The North Shore Recycling and Waste Centre is the Metro Vancouver site that serves North and West Vancouver. This guide covers what Metro Vancouver publishes about it, how to plan a visit and when a bin is the easier route. For local service, see our North Vancouver and West Vancouver pages.
The basics
- Address: 30 Riverside Drive, North Vancouver
- Phone: 604-681-5600, per Metro Vancouver's North Shore Recycling and Waste Centre page
- Who it serves: Metro Vancouver's Disposal Ban Program Manual says the centre accepts garbage from both small and large vehicles, with automated and attended scales. It says a recycling area where customers can drop off recyclable materials for free is located ahead of the scales.
Hours and fees can change, so check the centre's page on Metro Vancouver's site before you go. The page also has lineup cameras that refresh about every two minutes, which helps you pick a quieter time.
Vehicle restrictions
For the recycling depot, Metro Vancouver lists:
- Maximum gross vehicle weight rating: 7,500 kg
- Maximum vehicle length: 7.6 m (25 ft)
- Maximum vehicle and trailer length: 9.1 m (30 ft)
Payment
Metro Vancouver says garbage and recycling fees listed on the page are not subject to GST, and that accepted payment includes Visa, MasterCard, debit, Apple Pay and cash.
Recycling and reuse
Separate all recycling materials by type and place them in the designated bins in the recycling depot. Refer to the signs or ask staff where each material goes. Metro Vancouver's page says donation bins from local non profit organizations are available in the drop off area and mostly accept clothing and books. The page has also listed reuse days where a partner collects accepted reusable items, so check it for any current dates.
Businesses should note that commercial customers use a dedicated bin for commercial cardboard, and Metro Vancouver points them to the RCBC Recycling Hotline at 604 RECYCLE for commercial recycling options.
Closure alerts
Metro Vancouver offers real time notices of temporary solid waste facility closures by text. Text 778-655-9200 with the message JOIN.
What gets turned away
Metro Vancouver inspects loads for banned materials, and surcharges apply. Its manual lists recyclables such as cardboard, recyclable paper, containers, yard trimmings, food waste and clean wood, along with hazardous items, propane tanks, mattresses, gypsum, tires, paint and electronics. Sort your load before you go. Our what not to put in a bin page has a list for bins.
North and West Vancouver collection
For curbside collection, each municipality sets its own rules. Check the District of North Vancouver, City of North Vancouver or District of West Vancouver website for schedules and large item options.
When a bin is easier
A trip to the centre means loading a vehicle, driving, weighing, unloading and waiting in line at busy times. For a cleanout or reno, a bin brings the disposal to you.
Trash King delivers the bin and hauls it away, and you load it. Begin with the 20-yard for junk, cleanouts and renos, since it is the common starting size. A 15-yard junk bin is at times available, but it is commonly sold out. Plan on the 20-yard. Other smaller sizes? Ask when you book. If the job looks larger when you call, we may suggest a larger bin. Details are on the 20-yard bin page.
Putting the bin on private property, like your driveway or yard, takes no permit. Some cities need a permit for a bin on the street, boulevard or lane, so confirm with the City before you book. Strata or HOA rules can still apply. If yours does, apply with the City, and we will time delivery to any permit dates.
Paint, propane, tires, fuel and electronics never go in a Trash King bin, and our what not to put in a bin page has the full list.
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.
FAQ
Where is the North Shore Recycling and Waste Centre? 30 Riverside Drive, North Vancouver.
Can I use a trailer? Metro Vancouver lists a maximum vehicle and trailer length of 9.1 m for the recycling depot.
Is recycling free? Metro Vancouver's manual says the recycling area ahead of the scales is free. Check the page for what each material costs, if anything.
What bin size should I start with? The usual start for cleanouts and renos is the 20-yard. Ask about other sizes when you book.