Standing in front of a pile of stuff and wondering where it goes is the hardest part of any cleanout. The upside is that Metro Vancouver has several free look up tools. Type in an item, and they tell you how to recycle it or dispose of it safely. This guide covers the main ones, what each is good for and how to use them together.
City of Vancouver Waste Wizard
The City of Vancouver's Waste Wizard page says to enter an item to find out how to recycle or safely dispose of it. The page also links to guides for each waste stream: garbage, green bin for food scraps and yard waste, and recycling. Use it for any item you live with in Vancouver, since the answers are written for City services.
The City's Zero Waste Centre and pop up recycling event pages both point to Waste Wizard for items that are not accepted at those sites. The Vancouver South Transfer Station page says the same for materials it does not accept.
A note on recycling: the City says it does not collect curbside recycling. Waste Wizard's page lists the collection contractors for recycling questions instead.
Metro Vancouver Recycles
Metro Vancouver's own tool is called Metro Vancouver Recycles. Its battery page says to open the Metro Vancouver Recycles search tool and look up a material such as "Batteries" to find a recycling location, or to call 604 RECYCLE (604-732-9253). Metro Vancouver also points to it for reuse and donation options, for example on its Maple Ridge and Langley centre pages and its clothing donation page.
This is the best tool for finding a place to take an item across the region, because it is not tied to one city.
RCBC Recyclepedia
The Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC) runs Recyclepedia, a directory of what can be recycled and where. RCBC pages point to it when answering questions about outdoor power equipment, light fixtures and more, and RCBC also runs a recycling hotline. It is a province wide tool, which helps if you are moving between cities.
The Recycle BC app
Recycle BC's pages say its app helps you find out what recyclable material goes where and find your nearest depot location. It also helps you check your collection day. Recycle BC covers packaging and paper, such as containers, cartons, paper, cardboard and flexible plastics.
City tools beyond Vancouver
Other cities have their own tools:
- The Township of Langley has a What Goes Where? tool, which its garbage cart page recommends for checking a specific item.
- Metro Vancouver's illegal dumping page refers to the City of Surrey's What Goes Where page to learn whether an item can be recycled, or put in the organics or garbage bin.
Check your own city's website for a similar tool.
How to use them together
- Start with your city's tool if you want the answer for curbside service.
- Use Metro Vancouver Recycles to find a drop off location near you.
- Use Recyclepedia if you want the program's own description or a province wide view.
- Use the Recycle BC app for packaging and paper questions and your collection day.
- Call a facility if you are not sure. Hours, limits and accepted items can change.
Tips for better results
- Search by the item's plain name. "Vacuum cleaner" works better than a brand name.
- Try a second word. If "monitor" does not work, try "computer."
- Check for limits. Many sites cap how many items you can bring.
- Check whether a site is residential only. The Vancouver Zero Waste Centre, for example, is for residential customers only for recycling drop off.
- Do not assume. A tool can lag behind a program change.
What the tools will tell you to keep out of a bin
The tools will often point you to a take back program for paint, electronics, batteries, tires, propane and similar items. That matches how we run our bins. Leave paint, propane, tires, fuel and electronics out of the bin. They never go in a Trash King bin. Our what not to put in a bin page lists the rest.
When the answer is "garbage" or "bulky"
Sometimes the answer is that an item goes in the garbage, or that it is too bulky for the cart. For a big pile of mixed household junk, a bin is the practical answer.
Trash King brings the bin to you and hauls it away. The loading is up to you.
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 is commonly sold out, so plan around the 20-yard. Ask us about other smaller sizes when you book. Details are on the 20-yard bin page.
Permits depend on where the bin sits. A bin on private property, like your driveway or yard, takes no permit. For a bin on the street, boulevard or lane, confirm with your City first, since some cities need a permit. Your strata or HOA can still set rules of its own. If yours does, apply to the City for the permit, and we will line delivery up with any permit dates.
A mattress or box spring can go in as an add on for an extra fee, so mention it when you book.
FAQ
What is the City of Vancouver Waste Wizard? A search tool on the City's site. Enter an item to find out how to recycle or safely dispose of it.
What is Metro Vancouver Recycles? Metro Vancouver's tool for finding recycling and reuse locations by material.
What is Recyclepedia? RCBC's directory of what can be recycled and where.
Is there an app? Recycle BC has an app for packaging and paper, and your collection day.
What if the tools disagree? Call the facility or your city. Rules and programs change.