It is in our best interest to participating fully in the organics and recycling programs in order to:
- create the least negative impact on the environment
- reduce the amount of waste being sent to the landfill in order to extend its lifespan which defers major capital expenditures.
- Garbage is collected bi-weekly.
- Place curbside by 8am.
- Cart lid must be fully closed.
- Weight limit for a 120L Cart = 122.5 lbs.
Please review the:
- Garbage specific FAQs section below.
- Calendar and Wizard tools on our Solid Waste webpage.
- General Q&A webpage.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
NOTE: If you are in a commercial or strata complex that does not have the automated curbside carts, please call Emterra to discuss your collection: 250-336-8066.
For curbside automated carts - please ensure that you have followed all of the Cart Set Out Guidelines , including that:
- curbside automated carts must be at the curb by 8 am (regardless of your usual collection time)
- lids must be fully closed
- nothing on top of the cart
- each cart has at least 3 feet of clearance around it and 10 feet of clearance overhead
- only the allowable items are inside each cart
- for details, use the Wizard tool on our main Solid Waste webpage, which is also available on the Comox Curbside App (on Apple or Google Play). Look for the magnifying glass symbol called Wizard.
If you have followed all the Cart Set Out Guidelines and your collection was not done, please contact the Town of Comox, Public Works department to discuss at publicworks@comox.ca or 250-339-5410 - they will enquire with the contractor to determine when your collection route was completed and if there was a reason your collection was not done.
Your cart contents are too compressed.
- Loosen your cart contents for the next scheduled collection day.
- A second cart tip is not a service included in the Town bylaw.
You may consider disposing of extra garbage at the landfill in Cumberland.
Do not place loose items in cart.
Line your cart with a large garbage bag and/or use multiple smaller bags.
Bags should be tied closed to prevent items from falling onto the street when the cart is being tipped into the collection truck.
Using garbage bags will also keep the inside of your garbage cart clean.
Regular household garbage (including pet waste and litter) is accepted in your curbside garbage cart however, you might be surprised at what can be diverted to your curbside recycling and organic carts or taken to a Recycling BC Depot...
Check out these resources for a full list of items:
- Food and Yard Waste Program Guide
- Use the Wizard tool on the Town website solid waste page or download the Comox Curbside App on Apple or Google Play. If the tool shows that an item cannot be put into the curbside recycling or organics carts, then an alternate location will be suggested - for example, take glass, foam, overwrap, bags, and flexible plastics to a Recycling BC Depot.
At a glance, the common items below are NOT accepted in your curbside Garbage cart:
- batteries
- bleach
- aerosol container that still has product inside it
- compressed gas cylinders (including used propane cylinders)
- containers for: paint / motor oil / vehicle lubricants / antifreeze
- pesticides with the words: explosive / corrosive / flammable
- Demolition and construction materials
- (take to the Comox Valley Waste Management centre in Cumberland. Visit the website for more information or call 250-336-8066.)
- Hazardous Waste
- take to the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre in Cumberland on a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off day
- Asbestos
You might be surprised at what can be diverted to your curbside recycling and organic carts or taken to a Recycling BC Depot.
Check out these resources for a full list of items:
- Food and Yard Waste Program Guide
- Use the Wizard tool on the Town website solid waste page or download the Comox Curbside App on Apple or Google Play. If the tool shows that an item cannot be put into the curbside recycling or organics carts, then an alternate location will be suggested - for example, take glass, foam, overwrap, bags, and flexible plastics to a Recycling BC Depot.
You can also take your excess garbage to the landfill in Cumberland (Comox Strathcona Waste Management), visit their website for more information or call 250-336-8066.
Ensure the waste is not packed too tightly in the cart as it may not fully empty into the collection truck. If that happens, it is not considered a missed collection - loosen the contents in your cart for the next collection day or take to the landfill in Cumberland.
Should you require an increase to your service level by way of an additional cart please visit the Cart Changes webpage.
120L Cart max weight limit = 122.5 lbs
The Town of Comox is a participant in the regional Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) service.
The CSWM service provides a range of educational programs that encourage region-wide waste reduction, including the development and production of videos.
Click the links below to explore:
- General questions that apply to all cart services.
- Cart Basics
- Cart Set Out Guidelines
- When is my collection day? Enter your address into the Calendar tool on our main Solid Waste webpage.
- What goes where? Enter the item into Wizard tool on our main Solid Waste webpage.
Still have a question? Please contact Comox Public Works by email at publicworks@comox.ca or phone: 250-339-5410.
Thank you.