Food scraps make up to 40% of our household waste and are banned from the garbage. Food scraps and yard waste that are added to the Green Bin are recycled into valuable compost material. So let’s all do our part in reducing waste by placing the right things in our green bins.
Follow these easy guidelines for a hassle-free experience:
To keep your bin clean and minimize odour, freeze food scraps before placing them into the green bin on collection day.
Food scraps wrapped in newspaper, paper bags or boxboard (like cereal boxes) are accepted in the Green Bin. Garbage and plastic items (including compostable/biodegradable plastic bags and containers) are not accepted. Read more about why compostable/biodegradable plastics don’t belong in the Green Bin.
Yard trimmings also go in the green bin—loosely packed or in a paper bag.
Don't overfill the green bin—the lid must be closed to be collected.
Keep your green bin clean by rinsing it weekly with mild soap or a vinegar/water mix—pour soapy water onto the grass or gravel, not down outdoor drains.
Keep your bin in a shaded area—out of direct sunlight–and always keep the lid fully closed.
If you have extra yard trimmings (not food scraps), you can drop them off for free (up to 100 kgs) at the Eco-Centre (4855 Still Creek Dr). If your load exceeds 100 kgs, the City will charge the entire load at the full tipping rate. Don’t forget to bring proof of residency with you.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat and bones
Eggs and dairy products
Coffee grounds and tea bags
Fish and seafood
Plate scrapings
Salad and dressings
Sawdust (bagged in paper bags)
Pumpkins
Bread, pasta and grains
Soiled pizza boxes and paper napkins
Small amounts of cooking oil absorbed in paper
Grass clippings and weeds
Small branches (up to 4 inches diameter)
Plants and flowers
Wooden cutlery and clean wood waste (no plywood or glue laminates)
Recyclable containers
Liquids of any kind
Diapers and hygiene products
Tissues
Plastic bags
Compostable or biodegradable plastic bags
Plastic foam packaging (Styrofoam)
Plastic or biodegradable compostable cutlery
Large volumes of cooking oil
Tree stumps / branches larger than 4 inches diameter
Animal waste or carcasses
Vacuum or dryer lint
Dirt, rocks, soil, sod
Questions and answers
Yes, separating food scraps from the garbage is required under the City’s Solid Waste & Recycling Bylaw. Please notify the City or your service provider if you do not have a green bin.
Wrapping your food scraps using a paper product helps keep your kitchen container clean and reduces odours and attractants in your green bin. Paper also acts as a source of carbon, which is needed to break down organic matter. If you clean your containers regularly, you’ll keep rodents and insects away as well.
Yes, small amounts of cooking oil and grease from fried foods can go in the green bin as long as paper towels or newspapers have absorbed it. Drop-off larger volumes of cooking oil and grease at the Eco-Centre.
You can reuse a large yogurt container, ice cream bucket, jug or other containers with a lid. Or buy a pail or bucket from your local retailer. Line it with paper for easy cleaning and reducing odour. You can use newspapers, paper bags (mushroom bags, flour bags), cardboard (cereal box) or paper towels. Don’t use plastic or compostable bags as they contaminate and delay the composting process.
No problem. The City will collect green waste on your scheduled collection day even if it’s not full.
Because food scraps have been banned from the garbage since 2015. Reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill will also help reduce green house gases produced by landfills. Green waste that is recycled through the Green Bin Program is converted to valuable compost material.
Yes. Home composting is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to dispose of food scraps. If you have a home composter, please continue to use it. If you’d like to buy one, you can pick one up for $30 at the Eco-Centre.
You can hire private companies to wash your green bins. Call the Recycling Council of BC Hotline 604-732-9253 for more information.
