What is automated curbside collection?
An automated collection truck is equipped with mechanical arms to pick up standardized, wheeled carts to empty the waste into the truck.
When will the automated curbside collection service begin?
The new automated curbside collection service will start on August 1st, 2025.
Who is the contractor for the new process?
MWM Environmental Portage
Who will be affected by these new automated collection service changes?
All City of Portage la Prairie residents who currently receive manual curbside collection service.
Will the time change for collection pickup?
No. Similar to the current manual collection service, you are responsible for storing the carts and wheeling them to the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day.
What is the collection frequency?
As with current manual collection service your waste cart will be emptied every week and recycling bins will continue to be emptied every two weeks on alternating weeks.
Is yard and garden waste part of the new service?
No. The yard and garden waste curbside pickup will not change and will still be available for 4 weeks in the spring and 6 weeks in the fall with the compost drop off site available year-round.
Please do not put yard and garden waste in your cart!
Is manual service still an option when the City of Portage la Prairie transitions to the automated service?
No, once the new contract is in effect in August, solid waste collection will be executed via automated trucks and the compatible carts only.
How much will this new service cost?
The new service will continue to be paid for by the Solid Waste utility fee which is included in your quarterly water billing. This fee covers the cost of delivering solid waste collection services and the cost of disposal and processing of the material collected in the carts. The cost of the carts will be funded by city reserves and will not cause any increase in taxes.
Is my collection schedule going to change?
No, your collection schedule will remain the same through the transition from manual to automated collection. The 2026 curbside collection schedule will be sent to all households in December 2025.
Schedules are also available on our City website, found here Collection Schedules and a new mobile app “ReCollect” will also be available prior to the start of the new service.
What carts will I receive?
Each eligible City of Portage la Prairie residential household will receive one (1) 360 litre black solid waste cart free of charge.
What are the available cart sizes?
Only one size of cart will be delivered as part of the new program. Multi-family buildings that have existing carts will not be receiving new carts and the service will stay as is.
What are the physical sizes of the carts?
The cart is 360L.
Dimensions are:
3’6” Height
2’4” Width
2’5” Depth
The carts are equipped with large wheels with a stable base, designed for easy maneuverability even in difficult terrain.
Will I receive an information package?
When the carts are delivered there will be information provided that will include the 1st pick-up date, and a QR code for further information found on the MWM Environmental website such as properly setting out the containers.
How the cart is dropped off is how the cart should be placed on your pick-up day.
Where are information packages available?
The information on the MWM Environmental website will be available in paper form at City Hall, the City Operations Department, and the Herman Prior Centre.
Will the residents own the carts?
No, the City of Portage la Prairie will own and be responsible for the maintenance of the carts. The carts will have serial numbers which will be assigned to the address; therefore, it is important that the carts stay with the assigned property.
What if my carts get damaged, lost or stolen?
If the cart is damaged as a result of manufacturer's defect, please contact MWM Environmental to have it serviced/replaced under the extended warranty. However, if it is deemed your cart is damaged or missing as a result of abuse or negligence, you may be responsible for the replacement cost.
If cart is lost or stolen, the contractor will try to recover them using their serial number. If the contractor or City of Portage cannot locate your cart, your household may be responsible for the replacement cost.
Is there an assistance program if I’m not able to take my carts to the curb?
Yes, MWM Environmental offers an assistance program for those physically unable to move the carts.
Carts are lightweight and easy to maneuver, we recommend giving the cart a try first—you might find it manageable without help! However, if you’ve tried to move the cart and still require assistance, you may apply for the special curbside collection assistance program. This service is available to residents who are unable to place their cart at the curb and have no one in their household or nearby to assist them. Collection crews will enter private property, move the carts to the curb for collection, and return them to the property afterward.
Applications are available at:
City Hall - 97 Saskatchewan Avenue E
Operations Department - 495 11th Street NW
Applications can also be completed by using our online form or download and print our fillable version (Download Fillable Form).
Can I continue to use my own containers for collection?
No, all residents who currently receive manual pick up will be switched to automated carts for collection. Only material inside the carts will be collected and the cart lid must be able to close for cart to be tipped. Overflowing carts will not be collected.
Will solid waste tags still be available to set out extra material?
No, extra bag tags will no longer be accepted as part of the automated collection program because the new automated trucks are not equipped to pick up material that is not inside a standardized cart. The carts are quite large and can hold more waste than standard containers.
What if I have unused extra solid waste tags?
Unused tags will be eligible for refund at the Operations Department, located at 495 11th Street N.W. and at City Hall, located at 97 Saskatchewan Ave. E. until September 30, 2025.
Why did the driver place a communication tag on my cart?
MWM Environmental will communicate with a tagging system on the lid to help resolve issues of placement, overflowing carts or products that don’t belong in the trash.
What do I do with extra solid waste?
If you have more solid waste than will fit in your cart the following options are available:
- Keep your excess garbage for an additional week.
- If items are bulky, keep them until bulky waste pickup service is provided, which will happen four (4) times per year.
- Take the excess to the Portage la Prairie Regional Landfill (tipping fees will apply). See website: Landfill | City of Portage la Prairie.
- Hire a local contractor to haul the excess waste.
Recycling materials is encouraged and residents may purchase recycle bins at most retail locations.
What do I do with items too large to fit in the Carts?
As part of the new service the City will be launching four (4) scheduled bulky waste pick up weeks per year (April, July, September, December), on your regular solid waste collection day. You may place on the curb, bulky items such as appliances, furniture, auto parts and large crates, not exceeding 45 kilograms (100 pounds) in weight. Any bulky item larger than 45 kilograms (100 pounds) is to be disposed of by the owner. The bulky pick-up schedule will be listed on the City’s website by August 2025.
What do I do with my old solid waste containers?
Your existing solid waste containers are your property. There are a number of creative and environmentally friendly ways to repurpose the used containers and keep them out of the landfill, such as:
- extra storage for tools, potting soil, mulch, yard waste
- animal feed storage
- rain barrels
- DYI potato/carrot planter
Can I buy carts from the store?
No. The carts may look similar, but they are different and the City of Portage la Prairie carts will be tagged to your address. The carts that will be delivered to your home were chosen for their technical specifications, in particular, their durability and compatibility with the automated collection trucks.
Please note, only the City of Portage la Prairie carts will be collected.
Are residents able to purchase additional carts?
No, additional carts are not available free of charge or for purchase. The carts are quite large and the city only allows one cart per household, however residents can make arrangements with MWM Environmental or another contractor for additional pick ups.
There is no limit on recycling, and lawn and garden waste must not be placed in the solid waste cart.
How should the carts be placed for collection?
The placement of the cart is very important because the automated truck's mechanical arms need sufficient room to pick up and empty the cart.
General rule of thumb for proper cart placement:
- Place wheels against the curb without impeding roadway or bike lanes.
- Leave 1 metre (~3ft) of space around your carts.
- Do not block the sidewalks, roadway or bike lanes.
- Keep carts away from barriers such as cars, poles or utility boxes.
What if I have no sidewalk or curb?
For majority of residents, please place carts at the end of your driveway, adjacent to roadway.
City of Portage la Prairie staff and MWM Environmental will be addressing the problematic areas ahead of the cart deliveries to determine the most suitable areas of cart placements.
What are the benefits of automated collection service?
The new service will provide City of Portage la Prairie residents with the following:
- Improved worker health and safety.
- Improved neighbourhood esthetics by keeping materials contained.
- Easy to roll carts with attached lids.
- Leads to faster pick-ups and fewer delays and less emissions.