North Cowichan provides recycling, garbage, and organics curbside collection services. Organics (kitchen and yard waste) is collected every week, and recycling and garbage alternate every other week.
To ensure your waste is collected, make sure carts are placed at the curb by 8am on your scheduled pickup day.
If your collection was missed or you have an issue to report, contact our Operations department at operations@northcowichan.ca or 250-746-3106.
Curbside calendars and reminders
Sign up for reminders and never miss a collection day! Use the calendar tool to input your address to view your calendar, sign up for reminders (by text, email, or even a phone call), or print your own calendar.
You can also:
Download the "MNC Curbside App" from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to view your schedule and receive reminders.
Use the waste wizard to learn how to dispose of all types of waste items.
Print a copy of your collection schedule.
Common questions
If you are moving into an existing single family home, you will already be included in the curbside program. If you have built a new house, you will automatically be put on the program when your occupancy permit is issued. Enter your address into the calendar tool above to find out your collection schedule. You can also download the MNC Curbside app onto your mobile device.
The order of collection on each route can change sometimes without notice due to construction or other unforeseen circumstances. If you put your organics, garbage or recyclables out after 8am and the truck has already passed your house, it will not be picked up.
Yes, collection days skip a day each time there is a holiday.
Find your schedule, and set up reminders using the "MNC Curbside" app (download in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store), use the calendar tool above, or call us at 250-746-3106 (Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm).
Garbage and organics carts are provided by North Cowichan to households. These carts work with the automation collection trucks.
For recycling collection, you can use:
yellow reusable bags that are available for purchase ($3 each) at Municipal Hall (7030 Trans-Canada Hwy), or
containers purchased yourself (available at many stores, including Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Walmart, and other similar locations). These containers must:
be either cylindrical or rectangular in shape;
be constructed from galvanized steel, aluminum, hard plastic, or rubber;
have a removable lid, if applicable;
include two sturdy handles for lifting;
be designed for manual collection only (automated totes or carts are not permitted);
have a maximum capacity of 120 litres (32 US gallons);
not exceed a total weight of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) when full.
Assisted set out service
Coming soon Support will soon be available for residents who are physically or cognitively unable to meet the curbside set out requirements. For more information, call the Operations department at 250-746-3106.
Severe winter weather, such as snowy and icy conditions or roads blocked by downed trees or power lines, may cause a temporary cancellation of curbside collection. Download the “MNC Curbside” app, or sign up for reminders and alerts using the calendar tool above, to receive timely notifications of schedule changes and service interruptions.
Deceased pets or livestock are accepted at the Nanaimo Regional Landfill. Make sure to call at least 24 hours in advance to inform them that you are coming: 250-722-2044.
