Recycling is collected every second week in Courtenay. See the collection zones and schedule for details, and use the interactive Waste Wizard to check what goes where.
How to set out your cart
- Place your recycling cart (blue lid) at the curb between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on collection day.
- Position it close to the road, but do not block traffic, sidewalks or bike lanes.
- Leave at least 1 metre (3 feet) of space around each cart.
- Ensure there is 3 metres of clearance above the carts.
- The lid must be completely closed, with the arrows pointing toward the street.
- Place materials loose in the cart—do not use clear plastic bags.
- Contain shredded paper in a paper bag or cardboard box.
For more details, including cart placement on streets with bike lanes or on-street parking, see the automated curbside cart collection guide [PDF/1.1MB].
Important reminders
- Use standardized carts. Personal carts will not be collected. (See collection carts for more information.)
- Extra material outside the cart will not be collected.
- Materials must be placed loose in recycling bins. Do not place materials in clear plastic.
- Contain shredded paper in a paper bag or cardboard box.
Accepted in the recycling cart
Not accepted in the recycling cart
Some recyclable items cannot be collected at the curb because they are incompatible with sorting machinery. Use the Waste Wizard to find drop-off locations for these items.
- glass
- Styrofoam packaging (meat trays, bowls, cups, plates, etc.)
- squishy foam-like cushion packaging
- plastic overwrap (used for toilet paper, paper towel, feminine hygiene product, etc.)
- plastic bags (used for groceries, bread, dry bulk foods, frozen vegetables, etc.)
- plastic re-useable bags
- plastic wrap (except for florist cellophane, which goes into the garbage)
- plastic drop sheets and coverings
- other flexible plastic packaging, including freezer bags (used for chips, candy, coffee, sandwiches, etc.)
- bubble wrap (except paper-lined bubble wrap)
- lights and light fixtures
- batteries and cell phones
- electronics and appliances
- paint cans
- scrap metal
If you aren’t sure whether an item can be recycled through curbside collection, use our interactive Waste Wizard tool.
Missed collection
If your recycling cart was not picked up, contact Operational Services.
Recycling at home
If you'd like ideas on how to improve your home recycling, watch this video from Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) on setting up an effective home recycling system.
Recycle BC
Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organization that manages residential packaging and paper recycling in British Columbia. They ensure that materials collected from homes and recycling depots are properly sorted and recycled.
Recycle BC provides services directly or partners with local governments, First Nations, private companies and other organizations. They serve 183 communities and operate numerous recycling depots. In 2021, over 210,000 tonnes of materials were collected.
The program is funded by businesses — including retailers, manufacturers and restaurants — that supply recyclable materials to B.C. residents.