Surrey runs its own waste system, including a free Large Item Pickup program, Metro Vancouver drop-off centres within the city and the Surrey Biofuel Facility that processes organic waste. This guide pulls the City of Surrey's published rules into one place, and shows where a bin fits when the job is bigger than the program. See also our Surrey and South Surrey pages.
Large Item Pickup
The City says it picks up large items, including furniture, stoves and mattresses, for free. The service is included in your garbage utility. The limits are:
- Households with City waste collection: up to 6 items per year
- Households with registered secondary suites: up to 8 items per year
- Apartment buildings with City recycling: up to 4 items per year, scheduled through the property manager or strata
The count resets each year, and unused pickups cannot be carried over. The City warns that items placed at the curb without a scheduled pickup may be considered illegally dumped and are subject to fines.
To schedule, or change or cancel a pickup, call 604-590-7289, option 3. Cancel at least 2 business days before. Set items out at your collection point by 7:30 a.m. on your scheduled day.
What it takes
The City's list of accepted items includes beds and mattresses, cabinets and tables, chairs and sofas, kitchen and laundry appliances, patio furniture, bikes, exercise equipment, computers and TVs. Mattresses and box springs must be individually wrapped and sealed in a clear plastic bag. Free mattress bags are available at the Cart Storage Yard, 14577 66 Ave, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you need your service request number.
What it does not take
The City lists bathtubs, carpets and rugs, car bodies or parts, commercial waste, demolition or home renovation material (such as doors, windows, cabinetry and drywall), fireplaces, fences, hot tubs, mirrors, sinks, toilets, wood pallets and propane tanks. It does not accept large pieces of glass. For glass tabletops or dresser mirrors, the City says to remove the glass and take it to the Central Surrey or North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centre.
The City points to Metro Vancouver to find where to recycle or donate these items.
Drop-off sites
Metro Vancouver's directory lists two Recycling and Waste Centres in Surrey:
| Site | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Central Surrey Recycling and Waste Centre | 6711 154 Street | 604-681-5600 |
| North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centre | 9770 192 Street | 604-681-5600 |
Check each centre's Metro Vancouver page for hours, accepted materials, vehicle limits and fees before you go. The City's Large Item Pickup page also says Metro Vancouver's centres take large appliances, scrap metal and large plastic items.
Surrey Biofuel Facility
The City says the Surrey Biofuel Facility, at 9752 192 Street, converts organic waste into renewable natural gas and compost. It processes organic waste from more than 150,000 Surrey households and from local commercial and institutional operations and other municipalities. The City says the renewable natural gas powers its collection trucks, and that the facility is owned by the City and operated by Convertus. It opened on March 9, 2018. The City notes that residential compost sales are not available at this time.
This is an organics processing plant, not a public drop-off for household junk.
South Surrey
South Surrey is part of the City of Surrey, so the same rules apply. Large Item Pickup, cart collection and the Metro Vancouver drop-off centres above serve it.
When a bin makes sense
The City program has item limits and does not take renovation materials. A bin fits when you have:
- A cleanout with more items than your annual allowance
- A renovation with doors, cabinetry, drywall or other materials
- A mix of materials that no single program takes
Trash King delivers the bin and hauls it away, and you load it. A 20-yard bin is the usual place to start for junk, cleanouts and renos. The 15-yard junk bin is at times available, but it is commonly sold out, so plan around the 20-yard. For any other smaller size, just ask as you book. Find the details on the 20-yard bin page.
Where the bin goes decides the paperwork. A bin on your own driveway or yard needs no permit, since that is private property. Put it on the street, boulevard or lane and you need a City of Surrey permit. Check any strata or HOA rules as well, since they can still apply. The permit application goes to the City, and we time delivery to your permit dates.
A Trash King bin never takes paint, propane, tires, fuel or electronics. The full list is on our what not to put in a bin page.
A mattress or box spring can go in as an add-on for an extra fee, so mention it when you book.
For organics, see our organics recycling page.
FAQ
How many large items can I put out in Surrey? The City says up to 6 items per year for households with City collection, and up to 8 with a registered secondary suite.
Can I put a toilet or bathtub out for pickup? No. The City lists toilets, sinks and bathtubs as not accepted.
Where do I take glass from a table? The City says to the Central Surrey or North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centre.
Can I visit the Biofuel Facility? The City says in-person tours are currently unavailable.