Automated Collection is now underway

Great job North Cowichan on the transition to auto-cart collection for organics (kitchen/yard waste) and garbage. The service is now rolling and crews are reporting very few issues. Thank you for your patience!

Recycle your old waste bins - Collection day October 18

Wondering what to do with your old garbage and organics bins? We have some ideas!

  1. Reuse! Store tools or other items indoors and outside with different sized bins. Check out our FAQ for more ideas.
  2. Take a bin, Leave a bin: We’re hosting a collection event where unwanted bins can be dropped off, and picked up by others who may want them.

    Take a bin/Leave a bin Event
    Saturday, Oct 18, 2025
    9 am – 3 pm
    2975 Sprott Rd. (this is the parking lot adjacent to North Cowichan's public works yard)
Only plastic garbage/organics bins will be accepted. Ensure bins are rinsed out before drop off.


Note - this collection day is for your OLD bins - the ones you used prior to automated collection.

Upsize or downsize your garbage and organics carts

Looking to change the size of your garbage or organics cart or upgrade to a bear resistant cart? Complete the form online at northcowichan.ca/carts.

Want to order a new cart? Here's some things to note:

  • Delivery of new carts will begin in September.
  • Bigger or bear resistant carts have additional costs. See the news story below for more details.
  • Each request (which can include one or both of your carts) will incur a $30 administration fee.
  • Before you begin make sure you have:
    > Your utility bill account number
    > The size of your current cart(s)
    > The size of the cart you want to change to
    > Whether or not you would like a bear-resistant cart

Current Notices
  • A reminder: No plastic - even bags labelled compostable or biodegradable - is accepted in the green organics cart.
  • If you have any issues with your carts, contact the Operations Department at 250-746-3106 or operations@northcowichan.ca

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

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