Some things do not fit any program. A cracked garden hose, a torn tarp, a wobbly ladder or a plastic bin with no recycling number. Nobody sells them with a take back plan, and the blue bin does not want them. This guide covers why these items are hard to recycle in Metro Vancouver, where to check, and when the honest answer is the garbage or a bin.
Why some items have no program
BC's regulated programs cover specific product types. The Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC) publishes a guide listing them, including electronics, batteries, paint, tires, lights and packaging. Items outside those categories have no regulated program.
RCBC also says plastic household items are not included in any of BC's regulated recycling programs. Some landfills, transfer stations and recycling facilities may accept certain plastics independent of the provincial programs, and RCBC says some private plastic recyclers accept them, usually at a cost. Certain Metro Vancouver Recycling and Waste Centres accept residential quantities of bulky rigid plastics (codes 2 and 5), such as storage containers, patio furniture, toys and laundry baskets. Check which plastics each facility accepts.
Packaging is different from household items
Recycle BC's materials are paper, containers, glass, flexible plastics and foam packaging. RCBC describes Recycle BC as the organization responsible for residential plastic packaging collection and recycling. A hose or a tarp is not packaging, so it does not belong in those streams. They are not on the program lists, so check the City of Vancouver's Waste Wizard, Metro Vancouver Recycles, RCBC's Recyclepedia or the RCBC hotline for current options.
Item by item
Garden hoses
Garden hoses are not on the program lists. Metro Vancouver's Disposal Ban Program Manual lists wire, hosing, rope and cable over 1 metre in length among the banned hazardous and operational impact materials, so a long hose can be surcharged if it arrives in a garbage load at a disposal facility. Check Waste Wizard, Metro Vancouver Recycles and RCBC's Recyclepedia for current options before you decide.
Tarps
Tarps are not on the program lists either. Check Waste Wizard, Metro Vancouver Recycles and RCBC's Recyclepedia for current options before you decide.
Ladders
A metal or aluminum ladder is scrap metal. The City of Vancouver's Zero Waste Centre, at 8588 Yukon Street, lists scrap metal as accepted for free residential drop off. Call first to confirm whether a full ladder is accepted, and ask about size limits. A wooden or fibreglass ladder is more likely to be garbage. Wood that is painted, stained or treated is not clean wood. Our metal recycling page covers the metal side.
Broken plastic bins and buckets
Under RCBC's guidance, some Metro Vancouver centres accept bulky rigid plastics. Check the plastic code and the centre's list. Broken pieces may not be accepted. Otherwise, garbage.
Other awkward items
Think of extension cords, plastic sheeting, foam pool toys, old rugs or garden netting. These items are not on the program lists. Check Waste Wizard, Metro Vancouver Recycles and Recyclepedia, and ask the facility. The City of Vancouver's pop up recycling events, for example, do not accept carpet and rugs, furniture, toys, suitcases or planter pots.
How to check any item
- Search the City of Vancouver Waste Wizard, if you live in Vancouver.
- Search Metro Vancouver Recycles for a drop off.
- Search RCBC's Recyclepedia or call the RCBC hotline.
- Call the facility and confirm.
- If nothing takes it, it is garbage.
Sometimes the bin is the answer
If nothing takes an item, it ends up as garbage. If you have a shed full of hoses, tarps, buckets, broken tools and odds and ends, a bin saves a lot of time.
For junk, cleanouts and renos, the 20-yard is the common starting size. Our 20-yard bin page lists the details. A 15-yard junk bin is sometimes available, but it is commonly sold out. Plan around the 20-yard. Ask when you book about other smaller sizes. We deliver the bin and haul it away. You handle the loading. If the job sounds larger when you call, we may suggest a larger bin.
For items with a program, such as batteries, paint and electronics, use the program. Never load paint, propane, tires, fuel or electronics into a Trash King bin. For the full list, see our what not to put in a bin page.
A bin on private property, like your driveway or yard, takes no permit. If the bin has to sit on the street, boulevard or lane, some cities need a permit, so confirm with your City first. Check any strata or HOA rules as well, since they can still apply. If yours does, the permit application goes to the City, and we time delivery to any permit dates.
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.
Our household garbage page covers more on household cleanouts.
FAQ
Can I recycle a garden hose? Garden hoses are not on the program lists. Check Waste Wizard, Metro Vancouver Recycles and Recyclepedia for current options.
Can I recycle a metal ladder? It is scrap metal. Call a facility such as the Zero Waste Centre to confirm.
Are tarps recyclable? Tarps are not on the program lists. Check Waste Wizard, Metro Vancouver Recycles and Recyclepedia for current options.
What if no program takes it? It goes in the garbage, in a cart or a bin.
Which bin size should I start with? Plan on the 20-yard for cleanouts, which is the usual start. Other sizes? Ask when booking.