Automated Waste Collection System Effective August 1, 2025

The City of Portage la Prairie is transitioning to an automated curbside waste collection system starting August 1, 2025. This system, already widely adopted in other communities, uses trucks equipped with mechanical arms to lift and empty standardized carts provided to each household. The move will improve worker safety, reduce litter, and create a cleaner, more efficient process city-wide.

What’s new?

• Automated Trucks: Equipped with mechanical arms to empty carts.
• 360L Solid Waste Cart: One black cart per household provided free of charge.
• No More Manual Pickup: All curbside waste must be placed in the City-provided carts.
• No Extra Bag Tags: Only items inside the cart with a closed lid will be picked up.
• 4 Annual Bulky Waste Pickup Weeks: No tags or extra fees required.
• Mobile App “ReCollect”: Launching soon to help track collection schedules and notifications.

What’s staying the same?

• 🕖 Same Pickup Day: No changes to your current schedule.
• 💧 Same Utility Fee: Paid through your quarterly water bill.
• ♻️ Recycling Every Two Weeks
• 🍂 Yard & Garden Waste: Spring and fall pickup remain unchanged.
• 📬 Curbside Schedule: 2026 schedules mailed in December 2025 and available online.

Cart Ownership and Cost

The carts are owned and maintained by the City and are paid for using City reserve funds. There will be no tax increases or changes to utility billing. If a cart is damaged due to manufacturer defect, MWM Environmental will handle replacements. However, damage or loss due to abuse or neglect may result in replacement costs for the resident. The carts are expected to last at least 10 years. 

New Bulky Waste Pickup Program

With the launch of the automated system, the City is also introducing a new bulky waste pickup program. Instead of purchasing tags, residents can place large items at the curb four times a year—once each in April, July, September, and December—on their regular collection day. Items must weigh less than 100 pounds. Heavier items must be disposed of privately.

Placement and Use

Cart placement is important for successful pickup. Place the cart at the curb with the wheels against the edge and leave about one metre of space around it (as shown in the above picutre). Avoid placing it in front of cars, poles, or other obstructions. If you do not have a curb or sidewalk, place the cart at the end of your driveway. City staff will work with residents in areas with unique challenges to ensure smooth implementation.

Extra bag tags will no longer be accepted. All waste must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Overflowing carts will not be collected. Unused solid waste tags can be refunded at City Hall or the Operations Department until September 30, 2025.

Assistance Program

MWM Environmental offers an assistance program for those physically unable to move the carts.  Applications for this program will be available beginning in July 2025 on the City website at www.city-plap.com, at City Hall, and at the Operations Department Office.

📋 Apply at:

• www.city-plap.com
• City Hall - 97 Saskatchewan Avenue E
• Operations Department - 495 11th Street NW

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, see our Automated Waste Collection FAQ page