Recycling is still collected manually - picked up by drivers rather than automated trucks. Ensure your recycling is spaced one meter apart from your organics cart for proper placement. Continue to use your existing recycling containers/yellow bags.
Recycling is collected every other week, alternating with garbage.
Recycling is a mandatory program within North Cowichan. Recycling containers that contain non-acceptable materials may not be collected. Likewise, garbage carts that include recyclable items may also be left uncollected.
There is no limit to the number of recycling containers that may be placed at the curb for collection on designated recycling days.
Recycling containers
North Cowichan does not provide recycling containers. For curbside recycling, please use a clearly labelled container.
Options for recycling containers:
- Reusable yellow bags – Available for $3 each at Municipal Hall (7030 Trans-Canada Highway).
- Containers you purchase yourself – Available at many retailers, such as Canadian Tire, Home Depot, and Walmart. These containers must meet the following requirements:
- 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.
Need a label?
Reflective recycling stickers are available at Municipal Hall for $1 each.
Examples of acceptable containers include:
- A blue recycling tote bin (maximum 114 litres or 30 gallons)
- A standard garbage can with a removable lid (maximum 120 litres)
- A yellow reusable recycling bag purchased at North Cowichan
Sorting recyclable materials
Non-acceptable items can contaminate the recycling stream and make it harder and more costly for the recycling program to be successful.
Common recycling mistakes
These recyclable materials must be brought to a depot such as Bings Creek Solid Waste Management Complex. These DO NOT go in your curbside container:
- Film plastics (ie: plastic bags or plastic wrappers)
- Foam packaging
- Glass
- Electronics
- Scrap metal
- Construction and renovation waste
- Yard waste (can go in your curbside organics cart)
Common items that are currently being found in recycle bins that should instead go to other streams are:
- Food waste – compost using green organics carts
- Hard and soft cover books – donate to a second-hand store or dispose of in garbage.
- Clothing - donate to a second-hand store or dispose of in garbage
Resources
Use the following tools to learn what can and cannot be recycled curbside:
- MNC Curbside App: Quickly and easily learn where your items belong by downloading the "MNC Curbside" app (for Android and iPhones, available through the Apple Store or Google Play) and using the Waste Wizard sorting tool which allows you to quick search specific items and gives you details on where and how to dispose of items if they don’t belong curbside for recycling.
- Waste Wizard online: The Waste Wizard tool is also available for desktop users on the Curbside Collection webpage.