Curbside collection takes place between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. If your cart was missed, leave it out for 24 hours before reporting the missed collection.
Common reasons a cart may not be collected include:
- Cart set out too late: Make sure your cart is at the curb by the required set-out time.
- Collection delays: Crews may be delayed by traffic, weather or other operational issues.
- Cart placement: Leave at least one metre of space between carts and nearby vehicles, walls, fences or other obstacles.
- Wrong collection week: Garbage and recycling collection schedules alternate. Check your [Collection Schedule].
- Statutory holidays: Some holidays may affect collection. Check your [Collection Schedule] for changes.
- Unacceptable materials: Carts containing items that do not belong may be tagged and left uncollected.
If your cart still has not been collected after 24 hours, Report a Missed Collection.
Collection crews may place a tag on your cart if it contains unacceptable materials or there is another issue preventing collection.
If your cart has been tagged:
- Read the tag to find out why your cart was not collected.
- Correct the issue, such as removing unacceptable materials or adjusting the cart's placement.
- Follow the instructions on the tag for next steps.
Not sure what belongs in your cart? Visit our Garbage Collection, Recycling Collection or Food Scraps & Yard Trimmings pages.
Extra garbage
If you occasionally have more garbage than will fit in your cart, you can use the City's Tag-a-Bag program.
- Purchase a $5 Tag-a-Bag sticker for each additional garbage bag.
- Keep each bag under 23 kg (50 pounds).
- Place tagged bags on top of your garbage cart or at least one metre away from your carts on collection day.
If you regularly have extra garbage, you may be able to request a larger cart. Additional fees apply.
Learn more about Tag-a-Bag or submit a Collection Cart Request Form.
Extra yard trimmings
You can set out up to two additional kraft paper bags of leaves or yard trimmings each week.
- Fill your organics cart first.
- Keep each bag under 23 kg (50 pounds).
- Place bags at least one metre away from your collection carts.
Additional seasonal collection is available during the City's Leaf it to the City program.
You can also drop off eligible residential yard trimmings at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre, subject to program requirements and limits.
Learn more about Extra Yard Trimmings and Seasonal Collection.
Extra recycling
If you have more recycling than your cart can hold, take the additional materials to an appropriate recycling depot.
Visit Recycle BC or the Recycling Council of BC to find a nearby drop-off location.
If your home has a secondary suite and one recycling cart is not enough, you may be eligible for an additional recycling cart at no extra charge.
Submit a Collection Cart Request Form to request an additional cart.
No. You can choose whether to put your cart out on its scheduled collection day, even if it isn't full.
During colder months, you may prefer to wait until the following week to put out your organics cart if it contains only a small amount of material.
Glass bottles and jars can be recycled through the City's curbside glass collection program.
- Place accepted glass bottles and jars in your designated grey glass collection bin.
- Remove lids and place them in the appropriate recycling stream.
- Do not place glass in your mixed recycling cart.
Refundable beverage containers can also be returned to a Return-It Depot for a deposit refund.
Visit Recycle BC for more information about accepted glass containers and other types of glass.
Regular cleaning helps reduce odours and keeps pests and wildlife away.
- Keep lids closed when carts are not in use.
- Rinse carts regularly with water and mild detergent.
- Store carts in a shaded area when possible.
- Sprinkle a little baking soda in your cart to help reduce odours.
- Freeze particularly smelly food scraps until collection day, if possible.
If your garbage, recycling or organics cart is damaged, submit a Damaged Cart Report Form.
The City will assess the damage and arrange for a repair or replacement as appropriate.
Construction, filming, snow and other road conditions may delay or prevent collection.
Construction or filming
If you know that construction or filming may affect access to your street, place your carts out by 6:30 a.m. on your collection day.
Snow and winter weather
Clear snow from your cart lids so collection crews can identify them.
Collection delays
If collection is disrupted, leave your carts out. Crews will try to return the following day.
During severe weather, check the City's website for service updates.
If you have moved into a newly built house or townhouse that is eligible for City curbside collection, submit a New Cart Delivery Request Form to arrange for garbage, recycling and organics carts..
Not sure where an item belongs? These resources can help you find recycling and disposal options.
- Recycling Council of BC — Find out how and where to recycle or dispose of different materials. You can also call the Recycling Hotline at 604-732-9253 (604-RECYCLE).
- Return-It — Find depot locations and information about refundable beverage containers.
- Metro Vancouver Recycles — Search for local recycling and disposal options.
- Recycle BC — Learn what can be recycled and find recycling depots.