The City of Coquitlam is aiming to minimize waste generation and maximize reuse, recycling, and material recovery. Learn about what we are doing to reach these goals and what you can do to help.
Recycling and Waste Reduction Presentations
City staff provide hands-on educational workshops on waste reduction and recycling for classrooms and community groups. For more information or to book a presentation, please call 604-927-3500 or email the Environmental Education team team.
Backyard Composters
Turn your yard trimmings and food scraps into rich soil for your garden. Backyard composters are available for Coquitlam residents at a subsidized price of $28 (including tax). To purchase a composter, please contact Waste Reduction at 604-927-3500 or email email Environmental Education.
Learn more about backyard composting (PDF) and composting with worms (PDF).
Donate Locally
The City of Coquitlam encourages residents to donate used clothing and household items to prevent them from ending up in the landfill. For a list of charitable organizations in the community that will accept donations of clothing, furniture, and/or household items in good working condition, either at a drop-off center or by scheduled pick up, view our Guide to Donating Locally (PDF).
Regional Campaigns
As part of the Metro Vancouver region, the City of Coquitlam actively participates in a number of regional waste reduction campaigns:
Love Food Hate Waste
Did you know:
- 63% of the food Canadians throw away could have been eaten.
- For the average Canadian household that amounts to 140 kilograms of wasted food per year – at a cost of more than $1,100 per year!
Follow tips from Love Food Hate Waste to save big on your household grocery bill.
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