A couch, a mattress, a broken desk. In Vancouver, the City’s advice is to take large items to a facility. That is easy with a pickup truck and hard without a car. This guide covers what the City says, what your options are when you do not drive, and how a bin delivered to your property can solve the problem.
What the City of Vancouver says
The City's guide to residential waste disposal 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, and that fees may apply. It also says to check the Waste Wizard if you are not sure where to dispose of items.
The City's garbage guide lists other steps for too many items, including buying extra garbage bag stickers and ordering larger bins, but these are for ordinary household garbage, not large pieces of furniture.
Do not leave big items at the curb or in a lane. Illegal dumping is a real problem in the city, and the City has pages on reporting it. For more on garbage options, see our household garbage page. Our Vancouver street permit guide covers the permit if a bin has to go on the street.
Option 1: Reuse it
If the item still works, someone may want it. Offer it to neighbours or a community group, or donate it. Some donation groups offer pickup. Call first and ask what they take.
Option 2: Borrow a vehicle or share the trip
Ask a friend with a car or truck, or share a trip with a neighbour. Check the facility's page before you go, including fees and whether it takes the item.
Option 3: A bin delivered to your property
A bin takes the car out of the equation. Trash King handles delivery and haul away, and you handle the loading.
Most people planning junk, cleanouts and renos begin with the 20-yard. The 15-yard junk bin is sometimes available, but it is often sold out, so plan around the 20-yard. Ask when you book about other smaller sizes. If the job sounds bigger when you call, we may suggest a larger bin. You can read more on the 20-yard bin page.
That works whether you have one couch or a whole room of furniture.
How it works in practice
- Decide where the bin will go, such as your driveway or yard.
- Book it, and tell us what you are throwing out.
- Load the big items on your own schedule. Break down furniture so it lies flat.
- Call when you are done, and we haul it away.
Your driveway or yard is private property, so a bin there needs no permit. The street, boulevard or lane is different, and that needs a City permit. Strata or HOA rules may still apply on top of that. Apply with the City, and we will time delivery to your permit dates.
If you live in an apartment or condo, ask your building manager or strata first, because shared properties have their own rules.
Mattresses and box springs
If a mattress or box spring is part of the load, tell us when you book. It goes in as an add-on for an extra fee.
What stays out
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.
Tips for loading big items without help
- Ask a neighbour or friend to help with heavy lifts. Do not move a heavy item alone.
- Use a dolly or furniture sliders if you have them.
- Take legs off tables and chairs. Take doors off cabinets.
- Load the biggest items first, flat against the sides.
- Fill gaps with smaller items.
- Keep the load below the rim.
Why not just leave it out?
Leaving an item on the boulevard or in the lane is the quickest way to a bylaw problem. A bin keeps items on your property until they are hauled away.
FAQ
Does the City of Vancouver pick up furniture? The City's guide says to take non-reusable large items such as mattresses, furniture and appliances to the Zero Waste Centre, the transfer station or the landfill. Fees may apply.
Can I leave a couch in the lane? No. Take it to a facility or put it in a bin on your property.
How do I get rid of a mattress without a car? A bin can take one as an add-on for an extra fee. Mention it when you book.
What size bin do I need? For junk, the 20-yard is the usual start. Other sizes? Ask when booking.
Do I need a permit? Only if the bin goes on the street, boulevard or lane.