Organics

Organics is collected every week in Courtenay. This includes yard and food waste. View collection zones and schedule for more information.

How to set out your cart

  • Place your organics cart (green lid) at the curb between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on your collection day.
  • Position it close to the road, but do not block traffic, sidewalks or bike lanes.
  • Leave at least 1 metre (3 feet) of space around each cart.
  • Ensure there is 3 metres of clearance above the carts.
  • The lid must be completely closed, with the arrows pointing toward the street. Leave the lid in the unlocked position if the cart:
    • is more than 75 per cent (3/4) full
    • only contains a small amount of food waste
    • only contains yard waste
  • Do not include:
    • compostable or biodegradable bags
    • paper bags with bioplastic or cellulose (shiny) lining

For more details, including cart placement on streets with bike lanes or on-street parking, see the automated curbside cart collection guide [PDF - 1 MB]

Important reminders

  • Use standardized carts. Personal carts will not be collected. (See collection carts for more information.)
  • Extra material outside the cart will not be collected.
  • Lock the lid when the organics cart is not set out for collection, unless you have it stored in a garage, shed or other secure location.

Accepted in the organics cart

  • food scraps and soiled paper 
  • leaves
  • grass clippings
  • flowers
  • plants
  • tree or hedge prunings
  • branches (maximum diameter 3 inches; must fit inside the cart with the lid closed).

For more details, visit the Comox Strathcona Waste Management’s (CSWM) curbside food and yard waste guide.

Not accepted in the organics cart

  • compostable or biodegradable plastic bags
  • paper bags with bioplastic or cellulose (shiny) lining
  • large amounts of sod or soil
  • liquid grease
  • stickers, twist ties, elastic bands from produce
  • recyclables (plastics, Styrofoam, metal, etc.)
  • flower pots (ceramic, terracotta, etc.)
  • animal feces or litter
  • diapers or hygiene products
  • rocks or stumps
  • painted or treated wood
  • invasive plants (refer to CSWM for proper disposal) 

If you aren’t sure whether an item can go in your organics cart, use our interactive Waste Wizard tool.

Missed collection

If your organics cart was not picked up, contact Operational Services.

Seasonal yard waste drop-off

March 15 – April 17, 2025

Courtenay residents who receive curbside collection can drop off excess yard waste that does not fit in their organics cart for free during this program.

Location

The end of McKenzie Avenue, next to the City Operations Yard.

Hours

  • Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Accepted materials in the yard waste drop-off

  • leaves
  • grass clippings
  • flowers
  • plants
  • small branches (less than 3 inches in diameter)
  • keep the cart lid in the unlocked position if the cart:
    • Is placed curbside for pickup
    • Contains branches that may push the lid open

All material must be loose or in paper yard waste bags. Plastic bags—including compostable or biodegradable ones—are not allowed.

Not accepted in the yard waste drop-off

  • Do not include:
    • food waste
    • food-soiled paper

These materials should go into your organics cart.

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 the City of Courtenay, City of Campbell River, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland to manage organic waste at the new regional compost facility. Diverting food and yard waste helps extend the lifespan of the landfill and reduce harmful greenhouse gases.