How do I know what goes where?

Learn about where to properly dispose of your waste by:

• Using our What Goes Where search tool 

Please check with your property manager to see if your building participates in the GoingUp program for organic waste collection.

Recycle Coach App

To get the same great information and services regarding Richmond Hill’s waste collection programs and schedule, download the Recycle Coach app from the App Store or get it on Google Play. 

• Recycle Coach app

Please Note: The link to the Recycle Coach app is provided for your convenience only. The Recycle Coach app is the property of Municipal Media Inc., and not of the City of Richmond Hill. The City of Richmond Hill bears no responsibility whatsoever for this product, including for its contents or its handling of any of your personal information. You may wish to review the app’s terms and privacy policy before downloading. Any questions regarding the Recycle Coach app should be directed to Municipal Media Inc.

• Dispose of recyclable items loose, not in a plastic bag.
• Empty and rinse all containers to avoid contaminating other recyclables like paper.
• Large pieces of cardboard or other large items cannot be placed in chutes. Cardboard must be broken down, flattened and taken to the designated recycling area as specified by your property manager. 
• Plastic bags, film, coffee cups and lids, all black plastics and styrofoam are not recyclable. Please place these items in the garbage.
• If you require an in-unit recycling container, please contact your property manager.

For more information about the recycling program, including a list of acceptable items, please visit York Region's website. 

Changes are coming to the recycling program in 2026. Please visit the Blue Box page for more information. 

GoingUp program (organics)

• Line your kitchen container with a compostable or plastic bag. Fill the lined kitchen container with organics. When full, tie the organics filled bag securely. 
• If you require an in-unit organics container, please contact your property manager.
• If your building does not have an organics diversion program, these items must go in the garbage.

Electronic waste and household hazardous waste

Please check with your property manager to see if your building participates in programs for electronic waste and household hazardous waste disposal. If not, you can visit one of York Region's waste depots. 

Household battery recycling

Used single use and rechargeable household batteries weighing 5kgs or less are accepted in the collection containers at Richmond Hill’s main Municipal Offices (225 East Beaver Creek Road), the Operations Centre (1200 Elgin Mills Road East) and all community centres and libraries except for Richvale Library, Centennial Pool and the Wave Pool. Cell phone and laptop batteries are also accepted. Used batteries can also be taken to York Region Waste Depots.

For safety reasons, please tape the ends of primary lithium, button cell, rechargeable and 6 and 9 volt batteries. For more information on safe handling of batteries, please visit Raw Materials Company Inc.

Waste Bylaw

GoingUp program

If you are a representative from a building interested in the GoingUp program please contact Access Richmond Hill via email at access@richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-8800.

Participating buildings in the GoingUp program receive in-unit organic containers for residents, educational resources and organic collection carts. The building is then added to a weekly organics collection route.

Appliance and metal items collection 

Free appliance collection occurs monthly.

To arrange this service, contact Access Richmond Hill at 905-771-8800 or use the free online booking tool.

Place material out for collection no later than 7 a.m. on the day of collection, and no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before. 

Bulky waste collection (i.e. large items like furniture) 

Free bulky waste collection occurs twice per month on Mondays by appointment only.

To schedule an appointment complete the online form or contact Access Richmond Hill at 905-771-8800.

Place material out for collection no later than 7 a.m. on the day of collection, and no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before. 

In-unit organic and recycling containers

Richmond Hill provides in-unit organic and recycling containers to all new buildings receiving municipal collection and in-unit organic containers to buildings participating in the GoingUp program. Contact Access Richmond Hill at 905-771-8800 for more information. 

Changes are coming to the recycling program in 2026. Please visit the Blue Box page for more information.

Textile collection bins

The City of Richmond Hill does not provide textile collection services. However, by adding a collection bin at your building in partnership with a charity or local business, you can make textile drop-off more convenient for residents while increasing your building’s waste diversion. Collection bins can be obtained by contacting the organizations listed below.

If your organization would like to be included in this list, please contact greeningthehill@richmondhill.ca.

DISCLAIMER: The City of Richmond Hill (“City”) maintains the directory of organizations for information purposes only. Details of the programs and services may change without notice. Buildings are encouraged to visit organization websites and to call ahead to confirm bin specifications, the level of service provided, what materials are accepted and fees (if applicable).  It is the responsibility of the building to establish a service agreement with the organization. Users are advised that the City does not endorse the organizations or services provided and is not responsible in any way for any injury to persons or property, or any damages or losses of any kind whatsoever, in connection with the use of any clothing donation bins or collection services.

Printable resources (literature/signage)

•  Waste Management Guide