Food Scraps and Organics Collection

Food scraps can be turned into compost instead of being sent to the landfill.

Most apartment buildings, condos and co-ops in New Westminster have shared food scraps collection bins.

What Goes in Your Food Scraps Bin?

Commonly accepted materials include:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Meat, fish and bones
  • Bread, rice and pasta
  • Dairy products and eggshells
  • Coffee grounds and paper filters
  • Food-soiled paper towels and napkins

What Doesn't Belong?

Keep these items out of your food scraps bin:

  • Plastic bags and packaging
  • Bags labelled "compostable" or "biodegradable" that contain plastic
  • Glass and metal
  • Pet waste and cat litter
  • Diapers and personal hygiene products
  • Stickers, twist ties and other non-food packaging

Tips for Collecting Food Scraps

Use a small kitchen container to collect food scraps before taking them to your building's shared collection bin.

To help keep your container clean and reduce odours:

  • Empty your kitchen container regularly.
  • Line it with newspaper or an accepted paper bag.
  • Keep liquids out of the food scraps bin.
  • Rinse and clean your kitchen container regularly.

Do not use plastic bags, including bags labelled "compostable" or "biodegradable." These bags are not accepted by the City's organics processing facility.

Questions About Food Scraps Collection?

If your building's food scraps bin is full, damaged or hasn't been emptied, contact your building manager, caretaker or strata representative.

Accepted

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All Food Scraps

All Food Scraps

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Tea Bags, Coffee Grounds and Filters

Tea Bags, Coffee Grounds and Filters

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Pizza Boxes, Paper Plates, Wooden Utensils and Paper Napkins

Soiled Food Packaging, Wooden Utensils and Paper Napkins

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Butter, Solidified Fats and Oils

Solidified Fats and Oils

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Kraft Paper Bags and Newspaper

Kraft Paper Bags and Newspaper

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Yard Trimmings, Small Branches, Leaves and Other Greens

Yard Trimmings