Garbage/Recycling Information on COVID-19

For general information, visit the COVID-19 informational page and see Frequently Asked Questions.

Curbside collection is operating normally.  Sign up for Service Alerts to be directly informed of any updates to the curbside collection services: download the Nanaimo Recycles app on Google Play or the App Store, or use the directions below to sign up on our website.

1. Head to our Collection Schedules page.
2. Input your address into the My Schedule tool.
3. Select the "Get a Reminder" button.
4. Pick which type of notification you would like to receive, and follow the directions to complete setting up the Service Alert or Reminder.

Garbage/Recycling COVID-19 FAQs

Will my garbage and recycling still be picked up?

Yes, City services are operating as normal. This includes garbage/recycling collection, water supply, sewer, drainage, roads, etc.

Please help keep sanitation workers safe by securely bagging and throwing the following items in the garbage:

• Cleaning cloths and disposable wipes - even those listed as flushable/compostable
• Used Kleenex
• Personal hygiene products
• Face masks & gloves
• Any other similar items

These are challenging times, and we recognize your household’s curbside waste volumes may be affected. All households are encouraged to follow good waste management practices: properly sorting recyclables and organics, rinsing recyclable containers so they are free of food residue and saving space by flattening cardboard boxes and other bulky recyclables. Everyone should follow Safe Waste procedures: Bag all used tissues, disposable wipes and any other personal hygiene items, and always dispose these items in the garbage.

Use the tools available on the Nanaimo Recycles app available for free download from the App Store and Google Play as well on the Garbage and Recycling Calendar page.

Please note: We are not taking any new cart exchange requests at this time. When our front counter services resume normal operations, we will begin accepting cart exchange forms and payments. We will continue deliveries to newly occupied homes that do not have an existing set of carts. Our apologies for inconvenience this may cause.

Are recycling depots open?

Some recycling depots within Nanaimo are closed, or may be operating with limited services. Please call the depot before you visit. In the case of depot closures, please store your recyclables until further notice, and practice good recycling standards of rinsing containers, and flattening boxes and other bulky recyclables.

Please do not put refundable beverage containers into curbside waste collection carts. If you do not have room to hold onto your beverage container recyclables, there are many Empties 4 Food donation bins across Nanaimo, including some outside the Regional Recycling Hayes Road location. Visit the Loaves & Fishes website for more information.

Find alternative depots using the "What Goes Where" tool on the Nanaimo Recycles App. Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play. If you don't have a smart phone, you can find the information on the Garbage and Recycling Calendar page on the City website.

 Is the landfill still open?

Yes, the regional landfill on Cedar Road remains open with regular operating hours. Do not visit the landfill or other depots if you are in quarantine or self-isolation related to COVID-19. To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep staff and public safe, avoid using cash when possible and consider delaying your visit to the landfill and recycling depots, unless absolutely necessary. 

Recycling

Collected in a 240 litre or 360 litre blue automated cart every two weeks alternating with the black garbage cart.

Garbage

Collected in a 120 litre or 240 litre black automated cart every two weeks alternating with the blue recycling cart. 

Organics

Collected in a 120 litre or 240 litre automated green cart every week.