Kids grow up and the backyard play set stays. A faded trampoline, a leaning swing set or a wooden fort is bulky, awkward and not something you can leave at the curb. This guide covers how to take these structures apart safely, what is metal, what is wood and how to dispose of each part in Metro Vancouver.
This is general guidance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions if you still have them, and ask for help with anything heavy.
Before you start
- Check whether anyone can use it. If the structure is still safe, a neighbour, school or community group might want it. Offer it before you take it apart.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you no longer have them, check the maker's website or ask the retailer, and ask for help with anything heavy.
- Decide where the pieces will go. Lay out a spot for metal, a spot for wood and a spot for other materials. It saves handling later.
Trampolines
A trampoline is mostly steel frame, springs and a fabric mat with padding. Take it apart the way the manufacturer's instructions describe. The steel can go to scrap metal. The mat, padding and net are mixed materials and usually go in a bin.
Swing sets
Swing sets come in metal and wood. Take them apart the way the manufacturer's instructions describe, then sort the parts into metal and wood. Metal poles and chains can go to scrap metal. Wood parts need a check.
Wooden play structures
For a wooden fort or play structure, follow the maker's plans or instructions if you have them. Wear gloves because old wood can splinter.
Is the wood clean?
In Metro Vancouver, clean wood has a specific meaning. Metro Vancouver's clean wood card defines it as solid wood, lumber and pallets that are unpainted, unstained, untreated and free of glue. Wood that has been painted, stained or treated does not count. Play structures are often stained or pressure treated, so many will not qualify. Treated wood needs special handling, so mention it when you order a bin. It stays out of clean wood and yard loads.
The City of Vancouver's Transfer Station page says finished wood, including painted, stained or treated wood (other than with creosote), is disposed of as garbage. Check the page for the facility you plan to use.
Where each part goes
| Part | Where it goes |
|---|---|
| Steel frame, poles, chains | Scrap metal |
| Springs | Scrap metal |
| Mat, pad, net | Garbage, in a bin |
| Plastic slides and accessories | Garbage, in a bin, unless a program takes them |
| Clean, untreated wood | Clean wood load |
| Painted, stained or treated wood | Garbage, treated wood needs special handling |
| Hardware and bolts | Scrap metal if sorted, or in the bin |
Scrap metal options
The City of Vancouver's Zero Waste Centre lists scrap metal as accepted for free residential drop off. Metro Vancouver recycling and waste centres also list their accepted materials on their own pages, so check the one you plan to visit. Our metal recycling page covers the metal side.
Using a bin
Play structures are bulky. A swing set or trampoline does not fit in a car, and a few trips to the dump add up. A bin lets you pack everything in one place and haul it away in one go.
Begin with the 20-yard for junk, cleanouts and renos, since it is the common starting size, and a trampoline plus a swing set will fit that plan well. A 15-yard junk bin is at times available, though it is commonly sold out, so plan around the 20-yard. If you need another smaller size, ask when booking. If the job looks larger when you call, we may suggest a larger bin. Trash King delivers the bin and hauls it away, and you load it. More is on the 20-yard bin page.
Metal can go in the bin with the rest of the junk if you do not want to take it to scrap.
On private property, like your driveway or yard, a bin 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, apply with the City, and we will time delivery to any permit dates.
Trash King bins never take paint, propane, tires, fuel or electronics. 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.
Safety tips for loading
- Wear gloves and sturdy shoes.
- Do not load above the rim.
FAQ
Can I put a trampoline in a bin? Yes, if it is non hazardous junk. You can also take the steel to scrap metal and put the mat in the bin.
What size bin do I need for a swing set and trampoline? The usual start for junk is the 20-yard. Ask about other sizes when you book.
Is a wooden play structure clean wood? Only if it is unpainted, unstained, untreated and glue free. Play structures are often stained or treated, so check.
What if the wood is pressure treated? Treated wood needs special handling. Mention it when you order. It stays out of clean wood and yard loads.
Do I need a permit? Only if the bin goes on the street, boulevard or lane.