Organics

The City of Courtenay provides residential organics collection, including yard waste and food waste, as part of the residential curbside collection program. This service is offered on a weekly basis, on the same day as your garbage collection day. The new “organics” service that started January 1, 2023 introduced a 360-litre weekly limit to the combined total volume of yard waste and food waste. Visit the Organics FAQs page for more information on the changes.

NEW! Yard Waste Tag Program

Residents in the curbside collection program can now purchase yard waste tags. This program allows for the pickup of two additional yard waste kraft paper bags per week. Tags are priced at $5 per bag and can be purchased at City Hall. This program will be offered for the remainder of 2023.

Curbside Collection Details:

Frequency: Weekly
Type: Regular sized garbage can, paper yard waste bag, bucket or container for food waste if separate from yard waste.
Maximum Size: 121 litres (a standard garbage can is 77-80 litres in size)
Maximum Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs) per container

A mixture of these container types may be used to a maximum combined volume of 360 litres. Containers are available for purchase at various retail outlets.

Please ensure all materials are at the curbside by 8:00 am on your collection day.

How it works

Place your organic waste at the curb in the following types of containers:

  • Use containers with water-tight covers, made of plastic, rubber, or galvanized steel, clearly marked “Yard Waste”, “Organics” or "Compost" or Kraft paper yard waste bags
  • Separate bucket or container for food waste if not co-mingled with yard waste
  • Maximum weight of 20kg/44lbs per bag or container
  • The combination of all containers used cannot exceed 360 litres. Each container should not exceed 121 litres in size.
  • No compostable or biodegradeable plastic liners

Acceptable Materials:

Check out the CSWM Curbside Food and Yard Waste Guide for details on what is accepted.

  • Food scraps and soiled paper 
  • Leaves
  • Grass clippings
  • Flowers
  • Plants
  • Tree or hedge prunings
  • Branches  (maximum branch diameter 3”)

Not acceptable

  • Large amounts of sod or soil
  • liquid grease
  • stickers, twist ties, elastic bands from produce
  • Recyclables (plastics, styrofoam, metal)
  • Flower pots (ceramic, terracotta ect.)
  • Animal feces or litter
  • diapers or hygiene products
  • Rocks or stumps
  • Painted or treated wood
  • Invasive plants - via Comox Strathcona Waste Management 

Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM)

The Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) service is a function of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD.) They are responsible for two regional waste management centres that serve the Comox Valley and Campbell River.  CSWM is working in partnership with City of Courtenay, City of Campbell River, Town of Comox and the Village of Cumberland to manage organic waste (food & yard waste) at the new regional compost facility. Diverting food and yard waste helps extend the lifespan of the landfill and reduce harmful greenhouse gases.