Garbage Carts
Separate your waste into one of three waste streams: Garbage, Green Waste, and Recycling. On this page learn what materials are accepted in your city-issued Garbage. Use the Waste Wizard tool below to easily search for specific items and learn what to do with extra garbage or yard waste.
Acceptable Materials
These materials CAN go into your Garbage Cart:
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Wipes
- Gloves
- Disposable masks
NOTE: If you or a member of your household is sick, double-bag items such as tissues, wipes, gloves, and masks and place in your Garbage Cart.
- Pet waste, double-bagged (small amounts are accepted)
- Kitty litter
- Latex gloves
- Wires/metals/twist ties
- Broken plastic products (toys, hangers, garden hose etc.)
- Padded envelopes
Unacceptable Materials
These materials CANNOT be placed in your Garbage Cart as they may damage the carts or be banned from the landfill:
- Food scraps or food-soiled paper
- Yard waste
- Large or heavy items:
- Construction or renovation materials
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Large wood or lumber
- Recyclable materials:
- Beverage containers
- Metal containers
- Coffee cups
- Paper, newspaper, or cardboard
- Plastic containers
- Electronics
- Styrofoam packaging
What to do with Extra Garbage
- United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Center – dispose of extra garbage or garbage that is not permitted in your Garbage Cart (fees apply).
- Large Item Pick-Up – If you have a large item that cannot fit into your Garbage Cart or cannot be donated, it may be eligible as part of our Large Item Pick-Up program.
- Upsize your Garbage Cart – If you often have extra garbage that does not fit into your Garbage Cart, consider exchanging it for a bigger size.
- Recycling and Disposal Cost Estimator (metrovancouver.org)
Missed Collections
If your carts are not collected by 7:30 pm, please bring them inside and contact Waste Connections of Canada in the morning to report the missed collection. Carts left at the curb overnight will attract wildlife and you risk receiving a fine of $500.
If you missed your collection, please contact Waste Connections of Canada by email or call 604-636-3520.
Bylaws
- Do not place food scraps or recycling in your Garbage Cart. Doing so may result in a $150 fine.
- Do not place your cart out the night before collection. Doing so may result in a $500 fine.
Garbage Cart Options
Residents are only permitted to have one garbage at their property, even if they have a legal secondary suite. When you increase the size of your garbage cart, this will increase your annual utility fees. Please visit our Cart Repairs and Replacements webpage for information.
Wildlife Resistant Enclosures
If you are unable to store your carts in a secure area like a garage, a wildlife resistant enclosure can be used to secure solid waste and prevent wildlife from accessing attractants. Enclosures should be strong enough to withstand the weight and strength of a 600-pound animal. Please keep in mind that odours from solid waste can still attract wildlife, and you should continue to freeze food waste and keep carts clean to reduce smells.
Wildlife enclosures can include heavy-duty sheds, chain link fencing or prefabricated metal storage lockers/containers. A wildlife resistant enclosure is defined in the Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 4679, 2016 as “a fully enclosed structure consisting of wall, roof, and door of sufficient design and strength so as to be capable of keeping its contents inaccessible to wildlife.”
When choosing a wildlife resistant enclosure, consider the following:
- Hinges and latches should be strong enough that they cannot be pried open by claws, and the trigger on the latch should be inaccessible to wildlife. Mount heavy duty hinges to the inside of the enclosure.
- The material should be strong enough that wildlife cannot bite through, bend or crush the enclosure.
- Wooden enclosures should use plywood that is at least 5/9” thick, 2x4 construction, and screws instead of nails.
- There should be no seams that claws can get into. Seams can be covered with metal flashing.
- Enclosures should be designed without any overhangs that claws can grab.
- The enclosure should be anchored to a stationary base to prevent tipping.
- The enclosure should have a roof/lid.
There are many companies that provide wildlife resistant enclosures. Please reach out to Urban Wildlife staff for product recommendations.