Waste and Recycling Pickup on Vancouver Island, BC

• Batteries
• Electronics
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Paint and paint cans
• Used motor oil & filters
• Prescription medications

The following items are included in everyday garbage. These items can be placed in your curbside totes, bins, cans or containers.

• Diapers
• Disposable razors
• Cactus & palm branches
• Cat litter & pet feces
• Glassware & ceramic dishes/cups
• Hoses & wire
• Juice boxes/pouches
• Non-fluorescent light bulbs
• Sheet glass (windows, mirrors, etc.)
• Foam cups or packing materials
• Treated wood (painted, stained, etc.)

What about coronavirus-related items? Many people are purchasing N95 masks to combat COVID-19. Are you wondering if these masks can be recycled in your hometown of Vancouver Island? The answer is yes. Most masks are made of polypropylene and can be recycled. Latex gloves on the other hand, are generally not recycled. Biohazardous materials should always be disposed of in a proper manner, following the guidelines of your local health department. Even more importantly, make sure that disposal of any haul-off from your jobsite goes only to certified recycling centers and landfills, like those operated by Waste Management.

• All meat, bones, dairy & eggshells
• Bread, rice, beans & pasta
• Coffee grounds, filters, tea leaves & bags
• Food-soiled paper containers
• Fruits, vegetables & leftovers
• Paper towels, plates, napkins & cups
• Shredded paper contained in paper bags
• Waxed paper cartons (milk, ice cream, juice, etc.)
• Yard Trimmings, such as:
-Branches & twigs
-Flowers, weeds & roots
-Leaves, grass & plant clippings
-Uncoated wood & chips

• Appliances, TVs & electronics
• Household furniture
• Scrap metal
• Tires – up to 4 car or light truck tires separated from rims
• Yard trimmings – bundled for composting

• Paint, stain, varnish, thinner and adhesives
• Automotive products such as old fuel, anti-freeze, brake fluid, motor oil and oil filters
• Household cleaners with ammonia or bleach
• Aerosol cans
• Fluorescent light bulbs and lamps
• Computer equipment
• Dead animals
• Garden products including pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
• Propane tanks and fire extinguishers
• Pool or photographic chemicals
• Thermostats, thermometers and other items containing mercury
• Expired prescriptions and non-prescription medications (no controlled substances)
• Sharps (syringes, needles, etc.)*
• Ammunitions, firearms**