Missed garbage pickup in Calgary: what to do

Collection runs from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If your cart is still full, check the City’s service alerts and the steps below before reporting it.

Checked against City of Calgary sources on September 10, 2026

Before you report

1. Confirm the date. Check your exact address and the correct cart. Green cart frequency changes seasonally; a nearby household may have a different schedule.
2. Allow the collection window. Trucks run until 4:30 p.m. Follow any instructions in the City’s live community alert.
3. Read any cart tag. Correct the stated problem for the next pickup. The City asks residents not to submit a missed-pickup report for a tagged cart.
4. Check access and preparation. Carts need to be out by 7 a.m., with closed lids and room for the truck’s arm. Blocked access, overfilling and tightly packed contents can prevent emptying.

Report to the City

If collection has finished and there is no applicable alert or cart tag, use the City’s missed collection page to choose the black, blue or green cart report form. Submit a separate request for each missed cart. You can also call 311. This site cannot dispatch collection crews.

Have your service address, cart colour and scheduled date ready. Describe what happened and any access issue. Follow the City’s response about when to leave the cart out; a next-day return is not guaranteed.

For a broken or missing cart

Use the City’s cart repair or replacement service instead of a missed-collection report. For private apartment or condominium collection, contact your building manager or waste provider.

Check holiday collection · Review cart placement · Check an item before your next pickup