This guide summarizes how household garbage, recycling, and organics are handled in Vancouver, where to bring extra loads, what you can (and can’t) put in a dumpster, and when it makes sense to use a junk removal service instead of a bin.
Dumpster rentals are suited for large, one-time loads (renovations, cleanouts). Providers allow mixed loads, but City and facility rules restrict hazardous and special items.
Facilities such as the South Transfer Station and Vancouver Landfill have published “materials we don’t accept” lists; always check before loading a bin.
The City of Vancouver collects garbage, food scraps, and yard waste from eligible homes. Recycle BC is responsible for residential recycling; the City does not provide recycling collection.
Most households receive collection for:
Set-out rules and collection days vary by address and zone. Use the City’s schedule lookup to confirm.
Use Vancouver’s official tools for pickup dates, reminders, and service alerts.
Vancouver residents can use City facilities for transfer and recycling, with final disposal handled at the Vancouver Landfill in Delta.
Hours, fees, and materials lists change. Confirm with the facility before you go.
Final disposal and recycling facility serving Vancouver.
Transfer station for residential and commercial loads within the city.
Free drop-off for many recyclable and reusable materials (residential).
Bin rentals suit renovations and big cleanouts. Junk removal crews load and haul for you. Many providers operate across Metro Vancouver.
Best for projects where you can stage and load material over a few days.
Compare local bin providersGood for single items, apartments, and fast cleanouts.
Compare junk removal optionsWaste bins placed on a public street require City permission through the temporary street occupancy process. Private property placement does not use that permit process but still requires owner or strata approval.