 311 service.

"Please call 311. They have everything they need right there to help you out. If you haven't seen a collection calendar by the end of this week, please reach out. We'll come bring you one or we'll put one in the mail for you.," Leether said.

Leether also advised checking the city's website or using the Recycle Coach app.

"The most visible thing they'll notice is a brown and beige truck coming up and down the road. Miller's colours are there. I think the answer is that the residents should really notice nothing, " he said.

With files from Dalson Chen