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 are collected every two weeks, on alternating weeks; organics are collected weekly.
- After a statutory holiday, all collection days that week shift by one day. For example, if your regular day is Monday, pickup will be on Tuesday.
- Curbside collection is a required service for all households.
- 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
You can request extra garbage, recycling or organics carts for an additional yearly fee. Fees are based on the full cost of the cart size selected.
- Additional carts: Available for an extra fee. Email solidwaste@courtenay.ca or call Courtenay Operations @ 250-338-1525 to request.
- Cart size exchanges: The 2025 cart exchange program has ended. There will be another opportunity to exchange your carts in the Fall of 2026.