Unless we manage our garbage properly, our natural environment suffers more than it has to. Effects range from visual pollution to poisoning the soil and water.
The District of Muskoka is responsible for the effective management of waste. Visit the Garbage and Recycling section of their website to find more information on:
- Hazardous and electronic waste
- Composting
- Hours and locations of landfill sites
- Recycling
- Reuse buildings
Waste Management Options
Road Access
Information
Cottagers and full-time residents with road access to Kahshe Lake and Bass Lake.
Lakeside Waste Collection
Information
Location
Rockhaven
Sundays
12pm - 2:30pm (Victoria Day Long Weekend through Thanksgiving Day Long Weekend)
Wednesdays
10am - 11:30am (Canada Day long weekend to Labour Day long weekend)
What can you bring
Recycling
- Use clear transparent bags for easy transport
- Loose material in an open-top box
Household Bagged Garbage
- Up to two bags each week
- Secure garbage inside bags and tie shut
*Do not abandon garbage before or after the scheduled truck arrival and departure times.
Landfill Site
Information
Location
1052 Beiers Rd.
Phone
705-667-8067
Directions
Exit southbound Highway 11 (south of Gravenhurst) at Harvey’s exit
Hours
- Monday-Friday 8am - 4:30pm
- Saturday 9am - 4:30 pm
- Sunday 11am - 8 pm
What can you bring
Recycling
- Take furniture, appliances, electronics, renovation waste, building materials, paint cans — anything larger than a bread box.
Hazardous Waste
- Take your hazardous waste which includes: pharmaceuticals, barbeque starter fluids, paint, pesticides, corrosive cleaners, and grooming products.
- Please don’t pour any of these items into your septic system or into the lake, bury them or put them out with the regular garbage. Doing so could release toxic fumes, damage sewage systems, or contaminate groundwater or soil.
Kahshe & Bass Lakes Waste Management Background
The KBLA Waste Management Committee formed to address the removal of garbage bins at Denne's and Rockhaven Marina in May 2022. Despite efforts to retain them, the Ministry of the Environment mandated their removal due to concerns about illegal dumping and proximity to water.
To replace them, a Lakeside Collection program was introduced once a week, later expanded to twice weekly due to community demand. The program is monitored by the District with input from KBLA. Challenges remain, especially for water access cottagers, as drop-off availability depends on weather, necessitating a trip to the Waste Transfer Station if missed.
