Garbage and other household concerns

Garbage disposal

1. Every home must have two garbage carts.
2. Recyclable materials go into the blue cart.
3. Non-recyclable garbage belong to the black cart.
4. Do not over-fill the carts. Lids must be closed.
5. Know your weekly pick-up schedule. Go to your city’s website.
6. For Winnipeg go to Garbage Cart Collection.
7. Place carts outside properly on pick-up day:
• Put the carts next to the street with the wheels against the curb.
• Point the arrow on the cart lid to the centre of the road.
• Leave one arm’s length distance on each side of the cart. The collection arm of the automated truck needs the space.
8. Take carts back to your property after collection.
9. Download Your New Garbage and Recycling Services Guide.
10. If you live in an apartment or condominium:
• There are large metal bins and recycling bins outside the units.
• Ask your landlord about pick-up schedules and other rules.

Yard Waste

1. Grass clippings, tree trunks and plant waste are collected every two weeks.
2. This is the same day your garbage and recycling carts are collected.
3. Use brown paper bags, cardboard boxes or recyclable garbage cans for yard waste.

Water problems

1. Discoloured (brownish or reddish) water may come out of your faucet.
2. Don’t use it for drinking, preparing food or for laundry.
3. Discoloured water is not a health risk.
4. The City recommends letting the water run for a few minutes.
• If it does not clear, turn off the tap and wait 30 minutes.
• Contact City services if the water isn’t clear after two to three hours.
• Call 311 or email 311@winnipeg.ca if you are in Winnipeg.
• Read Frequently Asked Questions about discoloured water to know more.
5. Listen to the news.

Caring for your pets

1. Manitoba follows the Responsible Pet Ownership law.
• All cats and dogs over the age of six months must be licensed.
• Get a licence online, phone, in-person, or by mail.
• Download the pet care fact sheet. It contains how to take care of your pets in case of emergencies.
2. Call 311 if you lose your pet. You can also call:
• Humane Society (204-982-2025)
3. Call these numbers if you see animals wandering around your area that seem lost.

Safety and security

1. When danger is imminent call 911.
2. Examples of imminent danger:
• fire
• an intruder in the house
• a family member needing immediate medical attention. If you are not sure if it is an emergency call Health Links Info Sante at 204-788-8200
3. Have an emergency plan.
4. Check smoke alarms in every room of your house.
• Check every 30 days.
• Replace batteries as needed.
5. Call Manitoba Hydro for electricity and natural gas emergencies in the home at 204-480-5900.
6. You can also report power outages to this number.

Bedbugs and mosquitoes

1. Check for insects when you move into a new house.
2. Check for bedbugs and other pests when buying second-hand furniture.
3. Inspect things completely before buying.
4. Read these tips to prevent infestation.
5. Be careful about using pesticides at home. Chemicals may cause allergies.
6. Mosquito season is in summer.
• Don’t leave empty containers in your yard. They become breeding places for mosquitoes.
• Wear light-colored, loose clothing. Cover your arms, neck and legs if you will be outside after sunset.
• Apply insect repellent on your skin.
• Use gentle bug spray for your kids.
• The City does regular mosquito fogging in the summer.