COQUITLAM, B.C., March 27, 2023 – Coquitlam residents cleaning up their yards and gardens this spring may once again set out additional yard waste for free curbside pickup on their regular collection day between April 3 to May 11.
The City offers unlimited extra yard trimmings pickup for six weeks each spring and fall to households that pay the Garbage Fee on their annual utility bill. Collecting an average of 415 tonnes each year, the Seasonal Unlimited Yard Trimmings program helps residents manage the extra yard waste generated seasonally from spring cleanups, falling leaves and garden winterizing. Information is posted at www.coquitlam.ca/yardtrimmings.
Preparing Yard Waste for Pickup
Residents should continue to use Green Carts for yard trimmings and food scraps as usual from April 3 to May 11 and use the following options for extra yard trimmings only:
- Old garbage cans labelled with Yard Trimmings stickers, available for free pickup from the Engineering counter at Coquitlam City Hall or the City Centre and Poirier Public libraries;
- Kraft paper bags; or
- Tied bundles – branches must be less than 7.5 centimeter (3 inches) in diameter and 1 meter (3 feet) in length.
Place extra yard trimmings out beside your Green Cart on your regular collection day. The material will be picked up by a different truck, separate from your Green Cart, so collection may happen later in the day.
Know the Rules
- Sod, rocks, soil and plastic bags are not accepted.
- Reduce wildlife attractants and only place food scraps in the City-issued Green Cart – do not place food in kraft bags or Yard Trimmings cans.
- City-issued carts may not be set out before 5:30 a.m. on collection days, even if the Green Cart contains only yard trimmings (fines may apply, per Solid Waste Bylaw No. 4679).
- Each bag, can or bundle of extra yard trimmings must weigh less than 20 kilograms (44 pounds).
- Yard trimmings can not block sidewalks, laneways or streets.
Get Collection Reminders by Email, Phone or App
For reminders on your waste collection schedule – including changes for statutory holidays, collection disruptions due to weather, and seasonal yard trimmings collection – visit www.coquitlam.ca/recollect to set up email or phone alerts. Or use your smartphone to download the collection reminder app for free; visit your app store and search “Coquitlam Curbside Collection.”
United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre
Coquitlam residents can drop off residential yard trimmings and food waste for free at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre (995 United Blvd.) year-round. Accepted materials include grass clippings, leaves, plants and plant cuttings, tree and hedge prunings, tree branches and food waste. Please note, proof of residency is required. For information about this program, call 604-927-3500 or email wastereduction@coquitlam.ca.
Media contact:
Shannon Hadley
Solid Waste & Special Projects Manager
604-927-3500
wastereduction@coquitlam.ca