Collection carts

Automated collection system

Automated collection uses wheeled carts and collection trucks with mechanical arms. This system improves efficiency, reduces worker injuries and contains waste securely.

  • Standardized carts are required—personal carts will not be collected.
  • Extra waste outside the carts will not be collected.
  • Garbage and recycling alternate bi-weekly; organics are collected weekly.
  • The add-a-day schedule remains in effect after statutory holidays.
  • Households cannot opt out of the curbside collection service.
  • Carts are City property and assigned to your address.

Cart sizes

Single residential dwellings and duplex units receive one set of the following carts:

  • 360 L recycling (blue lid)
  • 360 L organics (green lid)
  • 120 L garbage (black lid)

Homes with a legal secondary suite or carriage house (who pay two garbage fees) receive a second smaller set of carts:

  • 240 L recycling (blue lid)
  • 120 L organics (green lid)
  • 120 L garbage (black lid)

Patio homes, townhouses, fourplexes and mobile homes in mobile home parks receive one set of the following carts:

  • 240 L recycling (blue lid)
  • 120 L organics (green lid)
  • 120 L garbage (black lid)

Cart dimensions

Cart Size Height Width Depth
360 L 110 cm (43 in) 74 cm (29 in) 85 cm (33 in)
240 L 110 cm (43 in) 68 cm (27 in) 68 cm (27 in)
120 L 95 cm (37 in) 47 cm (18.5 in) 61 cm (24 in)

Cart requests and exchanges

Additional garbage, recycling and organics carts are available for an extra annual service fee. This fee is based on full cost recovery for the selected cart size.

  • Additional carts: Available for an extra fee. Email solidwaste@courtenay.ca to request.
  • Cart size exchanges: A cart exchange program will begin in fall 2025 with a $65 administration fee per household.