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Cart Placement

On your scheduled day of collection, make sure your carts are accessible by following the guidelines below.

  • SORT your waste correctly
    • See your cart lids for quick reference
    • Read the Recycling and Organics webpages for detailed information
    • Download the Nanaimo Recycles app
  • PLACE carts out for collection by 8:00 a.m. on your collection day
  • SPACE carts 1 metre apart
    • Place your carts 1 metre (3 feet) apart from each other
    • Keep your cart 1 metre away from other barriers like cars, poles and utility boxes
    • Ensure there is a 3 metre clearance from overhanging obstacles
  • POINT carts so the lid opens into the street
    • Arrows on top of the lids point towards the middle of the street
    • Make sure the lids are completely closed
  • AVOID obstructing sidewalks with your carts
    • Carts should be placed as close to the roadway as possible, without blocking traffic, sidewalks, cycling lanes or roadways

The carts are lifted into the truck by mechanical arms, which have limited reach and require space around the carts to lift safely.

 

Cart Placement - Example 1:

Place carts on street with wheels against the curb.

Cart 1

Cart Placement - Example 2:

Place the carts at the end of your driveway.

Cart 2

Help, I have a long driveway and don’t want to roll my carts all that way!

Residents who do not wish to roll their carts down a long or difficult driveway may choose to store them at the end of their driveway and move them to the edge of the roadway on collection day.  To prevent wildlife interactions, only place materials into your carts on the morning of collection.

My driveway is at the top of a very steep hill. Can I place them somewhere other than at the foot of the driveway so they won’t roll downhill?

Yes.  Some driveways are private shared driveways. If this situation remains an issue, call the Public Works Department.

Carry Out Service

The City of Nanaimo provides this service to individual residents that meet the program requirements to assist with collection of curbside waste.  Only certain medical conditions qualify. If you require assistance with getting your waste collected, please contact the Public Works Department.

Contact Us

Public Works Department
250-758-5222
public.worksinfo@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: June 11, 2025

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