Carts

New Cart Information

• Cart Delivery

  Carts were delivered to homes between February 1, 2021 and April 9, 2021. An information package - Curbside Cart Collection Guide accompanied the carts and provides information on how to use your new carts and other information on the new automated collection program. The Curbside Collection Guide is also available for viewing in Punjabi translation. If you have not received your carts, please contact the City at 604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca.  

  Please view the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

  Please do not place your new carts for curbside collection before Monday, April 19, 2021. Carts placed at the curb before that date will not be collected.

• Carts Sizes & Types

  Each single family home and duplex has received a total of three 240 L carts; one cart for recycling, one cart for compostables, and one cart for garbage. Homes outside the bear-resistant cart area that have a registered secondary suite have received one 360 L recycling cart in place of the 240 L recycling cart. Homes in the bear-resistant cart area have received three new 240 L bear-resistant carts and the City will collect the old bear-resistant carts after the new automated collection program starts. Beginning July 19, 2021, property owners will be able to submit requests to change cart size(s), add a second compost cart, or request bear-resistant carts outside of the bear-resistant cart area. View the Cart Exchange Requests and the Cart Costs sections for additional information. 

  Please note that only carts provided by the City of Abbotsford are compatible with the new automated collection vehicles. Carts from other municipalities, regional districts or retailers are not compatible with the City trucks and will not be collected. All material must be placed in the cart with the lid completely closed. Overflowing carts and material placed outside of the carts will not be collected. 

  More information on the capacity, dimensions and weight limits for the City’s carts can be viewed in the following tables:

  Cart Capacity Information

  Cart Size	Recycling Capacity	Compostables Capacity	Garbage Capacity
  120 Litre	1.5-2 blue bags	1.5 standard garbage containers; or 1-2 big paper yard waste bags	1.5-2 black garbage bags
  240 Litre (Default Size)	3-4 blue bags	3 standard garbage containers; or 2-3 big paper yard waste bags	3-4 black garbage bags
  360 Litre	5-6 blue bags	4.5 standard garbage containers; or 3-4.5 big paper yard waste bags	5-6 black garbage bags

  Physical Cart Dimensions

  Cart Size	Height	Width	Depth
  120 Litre	95.5 centimetres 37-5/8 inches	48.6 centimetres 19-1/8 inches	53.5 centimetres 21-1/16 inches
  240 Litre  (Default Size)	109.9 centimetres 43-1/4 inches	62.2 centimetres 24-1/2 inches	69.9 centimetres 27-1/2 inches
  360 Litre	113.0 centimetres 44-1/2 inches	63.8 centimetres 25-1/8 inches	87.3 centimetres 34-3/8 inches

  Cart Weight Limits

  Cart Size	Weight Limit
  120 Litre	50 kilograms 130 pounds
  240 Litre (Default Size)	110 kilograms 240 pounds
  360 Litre	165 kilograms 360 pounds

  Please note that bear-resistant carts are only available in the 240L size. View our Bear-Resistant Carts Brochure for more information on the bear-resistant carts.

• Cart Exchange Requests

  Property owners will be able to request a different cart size after using the delivered carts for 90 days. During the 90 Day Challenge, you can try out your carts and see if they work for your household. Research shows that the 240L sized carts will be sufficient for most households to manage waste from all three waste streams. If you find you need a bigger cart, or would like a smaller sized cart, you can submit a cart exchange request beginning July 19, 2021. You will also be able to request a second compostables cart (240 L or 360 L in size) or exchange any 240 L cart for a bear-resistant cart. Cart requests submitted prior to July 19, 2021 are not able to be accepted.

  Please note that requests received between July 19, 2021 and October 19, 2021 will not be charged a cart administration fee. However, fees for upsizing, downsizing, additional carts, and using bear-resistant carts will apply. Visit the Cart Costs section for additional information.

  Beginning October 20, 2021, a cart administration fee will apply for all cart requests. Each property will only be able to submit one cart exchange request in a 12-month period. Staff are undertaking a financial analysis to determine what the administration fee will be and that information will be shared once it becomes available. 

  View the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

• Cart Costs

  Solid waste user fees at $220 per house have been the same since 2012, while the cost of the curbside collection program has increased by 22%. To achieve full cost recovery of the program by 2022, the solid waste user fees will be increased from $220 to $270 over a two year period (based on a base service level of three 240 L carts). User-pay options to increase or decrease service levels and associated fees will be implemented, meaning that households who generate more waste pay more while households that generate less waste pay less. This approach will ensure equitable service is provided to all households in the curbside collection program. It is important to highlight that the fees remain low when compared with other municipal program fee structures. The solid waste user fees will continue to be included with annual property taxes. The various cart combination options and fees are summarized in the following table:

  Cart Costing Table

  Recycling Cart Size	Compostables Cart Size	Garbage Cart Size	2021 Annual Fee
  Any	120 L or 240 L	120 L	$230
  Any	120 L or 240 L	240 L	$245
  Any	120 L or 240 L	360 L	$300
  Any	360 L	120 L	$250
  Any	360 L	240 L	$265
  Any	360 L	360 L	$320

  If a second compostables cart is requested, this will result in an additional annual fee:

  Second Compostables Cart Size	Additional Annual Fee
  240 L	$135
  360 L	$185

  If a 240 L bear-resistant cart is used in place of any standard 240 L cart, then an annual fee of $5 per cart would also apply.

  Please note that cart requests can be submitted to the City beginning July 19, 2021. Requests submitted prior to this date are not able to be accepted. Any additional costs or credits resulting from requests submitted after July 19, 2021 will be invoiced on a prorated basis and billed separately from the annual property taxes.

• Curbside Cart Placement

  Putting your carts out the right way on collection day ensures your carts can be collected safely and on schedule. The placement of carts is very important because the automated truck’s mechanical arm needs sufficient room to pick up and empty the cart. All material must be placed in the cart with the lid completely closed. Overflowing carts and material placed outside of the carts will not be collected. 

  Follow these guidelines for placing your cart at the curb:

  • Place wheels against the curb and the arrows on the lid pointing to the street;
  • Do not block the sidewalks, roadway or bike lanes;
  • Leave 1 m (3 ft) of space on all sides of your carts;
  • Leave 3 m (10 ft) of clearance above your carts;
  • Ensure lids are closed on all your carts; and
  • Keep carts away from obstructions like parked cars, poles and utility boxes.

  Please do not place your new carts for curbside collection before Monday, April 19, 2021. Carts placed at the curb before that date will not be collected.

  Curbside Cart Placement Examples

  Refer to the Curbside Cart Placement document or the below illustrations for examples of how to place your carts at the curb in common situations around Abbotsford.

  

  If you are still unsure of how to place your carts out for collection, please contact us at 604-864-5640 or email carts@abbotsford.ca.

• Cart Storage

  Please store your carts in a secure location within your property boundary. They should be stored where you keep your recycling, compostables and garbage – in the garage, backyard, outdoor storage unit, covered porch or balcony, side of your home or front yard. Please do not store your carts on the road or within a road allowance. It is important to note that only empty carts should be left out unsecured to avoid creating wildlife attractants. Carts containing waste should be stored inside a garage or other secure storage area. 

  Some residents might choose to store the empty carts at the end of their driveway (on their property) chained to a fence or a tree, or inside a secure enclosure. On collection day, the carts would need to be unlocked and moved to the edge of the road. This approach is similar to how you brought material to the curb for the old manual collection program, except that when you bring material to the curb under the new program you put it into carts rather than leaving the bags or containers at the curb. Please note that recycling will need to be placed loose into the cart. Blue bags are not accepted in the new cart program.  

  If you are considering using a shed to store your carts on your property near your collection location, please contact the Planning and Development Services department (604-864-5510 or planning-info@abbotsford.ca) to ensure that the location meets property line setback requirements. A shed may help alleviate both storage and wildlife concerns. There are many different versions of sheds available for purchase from local home and garden retailers both instore and online.

  There are also special hitches available on the market that can be attached to your vehicle to help transport the carts to the road. We do not have these available for purchase but have information on local retailers that may carry them. If you would like more information on these, please contact the City at 604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca.

• Excess Waste

  Residents are encouraged to place as much material in curbside recycling and compostables so that we can minimize the amount of waste going to landfill and we can work towards meeting our regional waste diversion goals. 

  Excess recycling, compostables or garbage can be dropped off at many locations in Abbotsford. Use the Waste Wizard to find a drop off location near you. Requests for upsizing carts will be accepted on July 19, 2021. Visit the Cart Exchange and Cart Costs sections for more information.

  To help property owners determine the best size of compostables cart for their property, the City will be providing collection of extra yard waste between April 19, 2021 and July 16, 2021. During this period, you will be able to put up to 10 paper yard waste bags, containers or bundles of yard waste at the curb on the same day as your blue recycling cart. This material will be collected in addition to what fits inside your green compostables cart. This temporary service is being provided to help you transition to the new cart-based program and will not continue after July 16, 2021. Information on this temporary service has already been uploaded into the Abbotsford Curbside Collection App and can be viewed along with your regular collection schedule.

  Please note that all curbside material must be contained in a cart with a closed lid. Overflowing carts or other loose or bagged material will not be collected. Yard waste bags or containers will only be accepted on designated special yard waste collection dates.

  Some tips to help maximize space in your carts and manage your excess waste include:

  Extra Recycling 

  • Break down and flatten boxes.
  • Stomp on milk jugs and other bulky plastic containers.
  • Only put accepted materials in your blue cart.
  • Hold onto extra recycling until your next scheduled recycling collection day.
  • Drop items off for free at a local recycling depot. Use the City's Waste Wizard to find a location near you.

  Yard Waste Drop Off

  • Yard waste coupons are provided to property owners that receive curbside collection services from the City.  Residents can use a yard waste coupon to drop off yard waste for free at Net Zero Waste Abbotsford. Visit the City’s Yard Waste Coupon page for more information on this program.
  • Yard waste can also be dropped off at a number of locations in Abbotsford for a charge. Use the City’s Waste Wizard to find a location near you.

  Grasscycling

  • Grasscycling means leaving your mowed grass on the lawn, allowing it to decompose and release water and nutrients back into the soil. 
  • Grasscycling is great for your lawn; it  promotes a healthier and deeper root system, increases grass resistance to drought and disease and keep moisture in the soil which decreases lawn watering. 
  • Leaving your clippings on your grass can also save you maintenance time. It eliminates raking and leaves more room in your compostables cart.

  Leaf Mulching

  • Take the grass catcher off your mower and mow over the leaves on your lawn, reducing your leaf clutter into dime-size pieces.
  • Allow the leaf bits to decompose so nutrients are released back into the soil.  
  • Leaves can be mulched and used in gardens and planting beds and as a filler in your backyard composter.
  • Matted layers of unmulched leaves can negatively affect lawns, so ensure that you do not mulch to the point where the leaves smother the grass.

  Backyard Composting

  • Backyard composting is a great way to manage food and yard waste in your own backyard that will produce compost for your garden, lawn and potted plants.
  • To avoid attracting pests such as rodents and to minimize odors, always avoid composting the following materials: meat, fish, bones, grains, breads, baked goods, dairy products, oils, cat waste, or dog waste.
  • There are several different styles of backyard composters available at local retailers both online and in store.
  • An alternative to purchasing a compost is to build your own. For a detailed guide on how to make a composter, view Metro Vancouver’s Compost Bin Construction Plans.
  • Find more information on how to get started with backyard composting on the Compost Council of Canada website or the Compost Research and Education Foundation website.
• Cart Tips

  • Place carts at the curb by 7:00 am on your scheduled collection day. Do not place carts at the curb overnight.
  • Place only acceptable material in the carts. If you are unsure about an item, use the Waste Wizard feature in the Abbotsford Curbside Collection App or on the City’s website.
  • Place material loosely in the cart. Forcing items in or packing it too tight makes it hard for collection vehicles to empty the cart.
  • Garbage can be placed in the cart bagged or unbagged. Recycling needs to be placed directly into the cart without bags.
  • Close the lid before rolling the cart to the curb.
  • Ensure your cart can be seen easily from the street and is accessible at the curb.
  • In winter, shovel a clear flat spot at the end of your driveway or at the curb and place your carts in that spot.
  • Don’t place carts behind or on top of snowbanks.
  • Regularly clean your carts with soap and water or vinegar. Ensure wash water is drained onto natural ground or flushed down the toilet.
  • Sprinkle baking soda, vanilla extract, tea tree oil or lavender to help absorb or mask any odours.

  View our Curbside Collection Guide for more tips on using and maintaining your carts. The Curbside Collection Guide is also available in Punjabi translation.

• Old Containers

  Old curbside containers may be used for any extra yard waste placed at the curb on your scheduled special yard waste collection days.  These containers will be collected the same day as your blue recycling cart between April 19, 2021 and July 16, 2021.  Visit the Excess Waste section for more information on this temporary collection service.  Beginning July 19, 2021, old curbside containers will not be accepted at the curb for any waste stream and all material must be fully contained inside carts with the lid completely closed.  The City is currently working on the logistics of providing a free drop off location for unwanted containers once the special yard waste collection ends, and a program for these containers to be commercially recycled.  We anticipate that old containers will be able to be dropped off in late July or early August.  We will share the dates, times and drop off location once this information is finalized.  Please check back in late June for more details!

  In the interim, there are a number of creative and environmentally friendly ways to repurpose the old containers and keep them out of the landfill:

  • Repurpose as a rain barrel or backyard composter;
  • Use for extra storage or yard waste, tools, animal feed, potting soil or mulch;
  • Collect your recycling depot items for efficient drop off (e.g., film plastics, glass, electronics, refundable beverage containers, etc.);
  • Construct a planter for root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes;
  • Create a pet waste composter; or
  • Repurpose as an outdoor shelter for small farm animals or pets.

  If you have a great idea for how to repurpose your used containers, please share them with us at carts@abbotsford.ca. 

• Resources

  • Introduction Video to the New Automated Curbside Collection Program
  • Meet Your Recycling Cart Video
  • Meet Your Compost Cart Video
  • Meet Your Garbage Cart Video
  • Launch Video for the New Automated Curbside Collection Program
  • Curbside Cart Collection Guide - English
  • Curbside Cart Collection Guide - Punjabi
  • Cart Program Quick Start Guide
  • Curbside Cart Placement Examples
  • Bear-Resistant Carts Brochure
  • Virtual Touch a Truck Event Video (automated collect trucks shown at 12:10 in video)
  • Waste Wizard (also available for smart phones through the Abbotsford Curbside Collection App)

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will the automated collection program begin?

  Automated collection of curbside carts begins on Monday, April 19, 2021.

• How will the curbside collection program change?

  The curbside collection program is changing to a cart-based, fully automated collection system. Residents have been provided with three carts; one each for garbage, recycling and compostables. These carts are wheeled to the curb on collection day and automated trucks pick-up and empty the contents. All waste needs to be contained inside the carts with the lids fully closed. Similar to the manual collection service, residents will continue to be responsible for storing the carts, sorting their material, and rolling the carts to the curb by 7:00 am on the scheduled collection day.  See the Excess Waste section for more information on temporary yard waste collection services.

• Why are we changing the curbside collection program?

  The City’s goal is to provide efficient and cost-effective services to residents. The City reviews all its programs and services regularly and adjusts them periodically to ensure we are using the latest and most efficient technology, providing value for service, and meeting our goal to be an inclusive and sustainable community.

  We understand that we need to provide similar services to our neighbouring municipalities and ensure our waste is managed efficiently, creating the least amount of impact on the environment as possible. The new program allows the City to replace our aging collection vehicles and decrease our fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions. An automated collection process will cut down on collection worker injuries and keep our city streets cleaner.

• What are the benefits of the new automated collection program?

  The new automated collection program provides residents with easy to roll durable carts that do not require heaving lifting or dragging, help keep neighbourhoods cleaner by keeping material contained, and allow for customizable cart sizes based on your households needs. You no longer need to purchase blue bags for recycling as all recyclables will be placed loosely and unbagged into your recycling cart. The City will also see improved worker health and safety by eliminating heavy lifting, and will see a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions generated by curbside collection vehicles.

• Will apartments, condos, and townhouses be included in the new program?

  No, multi-family properties will continue to make their own arrangements with a private waste hauler for the collection and disposal of all waste streams. The City's curbside collection program provides waste collection services for single family dwellings and duplexes only.

• When will I receive my carts?

  Carts were delivered to homes between February 1^stand April 9^th. Please view our Cart Delivery section for additional information.

• What sizes will my carts be?

  Each single family home and duplex have received one set of the following carts:

  • 240 L recycling cart (blue cart);
  • 240 L compostables cart (green cart); and
  • 240 L garbage cart (dark grey cart).

  Homes with a registered secondary suites outside the bear container area have received one 360 L recycling cart in place of the 240 L recycling cart. Please visit our Cart Sizes & Types section for additional information.

• What are the physical dimensions of the carts?

  The 240L carts are 109.9 cm tall, 62.2 cm wide, and 69.9 cm deep. Please visit our Cart Sizes & Types section for additional information.

• How much will the carts hold?

  The 240 L carts can hold 3-4 blue bags, 2 standard garbage containers of material, 2-3 big paper yard waste bags, or 3-4 black garbage bags. Please visit our Cart Sizes & Types section for additional information.

• Will there be weight limits on what can go in the carts?

  Yes. Overweight or carts that or too heavy create micro cracks in the plastic that develop into larger cracks and will decrease the life of the cart. Please visit our Cart Sizes & Types section for weight limit information.

• Why am I getting 240 L sized carts?

  The City’s own curbside participation studies and disposal data show that the 240 L cart size will meet the waste needs of most households in the curbside program. We also did extensive research with other municipalities who have adopted a similar cart-based program and their experience shows that the 240 L carts are large enough for the majority of households for all three waste streams.

• Can I request a larger or smaller cart size ahead of time?

  No. Property owners will be able to request a different cart size after using the delivered carts for 90 days. During the 90 Day Challenge, you can try out your carts and see if they work for your household. Research shows that the 240L sized carts will be sufficient for most households to manage waste from all three waste streams. If you find you still need a bigger cart, or would like a smaller sized cart, you can submit a cart exchange request beginning July 19, 2021. Cart exchange requests submitted prior to this date are not able to be accepted. Visit the Cart Costs section and Excess Waste section for more information.

• Can I request a second cart for my recycling, compost or garbage?

  Beginning July 19, 2021, property owners will be able to request a second compostables cart that is either 240 L or 360 L in size. Second carts for recycling or garbage collection will not be available. Visit the Cart Costs section for more information on how your solid waste user fee will be impacted by requestig a second compostables cart.

• Can I get a second set of carts for my basement suite?

  No. Under the manual curbside collection program, the Suite Registration Fee and the annual Infrastructure Fee paid for registered secondary suites under the City’s Building Bylaw does not include additional curbside collection services for the suite. This will not be changing under the new automated collection program.  However, to help with the transition to the new program, homes with registered secondary suites will be receiving a 360 L recycling cart in place of the standard 240 L recycling cart. We recommend that tenants work with their landlord or property manager to determine how to allocate waste allowances among the suites.  Larger carts may be requested starting July 19, 2021. Visit the Cart Exchange section for more information.

• Can I get a second set of carts for my coach house, garden suite, or second detached single family home on my property?

  Yes. Under the manual curbside collection program, a second curbside collection service can be provided for a secondary detached dwelling on the property. This will not be changing under the new automated collection program.  If you are currently paying for a second curbside collection service for your coach house, garden suite, or second detached home, you will receive two sets of carts delivered to your property. If you would like to add a second curbside collection service for your coach house, garden suite or second detached home, or confirm services for these dwellings, please contact the City at 604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca.

• What cart sizes will be available on July 19?

  Cart Sizes & Types

  Cart Size	R ecycling	Compostables	Garbage
  120 Litre	X	X	X
  240 Litre (Default Cart Size)	X	X	X
  360 Litre	X	X	X
  240 Litre (Bear-Resistant)	X	X	X

  Visit the Cart Costs section for additional information on how your annual solid waste user fee will be impacted by different cart options. View our brochure for more information on bear-resistant carts.

  Please note that requests to upsize or downsize carts will not be accepted until July 19, 2021.  

• Who owns the carts?

  The City owns the carts and will be responsible for the maintenance of the carts. The carts will be assigned to each household and will stay with the property. The carts will be equipped with identification tags to provide GPS location coordinates to the assigned address so it is important that the carts stay with the assigned property and not moved. If you move, your carts stay at the house.

• How will I differentiate my cart from my neighbours?

  All carts are identical so having your address on your carts will make it easy for you and your neighbour to distinguish the carts. Carts are designed to have a white box on the side of the cart where we recommend you use a permanent marker to write your address.

• Do I take the carts with me when I move?

  No. Each cart is equipped with identification tags to provide GPS location coordinates to the assigned address so it is important that the carts stay with the assigned property. When moving to a new home, leave your carts at your old home and use the carts that are already at your new home. The previous owner or tenant in your new home should leave their carts behind. If there are no carts when you move in, please contact the City to request a set of carts at 604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca.

• Where should I store my carts?

  Each household will need to decide the best storage method for their home, but we recommend storing them inside a garage or other secure location. If this is not an option for you, you could store them in an outside location where they can be easily moved to the street on collection day.

  It is important to note that only empty carts should be left out unsecured to avoid creating wildlife attractants. Carts containing waste should be stored inside a garage or other secure storage area, and should not be placed at the curb overnight.

• How do I get my carts to the curb if I have a long driveway?

  The carts have large sturdy wheels and a stable base making them easy to move on pavement, gravel, grass and even through the snow. Some residents might choose to store the empty carts at the end of their driveway (on their property) chained to a fence or a tree, or inside a secure enclosure like a shed. View our Cart Storage section for more information.

• What do I do if my carts get damaged, lost or stolen?

  Please contact the City at 604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca to report a damaged, lost or stolen cart.

• Will there be changes to what can go in the recycling, compostables and garbage carts?

  Not significantly. The materials in each stream will remain exactly the same as the manual collection program. Note that blue bags are no longer accepted in curbside recycling. All recyclables will need to be placed loosely into your blue cart. Recyclable items such as glass bottles and jars, foam packaging, plastic bags, electronics, batteries, etc. must continue to be taken to a depot or other drop-off location and not placed in the recycling cart.

  Paper towels, paper napkins and facial tissues will again be accepted in curbside compostables when cart collection starts on April 19, 2021.

• Will I still be able to use blue bags for my recycling under the new program?

  No. Reusable containers are more environmentally friendly and create less waste, reducing the amount of material going to landfill or needing to be recycled. They also take the onus off the resident to purchase the bags in order to participate in the curbside recycling program. There are also post-collection health and safety impacts as these bags need to be manually opened at the recycling facility in order to access the recyclable material. Plastic bags, when included in the sorting line, also negatively impact the recycling process by getting tangled in the sorting equipment, requiring a shut-down of the sorting line in order to clean the equipment. For these reasons, Recycle BC requires the City to phase out the use of single use blue bags for the collection of curbside recycling. All recycling is required to be placed loosely and unbagged in the recycling cart.

• Will I still be able to use garbage bags for my garbage under the new program?

  Yes, bagged or unbagged garbage can be placed in the garbage cart. All types of garbage bags will continue to be accepted and all material must be contained inside the cart.

• Will glass be collected with the new program?

  We will be reviewing this to determine if we can add it as an additional service. Please check back in fall 2021 for more information.

• Will a large or bulky item collection service be added to the program?

  We will be reviewing this to determine if we can add it as an additional service. Please check back in fall 2021 for more information.

• How do I know if I live in the bear-resistant cart area?

  There are approximately 250 homes in the current bear-resistant cart area located in the Upper Straiton area on Sumas Mountain. Use of bear-resistant carts for the curbside collection of recycling, compostables and garbage is mandatory in the bear-resistant cart area. Use of bear-resistant carts outside of this area is optional, and can be requested starting July 19, 2021.

  If you are unsure whether your property is included in the bear-resistant cart area, please contact us at 604-864-5640 or email carts@abbotsford.ca. Refer to the Cart Costs section for information on applicable fees for the use of any bear-resistant cart.

• If I live in the current bear-resistant cart area will I be getting new carts?

  Yes. Homes in the bear-resistant cart area in the Upper Straiton area on Sumas Mountain have received three new bear-resistant carts; one each for recycling, compostables and garbage. The old carts cannot be used for curbside collection beginning April 19, 2021. The City will be collecting the old carts the week of April 26 to April 30, 2021. Please place your old carts at the curb on these dates, ensuring they are empty and clean.

• Can I get a bear-resistant cart if I don’t live in the designated bear-resistant cart area?

  Yes, but not until after July 19, 2021. Property owners will be able to request to exchange their standard 240 L cart for a 240 L bear-resistant cart for any waste stream. Bear-resistant cart exchange requests submitted prior to this date are not able to be accepted. Refer to the Cart Costs section and our brochure for more information on applicable fees for the use of any bear-resistant cart.

  It is important to note the carts are “bear-resistant” and not “bear-proof”. Please use bear smart practices with all waste carts. More information on managing wildlife attractants can be accessed online at the WildsafeBC website.

• Will I need to unclip my bear-resistant carts when I place them at the curb on collection day?

  Yes. Under the new automated collection program, collection staff will not be able to leave the collection truck at each collection point. This means that starting April 19, 2021, any bear-resistant carts placed at the curb will need to have the clips unclipped for collection. The clips should be secured by residents at the end of the collection day to prevent bears and other wildlife from accessing the carts. Carts that do not have the clips unclipped will not be collected. View our brochure for more information on the bear-resistant carts.

• Will bear-resistant carts be available in the 120 L or 360 L size?

  No. Bear-resistant carts are only available in the 240 L size. Please view our Bear-Resistant Cart brochure for more information on the bear-resistant carts.

• Will my collection schedule change?

  Yes. Under the new automated collection program, recycling changes to every other week collection and alternates with every other week garbage collection. Compostables continue to be collected weekly. This means that on each scheduled collection day, you will roll two carts to the curb (e.g. compostables and recycling, or compostables and garbage).  

• Will my collection zone change?

  Possibly. The City has reviewed the current routes to ensure material will be collected in the most efficient way under the new system. There may be changes to which collection zone your home is in or which days your curbside material is collected. 

• Will my collection schedule still move ahead one day following each statutory holiday?

  Yes. Under the manual collection program, the collection schedule moves ahead one day following each statutory holidays recognized by the City. This is not changing under the new automated collection program. 

• How can I find my collection schedule and zone for the new program?

  We recommend downloading the Abbotsford Curbside Collection App to have instant access to your collection schedule and to keep up to date on collection schedule changes. Your new collection schedule will also be included in the Curbside Collection Guide that will be delivered to home along with the new carts. The Curbside Collection Guide is also available in Punjabi translation. Alternatively, you can also search your collection schedule on the City's website.

• Where do I set out my cart for curbside collection?

  Putting your carts out the right way on collection day ensures your carts will be collected safely and on schedule. The placement of carts is very important because the automated truck’s mechanical arm needs sufficient room to pick up and empty the cart. All material must be placed in the cart with the lid completely closed. Overflowing carts and material placed outside of the carts will not be collected. Refer to the Cart Placement section for additional information.

• What happens if a car or something else blocks access to my carts at the curb?

  The City is using collection trucks with mechanical arms to pick up and empty recycling, compost and garbage carts at the curb. The mechanical arm requires adequate space to reach, grab and lift the carts to empty them. Placing carts with enough space at the curb means your cart will be able to be picked up and emptied safely, and will ensure collection stays on schedule for you and your neighbours. Carts that are blocked by obstacles (e.g. parked cars, power poles, utility boxes, fences, downspouts, garages, etc.) will result in material not being collected.

  Collection trucks will not return to collect material from carts that were blocked due to an obstruction. In order to maintain efficient and safe work flows, drivers of collection trucks are unable to exit the vehicle at every stop.

• Can I continue to use my own containers for collection?

  No, all Abbotsford residents receiving curbside collection services from the City are required to use the new automated carts for collection. Carts from other municipalities, regional districts or retailers are not compatible with the City’s collection trucks and will not be collected. Only material inside the carts, with the lid fully closed will be collected. See the Excess Waste section for more information on temporary yard waste collection services.

• Why do I have to have my carts out by 7:00 am on collection day?

  The order in which material is collected on each route can change without notice. The City is expected to collect your waste on your scheduled collection day between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm but the specific time for your home is not defined. Material should be set out no earlier than 5:00 am and prior to 7:00 am on your scheduled collection day. This is not a new requirement and currently applies to the manual collection program.

  If you put out your material after 7:00 am and the collection truck has already passed your home, it will not be considered as missed collection and the truck will not return to collect your material.

• Will I be able to put out paper yard waste bags?

  Yes, but only on specified collection dates. To help property owners determine the best size of compostables cart for their property, the City will be providing collection of extra yard waste between April 19, 2021 and July 16, 2021. During this period, you will be able to put up to 10 paper yard waste bags, containers or bundles of yard waste at the curb on the same day as your blue recycling cart. This material will be collected in addition to what fits inside your green compostables cart. This temporary service is being provided to help you transition to the new cart-based program and will not continue after July 16, 2021. Information on this temporary service has already been uploaded into the Abbotsford Curbside Collection App and can be viewed along with your regular collection schedule.

  Beginning July 19, 2021, all waste, including compostables, will need to be fully contained inside a cart with the lid completely closed. Overflowing carts and material placed outside of the carts after this date will not be collected.

• Will I be able to put out extra bags of garbage or recycling?

  No. In order to maintain efficient and safe work flows, the drivers of the collection trucks are unable to exit the vehicle at every stop. All garbage and recycling will need to be fully contained inside a cart with the lid completely closed. Overflowing carts and material placed outside of the carts will not be collected.

• What do I do with the rest of my waste if my carts are full?

  Residents are encouraged to place as much material in curbside recycling and compostables to help minimize the amount of waste going to landfill. View our Excess Waste section for tips on managing extra volumes of waste that do not fit into carts.

• What if I have unused extra garbage stickers?

  We recommend using up any unused extra garbage stickers before the start of the new automated collection program. Extra garbage stickers can continue to be used on extra garbage bags placed at the curb up on regularly scheduled garbage collection days until and including April 16, 2021. Refunds will not be provided for any unused stickers.

• Will there be changes to the yard waste coupon program?

  To help with the transition to the automated collection program, residents will be provided with a total of 9 yard waste coupons in 2021. An initial 3 yard waste coupons were provided with the curbside collection schedule mailed out in early December 2020. An additional 6 yard waste coupons will be provided as part of the Curbside Collection Guide included when carts were delivered to your home. Each coupon will continue to be valid for one free yard waste drop off of a load equivalent to a 5x8 feet utility trailer to a maximum weight of one tonne. More information on the yard waste coupon program is available on the program page. 

• How much will the new automated collection service cost?

  Solid waste user fees at $220 per house have been the same since 2012, while the cost of the curbside collection program has increased by 22%. To achieve full cost recovery of the program by 2022, the solid waste user fees will be increased from $220 to $270 over a two year period (based on a base service level of three 240 L carts). User-pay options to increase or decrease service levels and associated fees will be implemented, meaning that households who generate more waste pay more while households that generate less waste pay less. This approach will ensure equitable service is provided to all households in the curbside collection program. It is important to highlight that the proposed fees remain low when compared with other municipal program fee structures. Refer to the Cart Costs section for additional information.

• Will it cost more if I change my recycling cart to a 120 L or 360 L size?

  No. Your annual solid waste user fee will not be affected by the size of your recycling cart.

• Will it cost more if I change my compostable cart or garbage cart to a 360 L size?

  Yes. User-pay options to increase or decrease service levels and associated fees will be implemented, meaning that households that generate more waste pay more while households that generate less waste pay less. For example, a household that has one 240L cart for all three waste streams will pay an annual solid waste user fee of $245. Whereas a household that uses one 360L garbage cart in place of the 240L garbage cart would pay a total of $300 per year. Refer to the Cart Costs section for more information on cart combinations and associated costs.

• Will it cost more if I add a second compostables cart?

  Yes. User-pay options to increase or decrease service levels and associated fees will be implemented, meaning that households that generate more waste pay more while households that generate less waste pay less. Refer to the Cart Costs section for more information on cart combinations and associated costs.

• Will it cost less if I downsize any of my carts to a 120 L size?

  Yes, if you downsize your garbage cart to a 120L size you will see some cost savings. Downsizing your recycling cart or compostables cart may not affect your annual solid waste user fees. Refer to the Cart Costs section for more information on cart combinations and associated costs .

• Can I opt out of the curbside collection service?

  No. The curbside collection service is a mandatory service for all single family homes and duplexes in Abbotsford, in accordance with the the Solid Waste Management Bylaw, 2021 (effective April 19, 2021).

• What should I do with my old curbside containers?

  The City is currently working on the logistics of providing a free drop off location for unwanted containers once the speical yard waste collection ends, and a program for these containers to be commercially recycled. Refer to the Old Curbside Containers section for additional information.