Organics Collection
Be Part of the Solution: Embrace Powell River's Green Cart Service!
Powell River's future is in our hands, and the City's Green Cart Service empowers residents to make a significant impact on our environment. This program tackles the issue of food and yard waste in landfills, promoting a more sustainable future for our city.
Diverting Waste for a Healthier Planet:
Landfills are nearing capacity, and organic waste decomposing anaerobically within them releases harmful methane, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. The Green Cart Service directly addresses this challenge. By diverting a staggering 42 per cent of residential organic waste annually, we can significantly reduce the burden on landfills and extend their lifespan.
More Than Just Garbage Reduction:
The benefits go far beyond simply reducing landfill waste. By collecting food scraps and yard trimmings, Powell River is transforming them into a valuable resource: nutrient-rich compost. This "black gold" acts as a natural fertilizer, improving soil structure, water retention, and overall plant health. Imagine the flourishing gardens and thriving agricultural landscapes that will benefit from composting!
Convenience Meets Sustainability:
Informed by valuable data from our pilot program, the Green Cart Service is designed with residents in mind. Weekly collections ensure your organic waste is promptly processed.
A Program That Complements Your Efforts:
Even if you're already composting at home, the Green Cart Service offers a complementary solution. It accepts a wider range of organic materials than backyard composting systems, including meat scraps and dairy products, ensuring even more organic waste is diverted from landfills.
If you are unsure if material can be put in your Green Cart, use the Waste Wizard! Simply enter the name of the item and up pops the answer on whether it’s a compostable organic or not.
Please Note: Carts are deemed contaminated and will not be collected if it contains invasive species (blackberry, knotweed, ivy, broom, etc.), biodegradable plastic products, pet waste or biohazard waste.
Wildlife: Bound and Determined
Organic waste, garbage and recyclables are like a dinner bell for bears – the more stinky the better. While your carts are not bear proof or bear resistant, we can reduce encounters with wildlife by doing the following:
Do not place carts out until the morning of your collection by 7:30 am.
Bears can’t smell it if it isn’t put out until the morning of collection.
Having the food waste collected weekly helps to keep the waste from sitting too long.
Keep garbage, recyclables, compost and other attractants indoors if possible.
Line your cart with paper to absorb liquids
Keep containers clean and odor free.
Make sure the lid on your carts fits tightly.
Freeze smelly items until the morning of collection.
Avoid using bird feeders.
Pick fruit early and let it ripen indoors.
The Choice is Clear: A Sustainable Future for Powell River:
Landfilling organic waste not only takes up valuable space but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Composting, on the other hand, offers a win-win situation. It reduces landfill waste, combats climate change, and creates a valuable resource for our environment.
By participating in the Green Cart Service, you're actively contributing to a greener and healthier Powell River. Join us in making a lasting positive difference for our city's future.
Have extra yard waste?
Collect in a container easy to reuse, keep clean and transport.
Please take your extra yard waste to:
Wed/Fri/Sat 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Only.
NOTE: Max. Load 2 cubic yards (approximately size of a refrigerator)
or
Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tipping Fees Apply
Contact Us
Operational Services Secretary
opssecretary@powellriver.ca
604-485-8657
Hours
8 am-4 pm
(excluding holidays)
Monday – Friday
Closed on all Stat holidays
Quick Links
Curbside Collection Schedule
WasteWise app
City of Powell River Facebook
Talk Trash Team
RecycleBC
Salish Soils
Waste Wise Guide
Municipal Solid Waste Collection Bylaw 2738, 2024