How fast can I get a bin delivered in Ottawa in spring?

Spring is a busy season for bin rentals in Ottawa, and delivery timing depends on two things: whether the bin goes on your driveway or on the street, and how quickly the company you book with can schedule a drop.

For a bin on your driveway or entirely on private property, the timing is between you and the company. We found no City rule that sets a minimum lead time for a bin on private land, so ask each company how far ahead they book in spring and what their current wait looks like.

For a bin on the road, boulevard, sidewalk or a public laneway, the City's Temporary Construction-related Encroachment (TCE) permit applies, and the City requires a minimum of 10 business days processing time. If a parking space has to be removed to place the bin, a minimum of four business days notice is required as a separate step. Neither of those clocks starts until the application, sketch and non-refundable fee reach the City's ROW Permit Office. A bin cannot go on the street the same day you decide you want one there.

A few things to sort out before you book:

• Confirm whether the bin will sit entirely on your property. The City's right-of-way includes the boulevard beside your property and can extend to the end of your driveway near the street. Check geoOttawa or ask the City's ROW Permit Office where your property line sits.
• Ask the company how far in advance they are booking deliveries right now, and get a confirmed delivery date in writing.
• Agree in writing who applies for the TCE permit if the bin goes on City land. The City accepts applications from residents, contractors or construction companies.
• Ask for the cancellation terms in writing before you pay anything.

The single most useful question to put to a company before you commit: what is the earliest confirmed delivery date you can put in writing for my address, and what happens to my booking if that date changes?

Local bin rental companies listed in the Ottawa Construction Network directory can receive your request through the form on this page and reply by email.