Waste and recycling

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) update: waste and recycling

April 3, 2020 

To help prevent spread and protect our waste collection staff:

  • Dispose of all the following in the garbage in plastic garbage bags:
    • Personal hygiene products
    • Used tissues
    • Cleaning cloths
    • Face masks
    • Gloves
    • Sanitary wipes, even those listed as flushable or compostable
    • All similar items
  • Securely tie garbage bags shut and set out in your bin in your regular collection area

If you’re sick or caring for someone who is sick:

  • Double bag all personal waste in plastic garbage bags
  • Securely tie all bags shut and dispose of as regular residential garbage  

Unbagged or loose items will not be collected.

We provide services, facilities, and tools to help you do your part to keep organics and recyclable items out of the landfill.

Get service details

Get your collection schedule

Find your waste collection schedule and download the VanCollect app to sign up for reminders.

Issues and requests about your service:

Waste Wizard

Search by item to see how to recycle or safely dispose of it.

Single family homes and duplexes

Get details on garbage, food scraps, and yard waste collection.

Apartments, condos, and townhomes

Tools and resources for building managers for managing waste at multi-family buildings.

Abandoned garbage and illegal dumping

Help us keep your neighbourhood clean and safe by properly reporting abandoned garbage and illegal dumping.

GFL Environmental (formerly Smithrite Disposal Ltd) collects your recycling

Phone 604-282-7966 or email srrecycle@gflenv.com for questions and issues about your recycling service, including pickup, blue bins, and recycling bags.

Recycling and disposal facilities

Not everything can go into your collection bins. Find out how to dispose of items at one of our facilities.

Find drop-off details for:

Related programs and initiatives

Zero Waste 2040

We have a long-term strategic vision for Vancouver to achieve the goal of zero waste by 2040.

Related initiatives: