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Waste and recycling information for communities throughout British Columbia

Waste & recycling in Coquitlam, BC

Use this guide to check collection responsibilities, address-based schedules, large-item pickup, local drop-off options, and permission for a refuse container on City land.

Garbage, green carts & recycling Address-based schedules United Boulevard facility Large items & container permits

At a glance

  • City: Coquitlam, British Columbia
  • Region: Metro Vancouver
  • Garbage: Every two weeks for eligible homes
  • Green Cart: Weekly for eligible homes
  • Drop-off: United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre, 995 United Boulevard
Find your collection schedule Search the Waste Wizard

What can go into a dumpster in Coquitlam?

Private haulers and receiving facilities set their own material, weight and contamination rules. Describe every material in the load before booking.

Keep reusable, recyclable, compostable and hazardous materials out of mixed garbage. Metro Vancouver disposal bans and surcharges apply at regional facilities.

Common loads (confirm first)

  • Household junk with no practical reuse or recycling option
  • Furniture and bulky items not accepted by the City pickup program
  • Construction debris accepted by the selected hauler and facility
  • Clean wood, gypsum, metal and yard material when separated for the correct processor

Keep out unless specifically approved

  • Asbestos, fuels, chemicals and other hazardous materials
  • Batteries, electronics, propane cylinders, paint and used oil
  • Food scraps and recyclable materials banned from regional garbage loads
  • Tires, mattresses, gypsum and appliances mixed into general waste

Many restricted products have free stewardship drop-off programs. Never conceal them in a mixed load.

Who handles residential collection?

The City collects garbage and Green Carts from single-family homes, duplexes and some small multiplexes. Recycle BC manages residential packaging and paper collection. Multi-family properties generally arrange private garbage and organics service.

Typical curbside frequency

For homes receiving City service:

  • Garbage carts are collected every two weeks
  • Green Carts are collected every week
  • Recycling is managed by Recycle BC and collected by its contractor

Do not set carts out the night before. Coquitlam requires collection-day set-out because unsecured waste attracts bears and other wildlife.

Schedules, sorting and bulky-item service

Use the official tools for an address-specific schedule and current material rules.

Collection calendar
Enter an address and sign up for reminders.
Find schedule
Waste Wizard
Search how to recycle or dispose of an item.
Search items
Large Item Pick-Up
Schedule accepted items before setting them out.
Check eligibility

Drop-off and disposal options in Coquitlam

United Boulevard is a full recycling and waste centre with separate free-recycling, paid-recycling and garbage areas. The smaller Town Centre Recycling Depot accepts a more limited set of household recyclables.

Check official facility information immediately before visiting. Accepted materials, preparation rules, vehicle limits, hours and fees can change.

Some free streams are residential-only, and commercial material may have different requirements.

United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre

Metro Vancouver facility accepting garbage, paid recycling and a broad range of separated materials for free recycling.

  • Address: 995 United Boulevard, Coquitlam, BC
  • Garbage, mattresses, clean wood, gypsum and organics are among the paid streams
  • Electronics, paint, batteries, oil, propane tanks, packaging and other separated products have designated recycling areas
Facility details

Town Centre Recycling Depot

A City drop-off option for selected household packaging and other recyclables; it is not a general garbage facility.

  • Located in Town Centre Park off Trevor Wingrove Way
  • Accepts selected paper, containers, glass, foam packaging, plastic bags and household batteries
  • Use United Boulevard or another approved facility for garbage and materials not listed by the City
Depot details

Large-item pickup, dumpster rental or junk removal?

Choose based on City-program eligibility, load size, timing and whether labour is needed.

City Large Item Pick-Up

Scheduled service for eligible curbside homes

Eligible residents may schedule up to four accepted household items from July 1 through June 30. Each item must weigh no more than 70 kg, and construction waste is excluded.

Review accepted items and book

Private bin or junk removal

For renovations and larger cleanouts

A bin suits material you can load yourself. A junk-removal crew handles loading. Confirm the destination, included weight, prohibited materials and surcharges before booking.

Find regional recycling options

Permits for dumpsters and refuse containers

A residential refuse container on City-owned or controlled land requires an approved temporary encroachment. Apply before arranging delivery; review may take up to six weeks.

Use private property when practical. Submit the application at least five business days before the requested permit period, and allow for the City review timeline.

Application and insurance

  • Apply through Engineering and Public Works for temporary encroachment.
  • Provide at least $5 million per-occurrence third-party liability coverage with the City as additional insured.
  • The container company must also provide proof that the City is named as an additional insured.

Placement restrictions

  • Containers are not permitted on arterial roads, sidewalks, cycle paths, utilities or signed no-parking/no-stopping areas.
  • Setbacks apply at hydrants, intersections, lanes and driveways.
  • A separate lane-closure permit and traffic controls are required if a marked travel lane would be obstructed.
Official resources:Coquitlam temporary encroachment requirementsCoquitlam garbage and recyclingMetro Vancouver disposal bans

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