Reduce Your Waste

Only buy what you need. Reuse, repair or donate items.

The City of Coquitlam's waste-reduction goals in our approved Environmental Sustainability Plan are to minimize waste generation and maximize reuse, recycling, and material recovery (see pages 34 -41). Below is information on programs and services to reach these goals, and tips on what you can do to help. 

  • Residents, who receive curbside collection, can take advantage of their curbside collection recycling options.
  • Residents in multi-family properties, such as townhomes or condos, can reach out to property managers or stratas for information about their private collection services. 
  • Donate items in good condition, or take back recyclable items for free to a local depot – visit our Recycling page for details
  • Furniture or other large household items that can’t be donated can be collected through Coquitlam’s Large Item Pickup program  (this service is for residents who receive City collection).
  • Residents who receive City collection can place out unlimited yard trimmings twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. 
  • Coquitlam residents can drop off green waste for free year-round at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre.
  • The City-Wide Garage Sale and Giveaway Events take place twice a year and are a great opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability and community waste-reduction efforts. Visit the garage sale webpage for event dates that take place each spring and fall. Find sought-after treasures and bargains and keep items that need a new home out of the landfill. 
  • Participate in the City’s Repair Cafes, which are events where residents can bring broken items to be fixed for free by volunteers who are handy and who like tinkering/fixing things, or for volunteers who simply want to help out in the community. Repair Cafés help build community and reduce waste at the same time, a win-win.
  • Use a backyard composterand turn your yard trimmings and food scraps into rich soil for your garden. Composters are available for Coquitlam residents at a subsidized price of $28 (including tax). 
  • Book an educational presentation. City staff provide Recycling and Waste Reduction Presentations for community groups. For more information please call 604-927-4306 or email Environmental Education. 

Regional Campaigns

As part of the Metro Vancouver region, the City of Coquitlam actively participates in regional waste reduction campaigns.

#WhatsYourSuperhabit

Single-use items have a lasting impact on our environment. Our small daily routines to reduce single-use items will save the day. Metro Vancouverites dispose 1.3 billion single-use items per year- that’s 480 bags, straws, utensils, cups, and containers per person. Visit Metro Vancouver's Superhabits page for tips and guidance on the safe use of reusables and to learn more about recycling single-use items.

Think Thrice About Your Clothes!

Did you know that Metro Vancouver residents throw out about 17 pounds of clothing (the equivalent of 44 T-shirts) per person every year? For tips on how to prevent clothing ending up in the landfill, visit ClothesArentGarbage.ca.

Donating Locally

If you have items in good condition that you would like to donate, the following charitable organizations and second-hand retailers would be happy to hear from you.