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General
- What is automated garbage and yard waste collection?
- How does it work?
- Why is the City implementing automated garbage and yard waste collection?
- How do I pay for the Service?
- Will there be any staff layoffs with the new automated system?
- Do I need to buy the containers?
- What size are these containers? Will the containers have sufficient capacity to fit my needs?
- What are the container dimensions?
- I pay for a registered suite, do I get extra containers?
- Are all Burnaby residents getting this new service?
- Will provisions be made for disabled/elderly residents?
- I am a senior, how heavy are the new containers?
- What if I do not want a yard trimmings container?
- What colour are these containers?
- How long does it take the new automated trucks to lift, empty and replace the new containers?
- Will the new automated system generate an increase in noise due to collection of each container?
Containers (ordering, delivery, replacement etc)
- How do I choose the size containers I need?
- I am a tenant living in a property that will be switching to the new system, how do I order containers?
- What if I want to change the size of the container(s) I ordered?
- Will the new containers be delivered?
- What if I’m moving?
- What if I just moved in? How do I know if the previous owner ordered containers?
- What if my container is lost or stolen?
- What if my container is damaged?
Collection
- How do I set out the new containers for collection?
- Will my container be emptied if I place it the wrong way on the curb?
- What if I have problems due to the slope of my property?
- What if trees, cars, or poles interfere with container pick up?
- Will my garbage, yard waste and recycling be picked up at the same time as before?
- May I continue to use my old garbage container?
- What do I do with my old garbage and yard waste containers?
- What kind of garbage can I put in my container?
- Can bags or boxes of extra garbage be placed at the curb for pick up?
- Do I need to bag my garbage inside the container?
- Do I need to bag or bundle my yard waste?
- Why does the lid on the container(s) need to be closed?
- What if I sometimes have more garbage than fits into my container?
- What if I sometimes have more yard waste than fits into my container?
- Can I put out more than one blue box, yellow or blue bags?
- Will the City still provide a bulky item and appliance pick up service?
What is automated garbage and yard waste collection?
Automated collection is a system where garbage and yard trimmings containers are emptied using a mechanical arm on a garbage truck, instead of lifting and empting containers by hand.
How does it work?
Residents that currently receive curbside collection will be supplied with specially designed wheeled containers, one for garbage and one for yard trimmings. Residents choose the size of container they need for their garbage as well as their yard trimmings. On collection day, residents wheel their containers to their usual collection location in the lane or street. The City then empties the containers using trucks equipped with mechanical arms.
Why is the City implementing automated garbage and yard waste collection?
- Service Improvement
New wheeled containers are very durable and easy to handle. Container weight limits will not be in place. Selection of container sizes can be made based on needs.
- Cost Efficient
Mechanized collection system will reduce workers’ sick or injury time and costs.
- Environmental benefits
Fully enclosed containers will result in less litter in streets and lanes. It will encourage waste reduction and higher waste diversion level.
How do I pay for the new automated service?
The program will continue to be funded from the general property tax.
To promote greater waste reduction and to create incentives, the automated collection program offers residents the flexibility to choose the size of garbage container that will best meet their needs. A pricing structure based on the size of garbage bin will be used.
| Garbage Container Sizes and Collection Costs |
| Container Size (litres) |
Equivalent Standard 77 litre cans or bags (approx.) |
Container Cost |
| 120 |
1.5 |
$40/year reduction in property taxes |
| 180 |
2.3 |
Default size; cost neutral |
| 245 |
3.2 |
$100/year extra in property taxes |
| 360 |
4.7 |
$250/year extra in property taxes |
For yard waste, residents can choose from three container sizes that will best meet their needs. Residents may purchase from the City Engineering Department additional yard waste containers. Payment options for additional yard waste containers include: mailing a cheque or paying in person by cash or credit card at the City Hall, 4th Floor Engineering Department. Cheques must be made to the “City of Burnaby” and specify “yard waste container purchase” and the address for which the container is purchased. There will be no charge on the property taxes regardless of the size or number of yard waste containers chosen.
| Additional Yard Waste Containers |
| Container Size (litres) |
Additional Container Fee (one time, HST included) |
| 180 |
$75.00 |
| 245 |
$85.00 |
| 360 |
$95.00 |
Will there be any staff layoffs with the new automated system?
There will be no layoff of Regular Full Time (RFT) and Temporary Full Time (TFT) staff in the garbage and yard waste collection division. Any displaced RFT and TFT collection workers as a result of the automation process will be reassigned to other programs to improve service level and litter collection and to meet future demands in recycling and composting.
Do I need to buy the containers?
The initial garbage and yard waste containers will be provided to the homeowners free of charge. Subsequent replacement cost, due to lost or stolen containers, will be borne by homeowners. If you require a replacement due to containers being lost or stolen, payment for new containers must be done prior to delivery. Payments for replacement containers can be done at City Hall, 4th Floor Engineering Department.
What size are these containers? Will the containers have sufficient capacity to fit my needs?
Residents choose the size of container they need for their garbage as well as their yard trimmings.
Garbage Containers: 
Yard Waste Containers: 
What are the container dimensions?
Container Dimensions (l x w x h)
120 L = 24.25” x 19.25” x 38.50”
180 L = 28.75” x 23.50” x 37.50”
245 L = 31.75” x 24.25” x 41.75”
360 L = 35.25” x 29.75” x 43.25
I pay for a registered suite, do I get extra containers?
No. Each property will receive one container for garbage and one container for yard waste. Property owners with suites are encouraged to choose a container size that will meet the needs for all residents living on the property.
Are all Burnaby residents getting this new service?
No. Only single or two family homes, as well as some multi-family units that receive individual can pick up service will be moving to the new automated system.
Will provisions be made for disabled/elderly residents?
Please call Sanitation and Recycling Division 604-294-7972 and staff will be able address your questions or concerns.
I am a senior, how heavy are the new containers?
The containers are on wheels, therefore are easier to handle than standard garbage bins or bags.
What if I do not want a yard trimmings container?
Since January 1st, 2008, under the new regional solid waste and recycling regulation, yard waste is not accepted as garbage. If you do not want a yard waste container, you may notify the City or return the container to the City. Should you require a container in the future, you will have to purchase a new one from the City. Starting summer 2010, the City will also start the collection of Food Scraps. Food scraps will be collected with yard waste in your yard waste container. In order to participate in the food scraps program you will need a yard waste container.
In addition, dumping of materials and decomposing vegetation into ravines or near waterways is illegal. This practice can rob streams of oxygen, smother existing plant life, cause bank destabilization, cause culvert blockages and introduce non-native plant species. All yard waste material should be composted or placed in the automation Yard Waste containers.
What colour are these containers?
Garbage containers will have a black lid and yard waste containers will have a green lid.
How long does it take the new automated trucks to lift, empty and replace the new containers?
It takes less than a minute for the new automated trucks to lift, empty and replace the new containers.
Will the new automated system generate an increase in noise due to collection of each container? 
No. The new automated trucks are not anticipated to generate any more noise than existing collection trucks.
How do I choose the size containers I need?
Burnaby property owners received a brochure and container order form in the mail at the end of March 2009. The deadline to order containers was April 17, 2009. If the City did not receive your container order the default containers, 180L for garbage and 245L for yard waste were delivered. If you have recently bought a home and require different container sizes, please see “What if I want to change the size of the container(s) I ordered?” for information on how to request a container change. If your house is newly build, please contact the Engineering Department at (604)294-7460.
I am a tenant living in a property and want to change the size of containers?
Container orders or changes can only be made by the property owner. It is best to check with the owner of the property you rent from and discuss any changes to container sizes you require.
What if I want to change the size of the container(s) I ordered?
Any changes to containers is subject to a service fee of $25.00 (includes HST). Payment of the $25.00 exchange fee must be made before the container will be exchanged.
Payments may be made:
1) In person at Burnaby City Hall, 4th Floor Engineering Department
2) By Mail- cheques must be payable to City of Burnaby, with Container Exchange Fee listed in the Notes section of the cheque. If mailing a cheque for a container exchange, please contact the City at 604-294-7972 to notify them of your container exchange request. Cheques are to be mailed to:
City of Burnaby - 4th Floor Engineering Department
4949 Canada Way
Burnaby, BC V5G 1M2.
Will the new containers be delivered?
Yes. Delivery of the new containers will start in early September. Please monitor the local newspapers and this website, for information on delivery areas and dates.
What if I’m moving?
DO NOT take your containers with you when you move. The containers (one for garbage and one for yard waste) that were supplied to you belong with the property; please leave them behind for the new residents. If you are moving within Burnaby, and the containers at your new residence do not meet your needs, contact the City at 604-294-7210 to request a container size change (costs may apply). Additional yard waste containers purchased by residents are the property of the resident and can be taken with them if they move.
What if I just moved in? How do I know if the previous owner ordered containers?
If you just moved into a property you can call 604-294-7460 to find out the size of the containers that were delivered for your property. If you require different size containers, please see “What if I want to change the size of the container(s) I ordered?” for information on how to request a container change.
What if my container is lost or stolen?
If your container is lost or stolen contact the City immediately (604-294-7210). City staff will make arrangements to replace your container. Residents are responsible for purchasing replacement containers for those reported lost or stolen. The cost of new containers are based on size:
|
Garbage and Yard Waste Container Replacement Costs |
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Garbage/Yard Waste Container Size |
Replacement Cost (Includes HST) |
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120 L
(available for garbage container only) |
$65.00 |
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180 L |
$75.00 |
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245 L |
$85.00 |
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360 L |
$95.00 |
What if my container is damaged?
If your container is damaged contact the City immediately (604-294-7210). City staff will make arrangements to repair or replace the damaged container.
How do I set out the new containers for collection?
 
Will my container be emptied if I place it the wrong way on the curb?
It is important to place the container in the proper direction in order to be picked up and to minimize spillage. An information package will be delivered along with your new containers with instructions on how to place out containers for collection. Please see “How do I set out the new containers for collection?” for more information.
What if I have problems due to the slope of my property?
Please call Sanitation and Recycling Division 604-294-7910 and staff will be happy to assist with and answer your questions and concerns.
What if trees, cars, or poles interfere with container pick up?
Place the containers away from trees and parked cars to avoid potential damage to private property and collection equipment.
Will my garbage, yard waste and recycling be picked up at the same time as before?
Your pick up day will remain as indicated on your curbside collection calendar. Please ensure that your garbage, yard trimmings and recyclables are placed out for pick-up by 7:00am each collection day, as the time your items are picked up may vary.
May I continue to use my old garbage container?
No. The new containers provided by the City are specifically designed for the use of the mechanical gripper and lifting arm. For this reason, the new truck will only pick up the new containers.
What do I do with my old garbage and yard waste containers?
Residents are encouraged to reuse old garbage cans for other purposes around the home and yard, or recycle them during the collection week or at the City’s Still Creek Recycling Depot at 4800 Still Creek Avenue.
Can bags or boxes of extra garbage be placed at the curb for pick up?
No. All garbage must be placed in the container for pick up. The lid must be able to close and not overflowing. Containers that are overflowing, or garbage placed outside of the containers will not be picked up.
Do I need to bag my garbage inside the container?
Yes. It is advisable to bag the garbage (not yard trimmings) inside the containers to keep the container clean and to avoid odour.
Do I need to bag or bundle my yard waste?
No. With the new automated yard waste collection, you no longer have to bag or bundle your yard waste. All yard waste MUST go into the new containers loose. Please DO NOT bag or bundle yard waste prior to placing it in the new containers.
Why does the lid on the container(s) need to be closed?
Lids should remain closed to prevent animals and birds from entering the container and to avoid rain water from accumulating inside the container. It would also reduce the chance of wind blown litter from the container.
What if I sometimes have more garbage than fits into my container?
The City encourages residents to choose the size garbage container that will meet their needs year round and encourages residents to utilize the recycling and yard waste program as much as possible for all recyclable and yard waste materials. Garbage will be picked up by the City in the specified container only and any excess garbage will have to be placed in the emptied container for pick up on the next collection day.
What if I sometimes have more yard waste than fits into my container?
Residents may purchase additional yard waste containers from the City Engineering Department (but will have to pay a one-time, non-refundable container cost). Payment must be made prior to the delivery of the new container. Payment options include: mailing a cheque or paying in person by cash or credit card at the City Hall, 4th Floor Engineering Department. Cheques must be made to “City of Burnaby” and specify “yard waste container purchase” and the address for which the container is purchased. For more information about ordering additional yard waste containers, please call 604-294-7210.
| Additional Yard Waste Containers |
| Container Size (litres) |
Additional Container Fee (one time, HST included) |
| 180 |
$75.00 |
| 245 |
$85.00 |
| 360 |
$95.00 |
Can I put out more than one blue box, yellow or blue bags?
Yes. Extra recyclables will be collected. Blue boxes, yellow and blue bags are available at the City Recycling Depot (4800 Still Creek Avenue), or at the City Hall Engineering Department on the 4th Floor.
Will the City still provide a bulky item and appliance pick up service?
Yes. Call 604-294-7972 for information on what items are acceptable and to arrange a pick up.
What kind of garbage can I put in my container?
Please review your curbside calendar or visit www.burnaby.ca/sanitationandrecycling. Please note that as of January 1st, 2008 a new regional recycling and disposal regulation came into effect which prohibits the disposal of recyclable material in the garbage. Please visit the above website for more information.
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