Waste & Recycling
The Township operates one landfill site and eight transfer stations:
- three in the north portion of The Archipelago (Bayfield, Pointe au Baril, and Skerryvore)
- three in the south portion of The Archipelago (Crane Lake, Healey Lake, and Woods Bay)
- two water-access sites on Georgian Bay in the south portion of The Archipelago (Devil's Elbow and Sheep Head)
For more information regarding site locations and hours of operations, please click here.
Residents are encouraged to review the South Archipelago and North Archipelago waste newsletters for updated information in 2026.
All of the Township sites are staffed to assist you and provide information and guidance on the disposal of waste and recycling. If you are unsure of where to dispose of an item, please ask an attendant.
Please note that it is the ratepayer's responsibility to sort their household garbage and blue box materials prior to arriving at a waste site. Staff will not open or sort your waste and recycling. It is mandatory that all household garbage and recyclables be placed in clear plastic bags. Open recycling containers are also acceptable.
Video surveillance is in effect at all waste sites. Anyone found contravening the Waste By-law will be subject to enforcement action. Illegal dumping is subject to a $300.00 fine.
2026 Recycling Update
As of January 1, 2026, Ontario has moved to a new provincial recycling system.
- Recycling is now standardized across the province. Items such as coffee cups, black plastics and toothpaste tubes are now recyclable in The Archipelago.
- All cartons and containers, including gable top cartons are now to be placed in the Plastics/Containers bin.
- To get your deposit back and keep costs low, please return liquor and beer bottles to The Beer Store or authorized grocery retailers.
- Please visit Circular Materials webpage for The Archipelago for a current list of accepted recyclable materials.
Waste Disposal Cards
All residents must present a waste disposal card to the facility attendant. If you are a new owner of a property in the Archipelago and require a card, or require a replacement card, please call the Township Office at 705-746-4243 ext 341 or submit a service request. Please note that waste cards do not have an expiry date.