Victoria

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Waste Management

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Victoria, BC

Victoriaโ€™s waste management system is divided into several categories to ensure proper disposal and recycling:

a. Garbage (Landfill Waste)

  • What it includes: Non-recyclable and non-compostable items such as plastic wrap, broken ceramics, and certain types of packaging.
  • What it excludes: Recyclables, compostable materials, and hazardous waste.

b. Recycling

  • What it includes:
    • Paper products: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, office paper, and paper packaging.
    • Plastic containers: Rigid plastic containers labeled with recycling symbols (e.g., #1, #2, #5).
    • Metal items: Aluminum cans, tin cans, and clean foil.
    • Glass: Bottles and jars (clean and label-free).
  • What it excludes: Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and items contaminated with food.

c. Organics (Composting)

  • What it includes:
    • Food scraps: Fruits, vegetables, meat, bones, dairy, and eggshells.
    • Yard waste: Grass clippings, leaves, and small branches.
    • Compostable paper: Napkins, paper towels, and pizza boxes.
  • What it excludes: Plastic, glass, and non-compostable materials.

d. Hazardous Waste

  • What it includes: Batteries, paint, chemicals, electronics, light bulbs, and propane tanks.
  • What it excludes: Regular household waste and recyclables.

e. Bulky Items

  • What it includes: Furniture, mattresses, and large appliances.
  • What it excludes: Items that can be recycled or composted.

2. Collection Schedules

The City of Victoria provides curbside collection services for garbage, recycling, and organics. Hereโ€™s how it works:

a. Frequency

  • Garbage: Collected every two weeks.
  • Recycling: Collected every two weeks (alternating weeks with garbage collection).
  • Organics (Compost): Collected weekly.

b. How to Find Your Schedule

  • Use the "Victoria Waste App" or visit the City of Victoria Waste Collection Schedule website. Enter your address to view your personalized collection calendar.
  • You can also sign up for email or text reminders.

c. Preparation for Collection

  • Place bins at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection day.
  • Ensure bins are at least 1 meter apart and away from obstacles like parked cars or trees.
  • Lids must be closed to prevent spillage.

3. Drop-Off Locations

For items that cannot be collected curbside, Victoria has several drop-off facilities:

a. Hartland Landfill and Recycling Facility

  • Location: 1 Hartland Ave, Saanich, BC (about 14 km from downtown Victoria).
  • Services:
    • Disposal of garbage, yard waste, and bulky items.
    • Drop-off for recyclables, hazardous waste, and electronics.
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Sundays and holidays).
  • Fees: Vary by item and weight (see "Costs and Fees" below).

b. Return-It Depots

  • Locations: Multiple locations in Greater Victoria (e.g., Bottle Depot on Quadra Street).
  • Services: Accept beverage containers, electronics, small appliances, and light bulbs for recycling.
  • Fees: Free for most items.

c. Composting Facilities

  • Location: Hartland Landfill accepts yard waste and organic materials for composting.
  • Community Composting Programs: Some neighborhoods have local composting initiatives.

d. Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

  • Location: Hartland Landfill or specific Return-It depots.
  • Accepted Items: Paint, solvents, batteries, and propane tanks.

4. Costs and Fees

a. Curbside Collection

  • Garbage: Included in municipal property taxes for residents.
  • Recycling and Organics: No additional fees for curbside collection.

b. Drop-Off Fees at Hartland Landfill

  • Garbage: $110 per tonne (minimum charge: $10 for up to 100 kg).
  • Yard Waste: $59 per tonne (minimum charge: $6 for up to 100 kg).
  • Recyclables: Free for most items.
  • Hazardous Waste: Free for residential quantities.

c. Bulky Items

  • Fees depend on the size and type of item. For example:
    • Mattress: $15 per piece.
    • Large appliances: $20 per item.

5. Local Policies and Procedures

Victoria has several policies in place to promote sustainability and reduce waste:

a. Single-Use Plastics Ban

  • Plastic bags, straws, and cutlery are banned in Victoria. Businesses provide paper or reusable alternatives.

b. Zero Waste Strategy

  • The city aims to divert 80% of waste from landfills by 2040 through recycling, composting, and waste reduction initiatives.

c. Sorting Requirements

  • Residents are required to sort waste into the appropriate categories (garbage, recycling, organics). Improperly sorted bins may not be collected.

d. Bear-Proofing

  • In areas near wildlife, residents must use bear-proof bins and avoid leaving waste out overnight.

e. Illegal Dumping

  • Dumping waste in unauthorized areas is prohibited and subject to fines.

6. Tips for Visitors and New Residents

  • Short-Term Visitors: Use public recycling and compost bins available throughout the city. Many hotels and vacation rentals also provide waste sorting options.
  • New Residents: Contact the City of Victoria to set up waste collection services and receive your bins (garbage, recycling, and organics).
  • Language Support: Waste management information is available in multiple languages on the cityโ€™s website.

7. Contact Information

  • City of Victoria Waste Management Services
  • Hartland Landfill

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to manage waste responsibly in Victoria, BC, while contributing to the cityโ€™s sustainability goals. Let me know if you need further assistance!