A couch, a dead washer and an old mattress can all go out with the garbage truck, if your city runs a large item program and you stay inside its limits. Each city sets its local item count, booking steps and phone number, so there is no shared Metro Vancouver rule. This guide covers what the cities say on their own pages, so you can see whether a free pickup covers your pile or whether you need another route.
How the main programs compare
The numbers below come from the cities and Metro Vancouver's large item and illegal dumping page. Call or book through the contact listed for your city, since the hauler handles scheduling.
| City | What the program allows | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| Burnaby | Houses and duplexes can schedule up to 3 items per pickup. Apartments, condos and townhomes can schedule up to 6 items per complex. | Online form or 604-294-7972 |
| Coquitlam | Up to four large household items each year, counted from July 1 to June 30. Each item is limited to 70 kg. | 604-636-3521 |
| Delta | Up to four large household items per year, counted from January 1. | 604-946-3260 |
| Port Coquitlam | Up to six large items per year for residents who get City waste services. | City program page |
| Richmond | Up to six large household items per year for single family homes, townhomes and multi family complexes with City service. | Online form or 604-270-4722 |
| Surrey | Up to 6 items a year. Households with a registered secondary suite can schedule up to 8. | 604-590-7289, option 3 |
| Township of Langley | Up to four large items per year by appointment, all at once or spread out. | 604-530-3939 |
| City of Langley | Up to four items per year for single family dwellings, by appointment. | 604-635-0999 |
Port Moody works differently. The City runs a pay per use system where you pay a variable fee for large item collection. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents can book a fee for pickup service through Ridge Meadows Recycling. For Vancouver, Metro Vancouver's page points residents to the Vancouver Recycling and Waste Centre and the Vancouver Landfill for large items.
What the programs usually take
Furniture, mattresses and large appliances are the core of most programs. Richmond's page lists couches, dressers, desks, stoves, washers, dryers and dry mattresses that are wrapped in plastic and sealed. Burnaby's page names furniture, mattresses and appliances as well. Wet mattresses and wet upholstered furniture are not accepted in Richmond, so keep soft items dry until pickup day.
What they usually leave behind
Renovation and building materials are the common gap. Richmond lists lumber, demolition materials, home renovation materials, tree stumps and propane tanks as not accepted. Burnaby's not accepted list names kitchen cabinets, closet doors and cement. Coquitlam says construction and demolition waste is not accepted. Delta's list includes drywall, plumbing fixtures, concrete and roofing materials.
That is the point where a free pickup stops being enough. Other routes exist for the rest:
- Drop off at a Metro Vancouver or City facility, for a fee. Metro Vancouver's page lists the United Boulevard, North Surrey, Central Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge and Vancouver sites by city.
- Donating furniture that is still in good shape. Metro Vancouver Recycles can help you find a place.
- Disposal days, which Surrey says it runs through the year at its Metro Vancouver recycling and waste centres.
When a bin is the better fit
A bin makes sense when the pile mixes furniture, appliances, bags of junk and renovation scraps, or when the item count is higher than your city allows. We bring the bin, you load it, and we take it away when you are done. Our 20-yard junk bin is the usual place to start for a cleanout. We also have a 15-yard bin, but it is commonly sold out, so ask when you book. Mattresses and box springs can go in too. Mention them when you book, since they carry an extra fee.
If you are in Richmond or Burnaby, those city pages show how delivery works there. Our mattresses and bulky items guide goes through what can go in a bin and how to load it. You can read more about household jobs on our household garbage page and residential services page.
Permits are not needed when the bin sits on your driveway or yard. For a bin on the street, boulevard or lane, confirm with your City first, since some cities need a permit. Tell us your permit dates and we will time the delivery.
FAQ
How many large items can I put out in Burnaby? Burnaby says houses and duplexes can schedule up to 3 items per pickup, and apartments, condos and townhomes can schedule up to 6 items per complex.
Does Surrey allow more items if I have a suite? Yes. Surrey says households with a registered secondary suite can schedule up to 8 items per year, compared with 6 for other eligible households.
Where do large items go in Vancouver? Metro Vancouver's page points Vancouver residents to the Vancouver Recycling and Waste Centre and the Vancouver Landfill, which charge a fee for garbage.
Can I put renovation waste out for city pickup? Not in most cities. Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Delta all list building, demolition or renovation materials as not accepted.
What size bin should I order for a cleanout? The 20-yard is our usual starting size. Ask when booking about other sizes.