Automated curbside collection for garbage and organics (food and yard waste) is coming to North Cowichan this June. It’s time to get ready! Follow along here for the latest updates and to ask questions.

New carts are being delivered between April 14 - May 23.

Continue to use your existing carts until the new automated service begins the week of June 2.


About automated curbside collection

Map of delivery zone colours

North Cowichan's new waste collection trucks will be equipped with mechanical arms to lift carts and empty them into the collection truck. In order for the arms to work, all residents will need uniform carts – provided by North Cowichan.

Frequently asked questions

We are posting answers to frequently asked questions. Here are some important points to note:

  • New curbside collection calendars for the remainder of the year are now available at Curbside Collection. Your collection dates have not changed as you begin to use your new carts starting the week of June 2.
  • Carts are being delivered by route. See the Autocart Delivery Zones (updated April 29, 2025) to find your route. See the notice at the top of this page for the schedule.
  • Didn't get your cart yet? Please be patient. Homes should receive their two new carts by May 23 ahead of automated collection beginning the week of June 2.
    Carts are being delivered in pairs, but there may be instances where your first cart arrives before your second cart. If you haven't received both carts by May 23, please give us a call at 250-746-3106.
  • Concerned about your cart size? If after automated collection begins you find you'd prefer different-sized carts, a cart exchange form will be available this September at northcowichan.ca/carts. Larger carts have an additional cost.
  • It appears the lids on some recently delivered carts are not sealing properly. Please place the cart in the sun, close the lid and put a weight on top. If the problem isn't fixed by May 20, call 250-746-3106 and a crew will fix the issue.


For more background on the automated collection program and how we got here, visit northcowichan.ca/automation.

Questions

Provide a short summary of your question.

You have 150 characters left

Provide detailed information relating to your question.

You have 500 characters left

Select a respondent from the list that you would most like to answer your question.

Moderation Policy

These are the people that are listening and responding to your questions.

The Project Team

{{ question.username }} asked

{{question.description}}

{{ answer.respondent.name }}
| Edited

Answer this question

Select the respondent who will be marked as answering the question

Provide the answer to the question. Answer can be saved as draft and published when complete.

No questions found

News feed