County of Simcoe reminds residents of overflow waste, Christmas tree collection for holiday season

Midhurst/December 23, 2025: The County of Simcoe reminds residents of the following options for overflow waste and Christmas tree removal during the holiday season.  

Overflow waste 

If you have extra garbage and recycling than usual during this time, here’s how you can dispose of it:  

• If your recycling cart is full, simply place the overflow in clear bags or blue boxes – no tags required. 
• Remember to flatten and bundle any extra cardboard you may have 
• If your garbage cart is full, attach a garbage tag to each extra garbage bag (limit of five) 
• For bag tag locations, visit simcoe.ca/waste 
• Keep all additional bags and materials at least two feet from your cart for easy pickup 

Recycling changes effective January 1, 2026

REMINDER: The County will no longer be responsible for recycling collection as of January 1, 2026, due to the provincially mandated recycling change. For any issues regarding recycling collection after January 1, please contact Emterra at 1-888-597-1541 or customercareont@emterra.ca.  

Residents can also visit one of the County’s Waste Drop Off locations if they wish to dispose of their garbage and recycling, subject to fees. Please note that as of January 1, there will be new tipping fees at County waste drop-off locations. Visit the County's website for more information.  

Christmas tree collection 

Bi-weekly Christmas tree collection will take place throughout January, which gives residents two opportunities to easily dispose of their trees. To ensure your tree is picked up, place it curbside by 7:00 a.m. on the Monday of your garbage collection week. Please note that collection may not occur on your regular garbage day, which is why it is important to place it out Monday morning.  

Be sure to remove all decorations, lights and plastic before setting your tree out. Place the tree in a cleared area at the end of your driveway, do not place it in a snowbank, and ensure that the tree is free from snow and ice. Visit the County's website for more information.

*Please note that these do not apply to residents of the cities of Barrie and Orillia. 

To view details about the County’s holiday services and hours, including the adjustment in waste collection days due to Christmas and New Years, please visit the County's website.

About the County of Simcoe

County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca. 

Contacts

Brandon Maron
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-903-7882 (mobile)
Brandon.Maron@simcoe.ca

Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca 

Received by the Township of Severn from the County of Simcoe via email on December 23, 2025.