Organics

The City of Courtenay provides residential organics collection, including yard waste and food waste, as part of the residential curbside collection program.

Curbside collection details:

Frequency: Weekly                                                                                                                        Type: City issued cart
Maximum Weight (360 L Cart): 146 kg (322 lbs)

Location: Place cart on street with wheels against curb. For other options based on street configuration including bike lanes and on-street parking please refer to the Curbside Collection Guide provided with the cart or available at www.courtenay.ca/carts.

NOTE: No compostable or biodegradeable plastic bags. No paper bags with bioplastic or cellulose lining i.e. shiny lining.

Please ensure all materials are at the curbside by 8:00 am on your collection day.

Seasonal yard waste drop-off available March 15 - April 17, 2025

The free seasonal yard waste drop-off program is open to Courtenay residents receiving curbside collection through the City who have excess yard waste that does not fit into their curbside collection container. 

Material can be dropped off loose or contained in paper yard waste bags. Material cannot be contained in plastic bags including those labelled compostable/biodegradable. Organic kitchen waste is not included in this program.

Location: At the end of McKenzie Avenue, next to the City Operations Yard.

Drop-off Hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from March 15 to April 17, 2025.

Accepted Materials Include:

  • Leaves
  • Grass clippings
  • Flowers/Plants
  • Small branches, less than 3 inches in diameter

Note: Food waste and food-soiled paper are not accepted. These materials should go into your organics cart.

Seasonal yard waste drop-off location:

Accepted materials:

Check out the CSWM Curbside Food and Yard Waste Guide for details on what is accepted.

  • Food scraps and soiled paper 
  • Leaves
  • Grass clippings
  • Flowers
  • Plants
  • Tree or hedge prunings
  • Branches (maximum diameter 3 inches, length must be cut to fit inside cart with lid closed).

NOTE: No compostable or biodegradeable plastic bags. No paper bags with bioplastic or cellulose lining.

Not accepted materials:

  • Large amounts of sod or soil
  • liquid grease
  • stickers, twist ties, elastic bands from produce
  • Recyclables (plastics, styrofoam, metal)
  • Flower pots (ceramic, terracotta ect.)
  • Animal feces or litter
  • diapers or hygiene products
  • Rocks or stumps
  • Painted or treated wood
  • Invasive plants - via Comox Strathcona Waste Management 

Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM)

The Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) service is a function of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD.) They are responsible for two regional waste management centres that serve the Comox Valley and Campbell River.  CSWM is working in partnership with City of Courtenay, City of Campbell River, Town of Comox and the Village of Cumberland to manage organic waste (food & yard waste) at the new regional compost facility. Diverting food and yard waste helps extend the lifespan of the landfill and reduce harmful greenhouse gases.