City of Courtenay property owners with automated curbside collection can request a different-sized organics or recycling cart from November 2–15, 2026. Residents can submit requests online at courtenay.ca/carts. Households may choose from available cart sizes to better match their current needs.
Households included in the City of Courtenay’s residential curbside collection program may choose from 120L or 360L for their organics cart, and 120L, 240L or 360L for their recycling cart, depending on the sizes of their existing carts.
“The annual cart exchange program gives residents flexibility to choose cart sizes that work best for their household,” said Chris Thompson, Manager of Public Works at the City of Courtenay. “Whether a household has grown, downsized or changed its recycling and organics habits, the exchange program helps residents match their collection service to their current needs.”
Property owners may submit cart exchange requests from November 2 to 15, 2026. The City contractor, Emterra Environmental, will contact property owners within three weeks of the request to arrange the exchange. In 2026, exchanges will be subject to a $65 administrative fee for properties that have already received an exchange.
Residents living in strata developments, multi-residential properties or manufactured home parks that receive curbside collection through the City do not use the online cart exchange portal. Property managers will coordinate cart exchanges directly with the City's contractor. Cart exchanges for these properties will take place between November 16 and 27, 2026. Residents should contact their property manager with questions about exchanges.
Garbage carts are not included in the exchange program and remain a standard 120-litre size. Residents can make the most of their curbside service by using their recycling and organics carts whenever possible. To learn what goes where, use the Waste Wizard in the Courtenay Collects app or visit courtenay.ca/collects.
If you have questions about the cart exchange, please email solidwaste@courtenay.ca. Residents without internet access may call Operational Services at 250-338-1525 for assistance with their cart exchanges.
For general information regarding automated collection, visit courtenay.ca/carts.