News Flash

Coquitlam’s 2026/2027 curbside collection calendars are in the mail to single-family residences.

COQUITLAM, B.C., June 22, 2026 – Coquitlam’s 2026/2027 curbside collection calendars are in the mail to single-family residences. The calendars include important information on garbage and green waste pickup schedules, and details on additional waste management programs. 

The new calendar covers an 18-month period, from July 2026 to December 2027. While the calendar period has been extended, there are no changes to collection days or pickup schedules from the previous service period.

Waste Reduction Programs

Only properties that pay a Garbage Fee on their Annual Utility Bill receive City waste collection services. In addition to collection of Garbage Carts for waste that cannot be composted or recycled, and Green Carts for food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard trimmings, this fee covers the following programs and services:

• Large Item Pickup: Residents can have up to four large household items collected each year.
• Extra Yard Trimmings collection: Six weeks of unlimited yard trimmings collection (grass clippings, pruned branches, leaves, etc.) each spring and fall.
• Free, year-round, drop-off of green waste at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre, 995 United Boulevard (proof of residency required).
• Cart repairs and exchanges: Request cart repair or exchanges online (exchange fees may apply).
• Other Coquitlam waste-reduction initiatives include the City-Wide Garage Sale and Giveaway Event (twice a year) Repair Cafés and backyard composter program. 
• Curbside Recycling for paper, cardboard, plastic, metal and glass is provided at no cost by Recycle BC.

New Notification Service to Reduce Green Cart Contamination

Coquitlam has been using an automated, separated curbside collection program since 2014, with two different waste streams collected by the City at the curb – compostable green waste and garbage, which is waste that cannot be composted or recycled.  

Contamination occurs when items are disposed in the wrong cart. This causes problems at the organic processing facility or the landfill. Incorrect items can damage waste-processing equipment, increase fire and explosion risks, lower compost quality and raise disposal costs to the City. 

While waste-collection trucks are already equipped with cameras that allow drivers to manually identify contamination and tag carts to educate residents about proper waste sorting, the City will now use the vehicle's on-board technology to automatically detect and report contaminants. This technology improves efficiency and minimizes human error. Residents will be notified about contamination via mailed postcards and letters.

The City’s waste-reduction programs and this new initiative support Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan’s waste management goals to minimize waste generation and maximize reuse, recycling and material recovery.

Download the Curbside Collection App

Already in use by almost 75% of households who receive curbside collection, the free Coquitlam Curbside Collection app (available on Android and Apple) provides residents with personalized collection schedules, collection day and seasonal program reminders and important service updates or disruption notices. Residents who have not yet downloaded the app are encouraged to do so—details available at coquitlam.ca/recollect. 

Residents can also book a large-item pickup, request a cart repair or exchange, report missed collection(s), use the Waste Wizard search tool to find out where and how to dispose of waste properly, and find more information about all other waste reduction programs via the app.

Solid Waste Facts and Figures

• In 2025, 95% of Green Carts collected were free of contamination. However, 1,722 properties disposed of black bags of garbage in their Green Cart at least once.
• More than 25,500 residential properties receive bi-weekly garbage and weekly green waste collection from the City.
• Last year, approximately 50% of the 8,400 items collected through the Large Item Pick Up program were recycled.
• In 2025, almost 69% of household waste was diverted from the landfill through recycling and green waste programs.
• 86% of residents reported strong satisfaction with the City's recycling and garbage services according to the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey.

Media contacts:

Nichelle CameronSolid Waste and Special Projects Manager

Julie KanyaManager Environment, Education and Enforcement

604-927-3500WasteReduction@coquitlam.ca 

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

Community volunteers helping to protect and enhance Coquitlam’s natural environment were recognized this past weekend.

COQUITLAM, B.C., June 18, 2026 – Community volunteers helping to protect and enhance Coquitlam’s natural environment were recognized this past weekend at the City’s 18th annual Environmental Achievement Awards celebration.

Presented every two years, the awards recognize local volunteers who have dedicated their time and passion in the areas of environmental conservation, habitat enhancement, education and sustainability. 

2026 Environmental Achievement Award Winners

The City received more than 25 nominations recognizing projects and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, education and public awareness, sustainability through efforts such as waste reduction and recycling, and environmental responsibility through activities such as litter cleanups.

Coquitlam thanks and acknowledges the 2026 Environmental Achievement Award recipients:

• Individual (Ages 13-18) - Emma Ma participates in weekly litter clean-ups with the Centennial Secondary Trash Club, and she has assisted in launching EcoLink, an initiative that brings environmental workshops to elementary schools to raise awareness on waste reduction.
• Individual (19+) - Carl Ronka has spearheaded Web of Life as a volunteer-driven initiative to clean litter from forested areas and trails by coordinating a diverse group of volunteers who have removed over 100,000 pounds of litter across the Lower Mainland including the Coquitlam River watershed.
• Teacher or Educator - Tessa Voykin is an environmental science teacher at Gleneagle Secondary School who encourages her students to participate in invasive plant removals and tree planting events through the City's Bad Seed program helping build an awareness of our ecosystems.
• Youth Group, School or Club - Centennial Secondary School Trash Club is a student-driven initiative dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship. Students clean up school grounds and the surrounding neighbourhood, built displays on how to help peers recycle more effectively, and developed bilingual interactive workshops for younger students.
• Adult Group, Organization, Service Club - Food Link Society has spent a decade preventing food waste from ending up in the landfill, and strengthening community food security by rescuing high-quality food surplus from grocery stores and redistributing it to those in need through a network that includes 15 local schools, Metro Vancouver Housing communities and non-profit partners.
• Adult Group, Organization, Service Club - Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is a non-profit organization that has been promoting salmon conservation and enhancement within the Hoy/Scott Creek and Coquitlam watersheds for 24 years. Their volunteers run the Hoy Creek Fish Hatchery year round, monitor stream health, restore riparian habitat and raise and release over 40,000 young salmon annually.
• Lifetime Achievement Individual Award - Ginny Wilson has dedicated three decades of service with the Coquitlam River Community Garden providing institutional knowledge, mentorship and leadership to garden volunteers.
• Lifetime Achievement Individual Award - Kerry Lockwood has been running the Salmonids in the Classroom Program since 1990, and has been Coquitlam School District’s Salmon Enhancement Coordinator since 1996 educating and empowering students to become informed, caring and responsible citizens dedicated to sustainable ecosystems.

More information, including a description of all of this year's nominations, can be viewed at coquitlam.ca/EnviroAwards. 

Coquitlam’s Commitment to Environmental Volunteers

Since 2004, the City has recognized more than 75 groups and hundreds of volunteers who take on initiatives year-round that support environmental sustainability. Residents with an interest in the environment are encouraged to sign up as a City volunteer to take part in activities such as invasive plant removal, tree planting, helping at environmental events such as Repair Cafés and wearing the City’s bear and salmon mascot costumes – details are available at coquitlam.ca/volunteer. Coquitlam has a network of over 100 municipal and regional parks comprised of 7.7 km² of forested land, over 300 km of watercourses and more than 130 km of trails. For more information about the City’s environmental activities, visit coquitlam.ca/environment.

Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan

Coquitlam finalized an Environmental Sustainability Plan in January 2022 that guides decisions and ensures the long-term resiliency and sustainability of the community. The Environmental Sustainability Plan is organized into five themes: Climate Action, Built Environment, Waste Management, Water Management and Natural Areas, Wildlife and Habitat. Learn more about the Environmental Sustainability Plan at coquitlam.ca/EnviroPlan.

Media contact:

Julie KanyaManager, Environment Education and Enforcement604-927-3500epw@coquitlam.ca 

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

Coquitlam’s Summer Concert Series is back with two free family-friendly concerts on Friday, August 7, and Friday, September 4, at the Town Centre Park Community Plaza!

COQUITLAM, B.C., June 15, 2026 – Coquitlam’s Summer Concert Series is back with two free family-friendly concerts on Friday, August 7 and Friday, September 4 at the Town Centre Park Community Plaza!

Bring family and friends along for an immersive musical experience to start your summer weekends off right. Pack a picnic or try something new from one of our flavourful food truck options. The series is sponsored in part by Corporate Partner, Polygon Homes.

This Year’s Musical Lineup 

This year’s powerhouse performers will be on stage for two full 45-minute sets each night, helping make your Summer Concert Series experience one of the best nights of the summer. Whether you like catchy sing-a-long tunes, foot-stomping country anthems or moody and groovy croons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Friday, August 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. – Classic Elton

Proudly supported by Polygon Homes.

Get ready for the ultimate Elton John experience with Classic Elton! Andrew Johns takes the stage in a spectacular tribute show that celebrates the iconic music and dazzling showmanship of the Rocket Man himself. Backed by a full nine-piece band, complete with a powerful horn section and soulful backup singers. Featuring all of Elton John's greatest hits, the show will have you singing along, clapping, and dancing in your seat.

Food trucks: Alohaaa Dogs, Soda Rebel Co., Shameless Buns

Friday, September 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. – The Country Divas

The Country Divas is an engaging, Vegas-style theatre production celebrating the music of country music’s most iconic artists including Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, The Chicks, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill & Linda Ronstadt. Featuring a captivating band, electrifying dancers, powerful vocals, dazzling costumes & multi-media, this show will have you smiling, moving and singing along to your favourite country hits!

Food trucks: Magical Rings, Gourmet Grub, Bao Buns    

Visit coquitlam.ca/SummerConcerts for more details. 

Partner With Us 

The Coquitlam Corporate Partners Program is a marketing partnership program that allows businesses to connect with their target audiences while directly contributing to the community vibrancy where their customers live, learn, work and play. The revenue generated through the Corporate Partners Program benefits residents and the community-at-large by funding enhanced programs and services. 

Organizations interested in sponsoring this year’s Summer Concert Series can contact CorporatePartners@coquitlam.ca. 

Media contact:

Heidi HughesManager Tourism & Visitor Economy604-927-3950 FestivalsAndEvents@coquitlam.ca 

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

City crews will be completing maintenance work on the centre medians along Lougheed Hwy, near the Chilko Dr intersection. Work will be taking place on Tuesday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Traffic will be limited to single lane in each direction.

What: Centre Median Maintenance Work

Where: Lougheed Highway, just north and south of the Chilko Drive intersection (Location Map)

When: Tuesday, June 23, between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: During active construction, traffic will be limited to a single lane in each direction.    Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route. 

Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience.

For more information, contact:Engineering and Public Works Customer Service604-927-3500epw@coquitlam.ca 

Metro Vancouver will be working at the intersection of Mariner Way and Dewdney Trunk Road starting on June 6 for two weeks. Traffic will be impacted. There will be traffic delays and turn restrictions in place. Please plan an alternate route.

What: Metro Vancouver Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main Construction 

Where: Intersection of Mariner Way and Dewdney Trunk Road (Location Map)

When: Saturday, June 6 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.Traffic Impacts:  Traffic flow will be impacted. There will be temporary lane closures and turn restrictions in place. Pedestrian access will be maintained but there will be some minor detours.

When: Monday, June 8 and will be ongoing for approximately two weeks. Traffic Impacts: Traffic flow will be impacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with traffic delays and turn restrictions in place including: - No right turns onto eastbound Dewdney Trunk Road from northbound Mariner Way. Traffic will be detoured via Barnet Hwy.- Pedestrian access will be maintained but there will be some minor detours.

Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays. Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience as Metro Vancouver's contractor completes this necessary work. 

Follow the City on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram where we update regularly with info on traffic hot spots.

For more information, contact:Metro Vancouver Information Centre: 604-432-6200After Hours Emergency: 604-451-6610Email: icentre@metrovancouver.org (Include “Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main – Mariner Way Section” in the subject line of your email)Website: metrovancouver.org (Search for “Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main – Mariner Way Section” for more information or to sign up for project updates)

The City's contractor will be completing underground utility work along Shaughnessy Street from Lodge Drive to Parkland Drive, starting May 22 and will be ongoing for six weeks. Work will take place Mon to Fri, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please plan extra time.

What: Underground Utility Work - Storm Work

Where: Shaughnessy Street from Lodge Drive to Parkland Drive  (Location Map)

When: Underground work is scheduled to begin on Friday, May 22 and will be ongoing for approximately six weeks. Work will take place Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with occasional Saturday work. 

Impacts: Traffic flow and street parking will be impacted during active construction. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route.

Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience.

For more information, please contact:Public Works Liaison604-927-3550pwl@coquitlam.ca