Moving to the City of Vancouver means learning a new system. Garbage, green bin and recycling are collected by different providers, and each has its own rules. This guide covers the basics for residents, using the City's own pages. For the wider region, see our Greater Vancouver page.
Your collection schedule
The City says to find your waste collection schedule and sign up for reminders on its site or in the VanCollect app. It says to set your bins out by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
How collection works
- Garbage: The City says houses must use its biweekly (every other week) garbage collection. Its garbage page lists what is allowed and not allowed. Food scraps, yard waste and leaves, recyclable items, hazardous materials and excrement are not allowed in garbage. The City says that if banned items are found in your bin, your garbage may not be collected.
- Green bin: The City says green bins are serviced weekly, except in January and February when they are serviced every other week. Each home is initially provided with one green bin.
- Recycling: The City says it does not collect recycling. Recycle BC is responsible for residential recycling in Vancouver. For houses and duplexes, the City lists GFL at 604-282-7966. For multi-unit buildings, check Recycle BC's Vancouver page, because its collection contractors changed on February 16, 2026.
Setting out your bins
The City says to leave at least 1 m (3 feet) of space on all sides of your bins and 3 m (10 feet) of clearance above. It says to make sure the garbage lid can fully close, because crews may not collect an overflowing bin.
The green bin in brief
Accepted items include fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, bread, dairy, eggs, coffee grounds, food-soiled paper, leaves, grass clippings and short branches. Plastic bags of any kind, even those labelled compostable, are not accepted. Line your kitchen container with newspaper, paper towel or paper bags. Our organics recycling page covers more. Check the City's green bin page for the full lists.
Extra garbage
If your garbage bin overflows, the City suggests buying extra-garbage stickers for bags or ordering a larger bin. It also says to use your green bin and recycling programs to reduce garbage.
Big items
The City says that if large items like mattresses, furniture and appliances are not reusable, take them to the Zero Waste Centre, the transfer station or the landfill. Fees may apply. The Waste Wizard on the City's site tells you where an item goes.
Electronics and special items
The City says to drop off electronics, power tools and small appliances at a pop-up recycling event, the Zero Waste Centre, the landfill or a Return-It electronics location. Christmas trees, extra fall leaves and other seasonal items have their own City pages.
Bins and who can change them
The City says only the property owner or a person authorized by the owner can request extra bins, change bin sizes, remove bins or start or cancel service. Tenants can report damaged bins or request same-size replacements for missing ones. Green bins belong to the property, so leave them if you move.
When a bin makes sense
Move-in and move-out often produce more than a cart can take, such as boxes, old furniture and cleanout waste.
The 20-yard is our usual starting size 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. If the job looks bigger when you call, we may suggest a larger bin. Details are on the 20-yard bin page.
The bin comes to you from Trash King, you load it, and Trash King hauls it away.
Your driveway or yard is private property, so a bin there needs no permit. If the bin goes on the street, boulevard or lane, you need a City permit. Strata or HOA rules can still apply. You apply with the City, and we set delivery for your permit dates.
These never go in a Trash King bin: paint, propane, tires, fuel and electronics. You can see everything else on the list on our what not to put in a bin page.
Need to get rid of a mattress or box spring? It can go in as an add-on for an extra fee. Mention it when you book.
For the City's permit process, see our Vancouver street permit guide.
FAQ
How often is garbage collected in Vancouver? The City says houses use biweekly garbage collection.
Does the City collect recycling? No. Recycle BC is responsible, through service providers the City lists.
Where do I find my schedule? On the City's site or the VanCollect app.
What bin size should I start with? The usual start for cleanouts and move-outs is the 20-yard. Ask about other sizes when you book.