In this article, we’ll guide you in detail about the Nanaimo garbage schedule, recycling pickups, and yard waste collection day. 

Cherry, on top, we’ve got a little extra information regarding Nanaimo dump hours and waste disposal centres too. So, let’s begin!

1. Nanaimo B.C Garbage Schedule 2024

Curbside residential trash collection begins at 8 a.m. Garbage is picked up from Monday to Friday, and each area is assigned a specific day. Here’s how to find your Nanaimo garbage day:

  • Navigate to the city’s official website. (Click here)
  • Type your address and then press the enter button.
  • Your monthly garbage collection calendar will be displayed.

Keep in mind that the black refuse cart is picked up after every other week. So, if you forget to roll it out on time, you’ll have to wait till the next collection.

2. Download The Nanaimo Garbage Calendar And Set Weekly Reminders

Now, residents can also download the yearly trash calendars to never forget their collection day. Moreover, you can also set a “trash reminder” quickly. The city will send you a text message or call (as you prefer) before your collection day. Here’s how to do that:

  • Go to the city’s official website and add your address.
  • Get your schedule and then click on “Get a calendar.”
  • To set reminders, click on Get a reminder.

You can also request a printed copy or download the PDF copy. On the calendar, there is detailed information for recycling, yard waste, and holiday schedules. 

3. Report Missed Garbage Collection

If you have placed your cart on the curb on time, the service is not provided, you need to report the missed collection to the Department of Public Works. 

Call 250 -758 -5222 or send an email to public.worksinfo@nanaimo.ca. A special service will be provided within the next 24 hours. Before you call, ensure two things:

  • Your cart was placed as per the city’s waste management laws.
  • Your refusal didn’t have any unacceptable mixed with acceptable items.
  • The lids of your carts must be properly closed.

4. Nanaimo Recycling Schedule 2024

Recyclables in the blue cart are collected every other week. To find your next recycling collection day, click here.

Keep in mind that since June 5, the trash collectors have been checking the blue carts manually, if there are any unacceptable items.

  • Toss the recyclables loosely into the cart.
  • Rinse and dry plastic containers before placing them in.
  • Flatten the cardboard and food containers.
  • Don’t throw any leftover food debris in your blue cart.
  • Remove tape, string, or ribbon from the containers before tossing them in. 
  • The lid of the recycling cart must be closed properly.

Residents have to pay a fine if there are any unacceptable items in their cart. That’s why, as a rule of thumb when in doubt, toss it away.

Acceptable Items

  • Newspapers, inserts, and flyers
  • Shredded paper
  • Magazines and catalogs
  • Paper gift wrap and greeting cards
  • Telephone books and other directories
  • Office paper, paper envelopes, and notepads
  • Corrugated cardboard boxes
  • Cereal, tissues, frozen entrees, dessert boxes
  • Carrier trays
  • Molded boxboard packaging
  • Paper bags
  • Multi-layered paper bags
  • Plastic jugs with screw tops
  • Microwavable bowls and cups
  • Paper cups
  • Frozen dessert boxes
  • Steel containers
  • Aluminium foil wrap

Unaccepted Items

  • Hardcover or paperback books
  • Ribbons or bows
  • Rubber bands
  • Cardboard boxes with wax coating
  • Paper towels
  • Containers for motor oil
  • Vehicle lubricant or antifreeze products
  • Ceramic plant pots
  • Wiring or metal cords
  • Garden hoses
  • Pails larger than 25L
  • Plastic or foil lids
  • Spray paint cans
  • Aerosol cans
  • Foil-lined cardboard
  • Steel paint cans
  • Propane cylinders
  • Metal toys
  • Appliances
  • Metal hardware
Must Read
Items not accepted for curbside recycling must be taken to the nearest drop-off center for proper disposal. You can find the nearest drop-off center by adding your location (click here).

5. Nanaimo Waste Disposal Centers

As mentioned earlier, refuse or recyclables that are not accepted curbside can be dropped–off at the following disposal centres.

Keep in mind that you might have to pay a small fee based on the weight and type of garbage.

Drop Off SiteLocationContact Number
Regional Recycling2375 Hayes Road250 -751 -2358
GFL Environmental2250 McGarrigle Street250 -751 -1089
Habitat ReStore1-4128 Mostar Rd758 -8743 ext 1
Pacific Coast Waste ManagementBiggs Pit Road – Off Biggs Rd250 -756 -0773
Regional Recycling – South839 Old Victoria Road250 -751 -2358

Home renovation or construction debris are not accepted at the drop-off locations either. Moreover, no assistance will be provided to unload the garbage/recyclables.

Must Read
Nanaimo Dump Hours: All regional landfills are accessible to residents from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The centres remain closed on all statutory holidays. 

6. Nanaimo Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste or green bins are collected every week. To find out your next yard waste pickup day, click here

  • Place an old newspaper at the bottom of your cart.
  • Keep items loosely without using any bad or wire to intact branches.
  • Due to moisture, the cart base will be sticky. To prevent foul smell, wash your cart regularly.

Moreover, there is also an acceptable and unacceptable list for your green cart. There is no place for regular refuse or metal in your green bin.

Acceptable Items

  • Leaves, grass, and light trimmings
  • Floral arrangements
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Eggs and dairy products
  • Tea bags
  • Food soiled paper
  • Meat, fish, and bones
  • Breads, pasta, and dough
  • Food scraps
  • Coffee grounds
  • Soiled pizza boxes
  • Food solid paper towels

Unacceptable Items

  • Animal carcasses
  • Rubber bands, netting, or stickers
  • Biodegradable plastics
  • Styrofoam
  • Wire and twist ties
  • Garbage and personal hygiene products
  • Clean or unsoiled cardboard
  • Soil, sod, or rocks
  • Compostable plastics
  • Sawdust and wood refuse
  • Construction materials
  • Pet waste

7. Nanaimo Large Items Pickup

The Nanaimo Department of Public Works doesn’t pick up large items from the curbside.

You have to dispose of all bulky items yourself. Here are your two possible solutions:

  • Drop off all large items at the nearest disposal facility.
  • Place items at the curbside for free or donate the semi-used furniture/appliance at the local Goodwill store.

If you opt for a yard sale or free curbside placement, then you have to clean any leftover junk yourself after the giveaway.

8. How To Get Rid Of Large Items At Ease? Hire A Private Junk Hauler!

With junk hauliers, you can get rid of your large trash easily. All you need to do is hire private junk hauliers, and they will pick up every type of trash, charging a small fee. 

How-To-Get-Rid-Of-Large-Items-At-Ease

Usually, a haulier will charge anywhere between $450 to $600 for a full truckload of 430 lbs.

That’s quite a space. In such a space, you can adjust over 20 regular refrigerators. 

The cherry on top is that you also don’t have to worry about the disposal fee and dealing with the dirt debris, as it is the responsibility of the haulier you hire. Here’s the list of the top 7 private haulers you can hire:

Company NameContact Info
228JUNK *Discount* Junk Removal 250 -228 -5865
Trash2Go888 -618 -7274
1-800-GOT-JUNK? Nanaimo800 -468 -5865
Frank The Ford Hauling and Junk Removal 778 -674 -1212
Junk In Our Trunk250 -734 -3857
Bin There Dump That Nanaimo250 -591 -0153
Take A Load Off Moving Nanaimo250 -616 -7854

Before you hire a haulier, ensure to get an early estimate. Getting an early estimate will help you to save your hard-earned money. 

Speaking of my personal experience, it is best to always ask about the accepted items list because some private trash hauliers don’t pick up renovation debris or construction-related material.

9. Nanaimo Trash Pickup Holidays 2024

The Nanaimo Department of Public Works doesn’t pick up trash on all 11 statutory holidays. The curbside collection is delayed and pushed to the next working day.

For example, the Labour Day trash pickup will not happen on Monday, September 4 instead, it will be pushed to Tuesday, September 5. Here’s the list of all the holidays:

HolidayDate
Good FridayFriday, March 29
Easter MondayMonday, April 1
Victoria DayMonday, May 20
Family DaySunday, August 4
British Columbia DayMonday, August 5
Labor DayMonday, September 2
National Day for Truth and ReconciliationMonday, September 30
Thanksgiving DayMonday, October 214
Christmas DayWednesday, December 25
Near Year’s DayWednesday, January 1

The delay is only for the black cart pickup. Usually, there is no delay in the recycling bin collection or yard waste pickup.

10. Important Contacts

Nanaimo Garbage Pickup Phone Number: 250 -755 -4405

For All the Latest Updates: Follow the city of Nanaimo on Twitter to get all the curbside trash pickup news and information regarding any delay in the collection schedule. 

Wrapping It Up!

Curbside household garbage is collected every other week. Yard waste carts (green bins) are picked up every week.

Also, the recyclables are picked up every other week. The city doesn’t provide any large items collection service.

Residents need to hire private junk haulers to get rid of large trash. However, they can also dispose of bulky trash at the nearest landfill or transfer stations. On holidays, no pickup service is provided.

For any queries related to your schedule or to report missed trash collection, call 250 -758 -5222. 

Resources:

Author

Jimmy Carter specializes in providing up-to-date information on trash schedules for cities and states across the USA. With a passion for community service and sustainability, Jimmy is committed to helping people reduce their environmental impact and keep their neighborhoods clean.

Comments are closed.