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Curbside Basics

Recycling truck picking up a blue cart

The City provides curbside collection services to about 32,000 households within Nanaimo. This service is available to eligible single-family homes and up to fourplexes.

Each home is assigned recycling, compost and garbage carts. The carts stay with the property, so if you move, you leave them behind for the next residents.

Curbside collection is not provided to apartment buildings, strata developments with more than four units, or mobile home parks. If you live in one of these housing types, please contact your building manager or strata representative to learn about the collection services available to you.

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Tips for a successful pickup

Garbage truck picking up cart and carts on the side of the road

Stay safe

Thank you for helping make collection day safe for everyone. Please keep a safe distance from the truck while carts are being emptied. The truck's mechanical arms require clear space around the carts to complete the collection safely.

Downloadable & printable resources

Download the resources below for easy access whenever you need them. If you prefer printed copies, you can print them using your printer’s double-sided setting to help save paper.

Contact Us

Zero Waste Hotline
250-756-5390
Monday to Friday | 8 am to 4:30 pm
Zero.Waste@nanaimo.ca
Blue collection cart

Last updated: September 17, 2026

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