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Waste & recycling in Burnaby, BC

This guide summarizes how household garbage, recycling, and organics are handled in Burnaby, where to bring extra loads, what you can (and can’t) put in a dumpster, and when it makes sense to hire a junk removal crew instead of a bin.

Curbside garbage & recycling Eco-Centre & transfer station Dumpster & bin rental Junk removal services

At a glance

  • City: Burnaby, British Columbia
  • Region: Metro Vancouver
  • Managed by: City of Burnaby – Solid Waste & Recycling Services
  • Typical services: curbside garbage, recycling, organics; Eco-Centre drop-off; Metro Vancouver disposal network; private dumpster rental; junk removal
Find your Burnaby collection schedule Eco-Centre & drop-off info

What can go into a dumpster in Burnaby?

Dumpster and bin rentals in Burnaby are designed for large, one-time loads. Most companies allow mixed “junk” loads, but there are important rules about what is accepted and what must be handled separately.

If you’re unsure about an item, check Burnaby’s “Recycling & Garbage” info (or confirm with your hauler) before loading a bin.

Commonly accepted in dumpsters (confirm with your hauler)

  • Household junk and non-recyclable waste from cleanouts
  • Renovation debris (wood, drywall, tile, flooring, cabinetry) — rules/fees can vary by facility and hauler
  • Yard debris (branches and trimmings) — size limits may apply
  • Some “producer responsibility” items may be accepted only if separated (e.g., electronics, paint, batteries) — often better taken to approved depots

Typically restricted or banned

  • Hazardous materials (chemicals, oils, fuels, pesticides)
  • Batteries, propane tanks, paint/paint containers and electronics (usually must go to Eco-Centre or approved drop-off locations)
  • Construction and renovation debris in curbside carts (not accepted curbside)
  • Contaminated paper or food-soiled containers in recycling

Burnaby curbside recycling has specific “not accepted” items that must be taken to the Eco-Centre or approved drop-off sites.

Who handles curbside garbage & recycling?

The City of Burnaby provides houses and duplexes with weekly recycling and green-bin collection and garbage collection every other week.

Residential collection

Most households receive collection for:

  • Garbage
  • Recycling (paper, containers, cardboard — per Burnaby’s accepted list)
  • Organics (food scraps and yard trimmings — where applicable)

Houses and duplexes must set carts out by 7 am on collection day. Apartment and commercial arrangements differ, so confirm service for your property type.

Find your collection schedule

Use Burnaby’s official tools to confirm pickup days and learn what goes where.

Online schedule lookup
Enter your address to see your collection schedule.
Open schedule tool
Burnaby Collection App / reminders
Get reminders, look up recycling info, and report issues.
Open collection info
Curbside collection calendar (PDF)
Download the current curbside collection calendar.
Download PDF

Eco-Centre & transfer options serving Burnaby

Burnaby residents can use the Burnaby Eco-Centre for recyclable and special materials, and Metro Vancouver facilities for broader disposal options. Burnaby does not operate its own landfill; final disposal is handled through Metro Vancouver’s regional system.

Always confirm accepted materials, separation requirements, and fees before you go—rules and hours can change.

If you need a full-service option, junk removal companies can haul material to the appropriate facility for you.

Burnaby Eco-Centre (City of Burnaby)

Residential drop-off for recyclable and special materials. This is typically where you take items that are not accepted in curbside carts (e.g., batteries, paint, propane tanks, electronics).

  • Address: 4855 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC
  • Best for: recyclable & special materials, approved drop-off categories
  • Not accepted (examples): mattresses, furniture, garbage, animal waste/carcasses, treated wood, large stumps/branches, plastic bags, plywood, dirt/rocks/sand, soil/sod
Eco-Centre details

Metro Vancouver network: Recycling & Waste Centres

For loads the Eco-Centre doesn’t accept (or for broader disposal needs), Metro Vancouver operates facilities across the region (e.g., Surrey, Coquitlam and others) available to member municipality residents.

  • Examples: Central Surrey Recycling & Waste Centre; United Boulevard Recycling & Waste Centre (Coquitlam)
  • Fees often depend on load type and weight; some recycling streams can be free if separated
Metro Vancouver facilities

Dumpster rental vs. junk removal in Burnaby

Dumpster rental companies provide a bin and handle the hauling. Junk removal companies bring a crew, load the material for you, and then dispose of it. Many providers serve Burnaby and the wider Metro Vancouver region.

Burnaby dumpster rental

You load the bin

Best for renovations and large cleanouts when you can load materials yourself.

Compare local bin providers

Junk removal services

Crew does the loading

Often best for smaller jobs, single items, or when you can’t (or don’t want to) load a bin.

Compare junk removal options

Permits for dumpsters & junk removal in Burnaby

Burnaby requires a temporary container placement permit for a bin on a street, roadway, boulevard, or other public property. Containers on private property do not need this City permit.

Submit the application and site plan at least 5 working days before placement. Burnaby does not permit container placement in lanes.

Street & lane placement

  • A permit is mandatory on streets, roadways, boulevards, and other public property.
  • Bins need company identification plus reflective tape or approved delineators.
  • The applicant must provide at least $2 million in liability insurance naming the City as co-insured.

Private property & strata rules

  • Get written approval from the property owner or strata council.
  • Confirm weight limits for driveways/parkades.
  • Confirm delivery/pick-up dates and any site access rules.
Official resources:Burnaby Recycling & Garbage (start here)Burnaby Eco-Centre informationMetro Vancouver recycling & waste facilitiesTemporary container placement permit

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