If your garbage cart overflows each week, or you have one large job that makes it overflow once, you have options. Cities set their own rules for extra bags and bigger carts, so the right answer depends on where you live. This guide lays out how two examples work, Vancouver and Burnaby, and covers when a bin makes more sense than another trip with the cart.
First, check what really has to be garbage
Before you buy anything, ask whether the extra items can go somewhere else. The City of Vancouver says most items found in household garbage can be diverted through reuse, repair, recycling and composting. It suggests checking whether the item can be recycled or composted at home, dropped off at the Zero Waste Centre or other depots, or donated. The City's Waste Wizard tool can help you find where an item goes.
Vancouver: extra garbage stickers
If the garbage bin is full and you still have extra garbage that cannot be reused, recycled or composted, the City says you can:
- Purchase an extra garbage sticker
- Place extra garbage in a bag and tie it securely
- Put the sticker on the bag
- Set the bag out on your regular garbage day next to your bin
The City says the sticker should face the centre of the street or lane, and that without the sticker collection staff will not pick up the bag. Standard garbage bags up to 66 cm wide by 91 cm tall are allowed, no shopping bags, filled up to 20 kg. The City lists the cost as $20 for one strip of 5 stickers, not sold individually, and notes that taxes do not apply. Stickers are sold at City Hall, Safeway stores in the City of Vancouver and most Park Board community centres and indoor pools. Check the City's page for the current list, price and exceptions.
Bigger bins in Vancouver
The same page says that if your bin is often full, you should consider a larger bin and links to the City's bin information. Check that page for sizes and rates.
Burnaby: curbside schedule and bin exchanges
The City of Burnaby says it provides weekly curbside collection of recyclables, food scraps and yard waste for houses and duplexes, and collects garbage every other week. Set out your recycling, green bin and garbage in your lane or street by 7 am on collection day, not the night before. If you need a different size garbage or green bin, the City says a $52 service fee applies for bin exchanges. Check the City's page for the current process and fee.
Because garbage is collected every other week in Burnaby, a full cart can feel tight sooner. Check your collection calendar.
Other cities
Extra bag rules, cart sizes and fees differ across Metro Vancouver. If you live in another city, use that city's own garbage page for the current rules.
When extra stickers or a bigger cart do not fit the job
Carts and stickers are made for the regular flow of household garbage. They do not fit one off jobs. Think of a garage cleanout, a basement clear out, old furniture, a reno or a yard full of junk. Bags with stickers have size and weight limits, and carts hold only so much.
For a big one time job, a bin is simpler. Trash King delivers the bin and hauls it away, and you load it. The usual starting point for junk, cleanouts and renos is the 20-yard. Our 20-yard bin page lists the details. A 15-yard junk bin is sometimes available, but it is commonly sold out, so plan around the 20-yard. If you need another smaller size, ask when booking.
The bin is built for non hazardous junk. Leave paint, propane, tires, fuel and electronics out of the bin. They never go in a Trash King bin. Our what not to put in a bin page lists the rest.
No permit is needed for a bin on private property, like your driveway or yard. A street, boulevard or lane spot is different, since some cities need a permit for it. Confirm with your City before you book. Strata or HOA rules can still apply. If yours does, the permit application goes to the City, and we time delivery to any permit dates.
Mattresses and box springs cost extra as an add on. Mention them when you book.
See our household garbage page for more on how bins work for homes.
How to decide
| Situation | Better option |
|---|---|
| One or two extra bags now and then | Extra garbage stickers, if your city offers them |
| Cart is full every collection day | Ask your city about a larger bin |
| One large cleanout or reno | Disposal bin |
| Bulky items such as furniture | Check your city’s bulky item options, or a disposal bin |
| Hazardous items | Official take back programs, never the bin |
FAQ
How much is an extra garbage sticker in Vancouver? The City of Vancouver lists $20 for one strip of 5 stickers. Check its page for the current price.
Can I use shopping bags? Not in Vancouver. The City says no shopping bags, and standard garbage bags up to 66 cm by 91 cm.
How much does it cost to swap a bin in Burnaby? The City says a $52 service fee applies for bin exchanges. Check its page for any changes.
What if I only need extra space once? Stickers or a bin both work, depending on how much you have. A bin suits a big job.
Which bin size should I start with? The usual start for junk and cleanouts is the 20-yard. Ask about other sizes when you book.