Cart Exchange Options
How to Submit a Cart Exchange Request
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Step 1: Read the Cart Exchange FAQs
- Read through the Cart Exchange FAQs (scroll down)
- Please note: Cart Exchange Requests must be submitted by the property owner with verification of the utility billing account number.
- If you have further questions, please contact us at Cart.Requests@nanaimo.ca or call 250-758-5222.
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Step 2: Submit your Cart Exchange Request Form
Applicable if you have a:
- Single Family Dwelling: requesting the upsize option for your Blue Cart and/or Black Cart.
- Home with a Suite sharing an upsized cart set: requesting the upsize option for your Blue Cart and/or Black Cart.
- Home with a Suite or Duplex sharing an upsized cart set: request to split an upsized cart into two regular sized carts
Option A) Online Cart Request Form
Click here to access the online Cart Exchange Request form
Option B) Printable Cart Exchange Request Form - to be submitted in person or via mail
Please do not email this form. Printed and scanned forms submitted via email will not be accepted.
The printable Cart Exchange Request form can be submitted:
- In person: at the Service and Resource Centre located at 411 Dunsmuir Street
- By mail:
City of Nanaimo
455 Wallace Street
Nanaimo BC V9R 5J6
NOTE: printed and scanned forms submitted via email will NOT be accepted.
Once approved, the exchange fee will be applied to your user rates account.
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Step 3: Pay the $60 Exchange Fee
The $60 fee will be applied to your user rate account and will show on your next billing cycle.
Cart exchange requests are subject to approval. Please be advised the current user rates may be subject to change upon bylaw revision, click here to access the Municipal Solid Waste Collection Bylaw 2011 No. 7128.
Cart Delivery Information
After your application has been approved and the exchange fee has been applied to your user rate account, your address will be put into the queue for cart delivery (or exchange). Your cart(s) will be delivered and geolocated to your property. Please allow up to six to eight weeks for delivery.
Please note: we are currently experiencing delays due to staffing and the volume of requests.
Until your carts are delivered, please leave your current cart(s) in a location that is visible and accessible from the road. Continue to use your cart(s) normally and set out on your scheduled collection days. You may receive a cart that has been gently used.
Cart Exchange FAQs
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My household has too much garbage. What can I do?
Are you certain everything you are sorting into your garbage is truly garbage? Many household items that are not accepted in your carts should be taken to your local recycling drop-off depots.
Check out these facilities and the materials they accept here or download our app and search the “What Goes Where” wizard. Alternatively, read on for options regarding up-sizing your cart.
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Are there costs if I increase the size of my carts?
If you regularly find yourself with excess garbage or recycling, you can up-size your cart for larger ones. The waste collection fee will increase $100 annually. (This increase covers the costs of tipping the additional waste at the landfill).
A $60 exchange fee will apply. Please note, if you are renting your home, please contact your landlord to request changes, as all charges will be added to the user fees account. If this is an occasional issue, read below for tips on how to deal with excess waste.
Please note, the rates and charges for curbside collection service are subject to change upon amendment of Bylaw 7128.
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What are the dimensions of the Sort Toss Roll carts?
Size Height Width Depth Weight 120 litres
(35 gal)95 cm
38 in47 cm
19 in62 cm
24 in10 kg
22 lb240 litres
(65 gal)111 cm
44 in68 cm
27 in69 cm
27 in13.5 kg
30 lb360 litres
(95 gal)111 cm
44 in74 cm
29 in85 cm
33 in16 kg
35 lb -
How do I find my User Rates account number?
Your User Rates account number can be found on the top of your Statement of User Rates; see the yellow highlighted box in the image below.
If you have recently purchased a home, and have not yet received a Statement of User Rates, please reach out to our User Rates department to obtain your account number: 250-755-4416 / userrates.info@nanaimo.ca
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Can I exchange my Green Cart for organics?
At this time, no upsize options are offered for the Green Cart. An 120 litre capacity is assigned per dwelling unit, and homes with suites are provided with a shared upsized 240 litre organics cart. -
I live in a single family dwelling, what are my cart exchange options?
The standard size for a Blue Cart (recycling) is 240 litres - you can upsize to 360 litres, or if you have mobility constraints downsize to 120 litres. The standard size for a Black Cart (garbage) is 120 litres; you can upsize to 240 litres for an additional $100 cost annually.
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I live in a home with a suite and a shared upsize set of carts, what are the cart exchange options?
The standard size for a Blue Cart (recycling) is 360 litres - you can add an additional cart that is either 240 litres or 360 litres. The standard size for a Black Cart (garbage) is 240 litres; you can upsize to 360 litres for an additional $100 cost annually.
Homes with suites can also split their upsized cart set into two standard sets. If you wish to split your set, our Carts Request team will review your options and provide instructions to fill the Cart Exchange Request form - version for non-standard requests. Please contact us by emailing Cart.Requests@nanaimo.ca or calling 250-758-5222.
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I live in a triplex/fourplex, and wish to submit a cart exchange request. How should I proceed?
Please contact us by emailing Cart.Requests@nanaimo.ca or calling 250-758-5222. -
Can I downsize my carts?
Residents living alone may find the standard size (240 litre) recycling cart too big. You may downsize your recycling cart to the smallest size, which is 120 litres. -
How many times can I change carts?
You may change your cart size once per year, per Bylaw 7128. -
If I move into a newly built home, how do I get my carts?
When you have received your occupancy permit and moved in, please contact us at Cart.Requests@nanaimo.ca or call 250-758-5222.
Once you have received an Occupancy Permit for your new property, your cart delivery will be put into queue.
To prevent damage or theft of carts, they will not be delivered until we have been notified the occupants have moved into the house.
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I am a renter, how can I change my cart size?
All cart exchange requests must be submitted by the property owner, please contact your landlord. -
Where can I find out more information on User Rates for curbside collection?
For more information on billing, please visit the User Rates page by clicking here.
Contact Us
Last updated: September 16, 2024
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