Big changes to Saint John’s garbage and recycling collection have begun.

The city’s enhanced Waste Wise program begins on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Curbside recycling has rolled out to around 22,000 households across the city starting Oct. 23.

That means community blue bins set up throughout the city will now be decommissioned.

Along with the changes to recycling come new limitations on how much garbage can be placed at the curb.

Roughly 19,000 households have each received a 180-litre garbage cart to place their waste in.

Those living in the South-Central Peninsula, Old North End and Waterloo Village areas will continue to place their garbage curbside in bags.

Residents will be limited to one full garbage cart every two weeks, with each cart holding about two large garbage bags. Those who do not get carts will be allowed to put out one bag each week.

$2 bag tags will be required when garbage bag limits are reached and additional bags need to be used.

The tags can be purchased at City Hall and 12 other locations throughout the city. You can find the full list of locations by clicking here.

Residents in the South-Central Peninsula, Old North End and Waterloo Village areas will have to place an urban bag tag on their garbage bags prior to pickup. The tags will be mailed on a quarterly basis.

Some customers will see changes to their garbage and compost collection schedule. You can see your current schedule by clicking here.

Recycling should be placed curbside the evening before your garbage pickup day by 10 p.m.

Curbside compost will continue to be offered under the new program, along with the bulky items pick-up service. You can register for bulky item pick-up by contacting the City Hall Customer Service Centre at 506-658-4455.

Officials said they expect to recoup the $3 million it cost to implement the new system over the course of eight to nine years through reduced tipping fees at the landfill.