Burnaby gives residents a few ways to deal with waste. There is curbside collection, a Large Item Pickup program, and the Burnaby Eco-Centre for recyclables and green waste. This guide covers what each one covers, based on the City's own pages, and shows where a bin fits when the job is bigger than those options. For our service page, see Burnaby.
Large Item Pickup
The City says its Large Item Pickup program helps you get rid of furniture, mattresses and appliances you no longer use. If your household receives City of Burnaby curbside collection, you are eligible. Houses and duplexes can schedule up to 3 items per pickup, while apartments, condos and townhomes can schedule up to 6 items per complex.
To schedule, fill out the City's online form or call 604-294-7972. Once you get a date, time and location, bring your items to the spot.
The City's page has an accepted items list and a not accepted items list, so check your item on the page before you book. The accepted list includes items such as large kitchen and laundry appliances, desks and tables, chairs, couches, drawers and dressers. It also lists mattresses over 4 inches thick, which must be wrapped and sealed in plastic, and mirrors, which must be wrapped. The City suggests donating gently used items to a thrift store or charity.
Burnaby Eco-Centre
The Eco-Centre at 4855 Still Creek Drive is a staffed, self serve drop off for over 20 types of recyclable materials. According to the City, the recycling side accepts items such as:
- Mixed paper and cardboard
- Mixed containers, including cartons and steel and aluminum containers
- Flexible plastic packaging
- Batteries, paint and scrap metal
- Clothing, shoes and household textiles
- Used motor oil, antifreeze and cooking oil
- Electronics, small appliances and power tools
- Glass jars and bottles
The City lists mattresses, furniture and garbage as not accepted at the recycling drop off.
Green waste at the Eco-Centre
The Eco-Centre also takes green waste: grass clippings and leaves, small branches up to 4 inches in diameter, and plants and flowers. It also takes clean solid wood up to 5 feet long and 6 inches in width and thickness. The wood cannot be painted, stained or treated, and cannot contain nails, screws, bolts or staples. The City says not to bag or bundle green waste.
Not accepted as green waste are treated, painted or stained wood, fence panels and posts, pallets, plywood, dirt and sand, soil or sod, and plastic bags, including compostable ones.
As a resident, the City says you can drop off one load per day of up to 100 kg of green waste for free, and that charges apply for entire loads over 100 kg. Bring proof of residency. The City publishes the fee, so check its Eco-Centre page for the current rate.
What neither one covers
The Large Item Pickup program is for furniture, mattresses and appliances, with item limits. The Eco-Centre does not take furniture, mattresses or garbage. A renovation, a full cleanout, an estate or a pile of mixed waste does not fit neatly in either. The City's not accepted list names building, demolition and renovation materials, such as kitchen cabinets, closet doors and cement.
When a bin makes sense
A bin is a good fit when:
- You are clearing a house, garage or basement
- A renovation is producing a mix of materials
- You want to load on your own schedule instead of making several trips
For junk, cleanouts and renos, the 20-yard is the common starting size. More is on the 20-yard bin page. A 15-yard junk bin is at times available, but it is commonly sold out. Plan on the 20-yard. Ask us about other smaller sizes when you book. The bin comes to you from Trash King, you load it, and Trash King hauls it away.
Putting the bin on private property, like your driveway or yard, takes no permit. If the bin has to sit on the street, boulevard or lane, check with the City first, since some cities need a permit. Check any strata or HOA rules as well, since they can still apply. If yours does, apply to the City for the permit, and we will line delivery up with any permit dates.
Trash King bins never take paint, propane, tires, fuel or electronics. Our what not to put in a bin page has the full list.
Add a mattress or box spring to the load as an add on for an extra fee, and let us know when you book.
Our Burnaby page covers local bin service.
A quick decision guide
| Situation | Option |
|---|---|
| One couch or a few appliances | City Large Item Pickup |
| Recyclables, batteries, paint | Eco-Centre |
| Grass, leaves, small branches | Eco-Centre green waste or your green cart |
| Whole home cleanout or reno debris | A bin |
FAQ
How many items can I put out for Large Item Pickup? The City says houses and duplexes can schedule up to 3 items per pickup.
Can I take furniture to the Eco-Centre? No. The City lists furniture and mattresses as not accepted at the recycling drop off.
Is green waste free at the Eco-Centre? For residents, the City says one load per day of up to 100 kg is free.
What size bin do I need? A 20-yard is the common start for cleanouts and renos, and you can ask about other sizes when booking.