Vancouver

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Recycling and Waste Management

Overview of waste disposal, recycling programs, and composting requirements in Vancouver.

Sections

1. Overview of Vancouver’s Waste Management System

The City of Vancouver operates a three-stream waste management system:

  • Recycling: For materials that can be processed and reused.
  • Composting (Green Bin Program): For organic waste, including food scraps and yard trimmings.
  • Garbage: For non-recyclable and non-compostable waste.

The city encourages residents to minimize garbage by maximizing recycling and composting. Waste collection services are provided to single-family homes, duplexes, and some multi-family buildings, while private companies often handle waste for larger apartment buildings and businesses.

2. Recycling in Vancouver

Recycling is managed by Recycle BC, a non-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling.

What Can Be Recycled?

  • Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard boxes, and paper packaging.
  • Plastic Containers: Bottles, jugs, tubs, and lids (e.g., yogurt containers, milk jugs).
  • Metal: Aluminum cans, tin cans, and foil.
  • Glass: Non-refundable glass jars and bottles (e.g., pickle jars).
  • Other Packaging: Cartons (e.g., milk or juice cartons), frozen food boxes, and plastic bags (must be clean and bundled).

What Cannot Be Recycled?

  • Styrofoam (can be dropped off at specific depots).
  • Plastic straws, cutlery, and non-recyclable plastics.
  • Hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, electronics).

How to Recycle?

  • Use the blue bin provided by the city for curbside recycling.
  • Ensure items are clean and dry before placing them in the bin.
  • Do not bag recyclables; place them loose in the bin.

Drop-Off Locations

For items not accepted in curbside recycling (e.g., Styrofoam, electronics, and soft plastics), you can visit a Recycling Depot:

  • Vancouver South Transfer Station: 377 West Kent Avenue North.
  • Zero Waste Centre: 8588 Yukon Street.

3. Composting (Green Bin Program)

The Green Bin Program is mandatory for all residents and is designed to divert organic waste from landfills.

What Can Be Composted?

  • Food Scraps: Fruits, vegetables, meat, bones, dairy, bread, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
  • Yard Waste: Grass clippings, leaves, branches, and plants.
  • Food-Soiled Paper: Napkins, paper towels, and pizza boxes.

What Cannot Be Composted?

  • Plastic bags (unless certified compostable).
  • Pet waste, diapers, and sanitary products.
  • Rocks, soil, and treated wood.

How to Compost?

  • Use the green bin provided by the city.
  • Line your kitchen food scraps container with newspaper or compostable bags to make it easier to transfer waste to the green bin.
  • Place the green bin at the curb on collection day.

4. Garbage Disposal

Garbage collection is for items that cannot be recycled or composted.

What Goes in the Garbage?

  • Non-recyclable plastics (e.g., chip bags, candy wrappers).
  • Pet waste and diapers.
  • Broken household items (e.g., ceramics, non-recyclable glass).

How to Dispose of Garbage?

  • Use the garbage bin provided by the city.
  • Ensure garbage is bagged and fits within the bin.

Drop-Off Locations for Large or Hazardous Items

For items that cannot go in the garbage bin (e.g., furniture, appliances, or hazardous waste), visit:

  • Vancouver South Transfer Station: 377 West Kent Avenue North.
  • Zero Waste Centre: 8588 Yukon Street.

5. Collection Schedule

  • The city provides a collection calendar for each household, which can be accessed online or via the VanCollect app.
  • Recycling, composting, and garbage are collected on a rotating schedule (e.g., weekly for composting, bi-weekly for garbage and recycling).

6. Associated Costs

Residents pay for waste management services through their property taxes or utility bills. The cost depends on the size of the garbage bin you choose:

  • Small Bin: Lower cost, encourages waste reduction.
  • Medium/Large Bin: Higher cost, for households generating more waste.

For 2023, the approximate annual fees for single-family homes are:

  • Small bin: $100–$150.
  • Medium bin: $200–$250.
  • Large bin: $300–$350.

Additional fees may apply for extra garbage bags or special pickups.

7. Special Waste Disposal

  • Electronics and Batteries: Drop off at designated depots (e.g., London Drugs, Return-It depots).
  • Hazardous Waste: Paint, chemicals, and propane tanks can be taken to the Vancouver South Transfer Station or other approved facilities.
  • Bulky Items: The city offers a large item pickup service for furniture, mattresses, and appliances (limit of 3 items per year).

8. Tips for Newcomers

  • Learn the Rules: Familiarize yourself with what goes in each bin to avoid contamination.
  • Use the VanCollect App: This app provides reminders for collection days and information on how to dispose of specific items.
  • Visit Recycling Depots: If in doubt, take items to a depot for proper disposal.
  • Reduce Waste: Consider buying in bulk, using reusable containers, and composting at home to minimize waste.

9. Cultural Considerations

  • Vancouverites take recycling and composting seriously, and there is a strong social expectation to follow the rules.
  • Contaminating recycling or compost bins with non-acceptable items can result in fines or rejected collection.
  • Many businesses and public spaces also have multi-stream waste bins, so be mindful of sorting your waste correctly when out and about.

10. Resources

  • City of Vancouver Waste Management: vancouver.ca
  • Recycle BC: recyclebc.ca
  • VanCollect App: Available on iOS and Android for collection schedules and waste sorting tips.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only comply with Vancouver’s waste management system but also contribute to the city’s sustainability goals. Let me know if you need further assistance!