City Offers Cart Exchange Program for Organics and Recycling Collection

City of Courtenay property owners of single-residential dwellings and duplexes now have the option to request a change in the sizes of their household’s curbside organics and recycling carts.

Depending on the sizes of their existing carts, households included in the City of Courtenay’s residential curbside collection program may choose from 120L or 360L for their organics cart, and 120L, 240L or 360L for their recycling cart at www.courtenay.ca/cartexchange.

“After trialling out the carts since the beginning of the year, we understand some households would prefer to downsize their organics or recycling carts,” said Chris Thompson, Manager of Public Works at the City of Courtenay. “we have launched a new online form to make it easier for residents to request a change.”

Property owners may submit cart exchange requests until November 1, 2024. The City contractor, Emterra Environmental, will contact property owners within three weeks of the request to arrange the exchange. In 2024 there is no cost for the exchange, in 2025 exchanges will be subject to a $65 administrative fee.

Residents of multi-residential, strata or manufactured home parks with curbside collection through the City wishing to exchange carts should contact their property manager. The City has provided cart exchange information directly with property managers responsible for utility billing.

Garbage carts are not included in the exchange program. All garbage carts are 120L. To manage garbage volumes at the curb and reduce impacts to the landfill, residents are encouraged to divert recycling and organic material. To find out what goes where, use the Waste Wizard on the Courtenay Collects app or visit www.courtenay.ca/collects.

If you have questions about the cart exchange please email solidwaste@courtenay.ca. Residents without internet access may call Operational Services at 250-338-1525 for assistance with their carts. 

For general information regarding automated collection, visit www.courtenay.ca/carts.

Fast Facts

Since the curbside organics collection service launched in Courtenay in 2023, there has been a consistent and notable shift away from garbage to organics.

• Last year, the collection contractor collected nearly 1,000 tonnes less garbage than in 2022. This reduction is equivalent to around 130 truckloads of garbage.
• Year to date in 2024 there has been a 50% reduction in garbage tonnage being sent to the landfill with a corresponding increase in organics tonnage.
• Annual solid waste fees paid by residents directly reflect the City’s cost to deliver this service. By diverting waste, residents help reduce costs in the short and long term and extend the life of the regional landfill.
• Exchanged carts will be thoroughly cleaned and inspected before being reallocated to other households.

Quotes

 “After trialling out the carts since the beginning of the year, we understand some households would prefer to downsize their organics or recycling carts, while others would like to request larger carts,” said Chris Thompson, Manager of Public Works at the City of Courtenay. “we’ve launched a new online form to make it easier for residents to request a change.” – Chris Thompson, Manager of Public Works, City of Courtenay