City of Vancouver introduces new guidelines for garbage and green bin collection

The City of Vancouver has announced several changes to its waste and recycling services to better protect the health and safety of its staff and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Public access to recycling and disposal facilities are being restricted to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Residents and businesses are also being asked to change how they manage their waste.

According to a statement from the city, the following services have been suspended until further notice:

• Foam packaging (styrofoam) drop-off
• Clothing and textiles drop-off
• Compost pick-up
• Backyard composter sales
• New drywall drop-off (used drywall will still be accepted at Vancouver Landfill)

The City of Vancouver is asking residents to only make visits to recycling and disposal facilities if absolutely necessary and says that delays are to be expected.

Additionally, visitors can only arrive by car, and payment in cash or cheque will not be accepted until further notice.

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At this point in time, garbage and green bin collection will continue as scheduled.

A number of new guidelines have been introduced, however, to further protect frontline employees:

• Bins must only be set out when full
• Personal waste, such as used tissues, cleaning cloths, face masks, and sanitary wipes, must be tied in a plastic bag and secured in the garbage bin
• Anyone who is sick or is caring for a sick person must double-bag all personal waste
• Un-bagged or loose items will not be collected

Residents are also being asked to defer any spring cleaning projects to prevent overloading waste collection and depot facilities.

The City is reminding people that wipes and cleaning cloths should not be disposed of in the toilet, sink, or drain, as they will clog the sewer system.

Several temporary changes to parking restrictions, including suspending metered parking, were announced today in an effort to support frontline healthcare workers.