Carts

Cart Exchange Requests

• Cart Sizes & Types

  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. 

  Information on cart capacity, dimensions and weight limits 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

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  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

  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 Costs

  Any additional fees resulting from requested cart exchanges will be prorated from the date of cart delivery and will be invoiced on a solid waste and recycling fee adjustment in October 2021.  These invoices will be sent in the mail to property owners at that time.

  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 Litre or 240 Litre	120 Litre	$230
  Any	120 Litre or 240 Litre	240 Litre	$245
  Any	120 Litre or 240 Litre	360 Litre	$300
  Any	360 Litre	120 Litre	$250
  Any	360 Litre	240 Litre	$265
  Any	360 Litre	360 Litre	$320

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

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

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

  Example Cart Exchange Costs

  360L Recycling Cart + 240 L Compost Cart + 240 L Garbage Cart = $245 per year
  For this example, you will not receive an invoice in October 2021 as there is no change in cost from what would have been billed on your 2021 property taxes.

  240 L Recycling Cart + 240 L Compost Cart + 360 L Garbage Cart = $300 per year
  For this example, you will receive a solid waste and recycling amendment invoice in October 2021 for the additional $55.

  360L Recycling Cart + 360L Compost Cart + 360 L Garbage Cart = $320 per year
  For this example, you will receive a solid waste and recycling amendment invoice in October 2021 for the additional $75.

• Submit a Cart Exchange Request

  If you regularly find yourself dealing with excess waste that doesn’t fit in your cart, you can exchange your recycling, compost or garbage cart for a larger one.  If excess waste is only an occasional issue, please see our Excess Waste section for tips on how to deal with excess waste.

  If your cart is too big, you can exchange it for a smaller one.  You can also exchange any standard 240 Litre cart for a bear-resistant cart. Please note that requests for bear-resistant carts cannot be submitted online and have to be submitted over the telephone (604-864-5640). 

  Cart exchange requests are now being accepted. You can request to change any of the carts received for the start of the program. There is no cart administration fee for exchanges submitted before October 19, 2021.  If you are exchanging more than one cart, please ensure all  your cart exchanges are submitted at the same time. Carts can only be exchanged once in a 12-month period for any property. Exchange requests must be submitted by the property owner. 

  To exchange your carts please follow the steps listed below. This information has also been summarized in our cart exchange flyer (available in English and Punjabi).

  Before You Submit a Cart Exchange Request

  • Find and record the serial number for each cart you want to replace.  The serial number is a 12-digit code located on the side of each cart that will identify what size of cart you have.

  Cart Serial Numbers

  Cart Size	Recycling Carts	Compostables Carts	Garbage Carts
  120 Litre	121R - XXXXXXX	121C - XXXXXXX	121G - XXXXXXX
  240 Litre	521R - XXXXXXX	521C - XXXXXXX	521G - XXXXXXX
  240 Litre (Bear-Resistant)	221R - XXXXXXX	221C - XXXXXXX	221G - XXXXXXX
  360 Litre	421R - XXXXXXX	421C - XXXXXXX	421G - XXXXXXX

  • Refer to our Cart Costs and Cart Sizes & Types sections for information on how cart size, design and number may impact your annual solid waste user fee.  Additional fees will apply for larger (360 Litre) compost or garbage carts, second compost carts and all bear-resistant carts.
  • Obtain the folio number and postal code for the property you are requesting the carts for.  You can find both your folio number and postal code on your property tax notice as shown in the yellow highlight in the  image below.  If you have misplaced your property tax notice, have recently purchased a home, or have not yet received a property tax notice, please reach out to us at 604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca to obtain your folio number and postal code.

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  To Submit a Cart Exchange Request

  • Submit your request using the button below.  Please note the exchange portal works best in Google Chrome or Firefox, and it will not work in Internet Explorer.  The online portal is not mobile friendly so please use a laptop or desktop to submit your request.  Instructions are available to assist you with going through the online request process.

  Submit Your Request Online

  • You can also submit your request on the phone at 604-864-5640.

  Personal information is collected for the cart exchange program at the City of Abbotsford, as authorized under the City of Abbotsford’s Records Classification Schedule, and section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). The City of Abbotsford does not use or disclose personal information for purposes other than cart exchange program, except with the consent of the individual whom the information is about or otherwise in accordance with law. The City of Abbotsford retains personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes of the cart exchange program and as required under FOIPPA and in alignment with the City’s Records Classification Schedule.

  If you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information, please contact Legislative Services at 604-864-5575, by email at foi@abbotsford.ca, or by mail to: City of Abbotsford, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 1W7.By providing your information, you are consenting to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information for this specified purpose.

   

• After You Submit a Cart Exchange Request

  If an email address is provided when you submit your request, you will receive two different confirmation emails. 

  1. The first email will confirm that the cart exchange request has been received. 
  2. The second email will confirm that the request has been approved and provide estimated dates for cart delivery.  Please ensure your carts are empty and accessible to our team on the dates listed below for your collection zone.

  Due to cart production and shipping delays, a delivery schedule will be provided in the coming weeks for all requests submitted on or after July 26, 2021. The delivery schedule will be posted on this webpage and included in the second confirmation email as soon as it becomes available.

  All efforts will be made to exchange your cart(s) on the day following your collection day. However, due to scheduling the exchange may take place up to two days following your collection day. Please leave your carts empty at the curb. Staff will be delivering carts on a Monday through Saturday schedule. If your collection day falls on a Friday, please leave your cart out until Monday evening so staff will have the two working days to complete the exchange. Please note that if changes were requested to both your recycling and garbage carts, your new recycling cart and garbage cart will be delivered on different weeks corresponding with your scheduled collection day for each. A tag will be left behind to confirm the exchange has taken place. If it is two working days following your collection day and the cart exchange has still not taken place, please roll your cart(s) back in (you can continue to use them). If after the end of the time period noted above you have not received your requested carts please call 604-864-5640.

  Any additional fees resulting from requested cart exchanges will be prorated from the date of cart delivery and will be invoiced on a solid waste and recycling fee adjustment in October 2021.

  View the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

Cart Information

• Cart Weight Limits

  Overweight carts create micro cracks in the plastic that develop into larger cracks and will decrease the life of the cart. Make sure you carts do not exceed the weight limit!

  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

• 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.

  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.

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  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 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 accepted 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.
  • 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 (available in English or Punjabi) for more tips on using and maintaining your carts.

• 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. You can also request a larger cart for any waste stream, or a second compostables cart. Visit the Cart Exchange and Cart Costs sections for more information.

  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 managing 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.

  Extra Garbage

  • Many items in good condition can be donated for reuse.  Or, consider listing the item in your local newspaper, or on Facebook, Craigslist, Freecycle or Kijiji or another on-line listing service.  Items in poor condition may also be accepted for free recycling.  Use the City's Waste Wizard to search for reuse, recycling or disposal options near you.
  • Garbage that does not fit inside your grey garbage cart can 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.

   

• 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.

• Moved or Moving Soon

  Newly Constructed Homes

  If you are moving into a newly constructed home, you will need to contact us (604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca) to arrange for the delivery of waste carts to your new home.  Requests should be made 2 weeks prior to moving in to ensure carts can be delivered before your first scheduled curbside collection day.  Please note that carts cannot be delivered until you have been issued Final Occupancy from the Building Department.  We will do our best to accommodate cart size requests but please note carts delivered to your property will be based on cart inventory at the time of your request.

  Refer to the Cart Exchange and Cart Costs sections for more information on the cart exchange process and how requested cart size or types may impact your annual solid waste user fee.

  Resale Home

  If you are moving into a resale home, please use the carts that are already at your new property.  If you find the cart(s) at your new home aren’t suitable for your household’s needs, or there are no carts at your new home when you move in, please contact us at 604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca. Refer to the Cart Exchange and Cart Costs sections for more information on the cart exchange process and how requested cart size or types may impact your annual solid waste user fee.

  Rented Property

  If you are a tenant moving into a rental property, please use the carts that are already at your new home.  If you find the cart(s) at your new home aren’t suitable for your household’s needs, please contact your landlord, property owner or property management company.  Only the property owner is permitted to request a cart exchange. Refer to the Cart Exchange and Cart Costs sections for more information on the cart exchange process.

  If there are no carts at your new property when you move in, please ask your property owner to contact us at 604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca. 

• Damaged or Missing Carts

  If you have a damaged or missing cart, please contact us at carts@abbotsford.ca or 604-864-5640.

  Your cart may need repair or replacement if:

  • The lid is missing including the hinges;
  • The lid does not fully cover your recycling, compost or garbage;
  • The body of the cart is cracked; or
  • The wheels are missing or broken so the cart won’t stand upright.

  We will not replace carts because they are dirty or scratched.

• Old Containers

  Do NOT place old curbside containers in your blue recycling cart. Containers are not accepted in curbside recycling. Blue carts containing old containers will not be collected.

  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;
  • Repurpose as an outdoor shelter for small farm animals or pets; or
  • Use to transport bulk soil or compost.
• Resources

  • Meet Your Recycling Cart Video
  • Meet Your Compost Cart Video
  • Meet Your Garbage Cart Video
  • Curbside Collection Cart Placement Video
  • Cart Exchanges Video
  • Curbside Cart Collection Guide - English
  • Curbside Cart Collection Guide - Punjabi
  • 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

• How can I request a change to my carts?

  Requests can be submitted by the property owner either online or over the telephone.  We highly recommend providing an email address when you submit your request in order to receive confirmation emails and anticipated delivery dates.  Please view our Cart Exchange section for more information on how to submit a cart exchange request.

• How long do I have to submit my cart exchange request?

  You can request a change to the carts you are using one time in any 12-month period.  If you are exchanging more than one cart, ensure all requests are submitted together at the same time.  Any cart exchange requests submitted prior to October 19, 2021 will not be charged a cart administration fee. 

• How do I know what size of carts I already have?

  The numbering system used for the cart serial numbers can be used to identify what size of cart you have.  The serial number is a 12-digit code located on the side of each cart that will help identify what size of cart you have. Visit our Cart Exchange section for more information.

• How do I find my folio number or postal code?

  Your folio number and postal code can be found near the top of your property tax notice. If you have misplaced your property tax notice, have recently purchased a home, or have not yet received a property tax notice, please reach out to us at 604-864-5640 or carts@abbotsford.ca to obtain your folio number and postal code.

• How many times can I change my carts?

  Carts can be changed once in any 12-month period, per the Solid Waste Management Bylaw.  If you are exchanging more than one cart, ensure all requests are submitted together at the same time. 

• Do all my carts need to be the same size?

  No.  The different sizes and types of carts that are now available for request will allow households to customize the size of each cart to best suit their needs.  You can pick what size of cart works best for you for each waste stream. 

• Are their extra costs for requesting a change to my carts?

  Solid waste user fees will apply for any cart that is used.  Cart exchange requests submitted before October 18, 2021 will not be charged a cart administration fee.  Requests submitted on or after October 19, 2021 will be charged a cart administration fee.  We are currently undertaking a financial analysis to determine the amount for the administration fee and more information will be available in the coming months.  Please view our Cart Costs section for more information on applicable fees.   

• When do I pay for any extra fees resulting from changes I made to my carts?

  Any additional fees resulting from requested cart exchanges will be prorated from the date of cart delivery and will be invoiced on a solid waste and recycling fee adjustment in October 2021.  These invoices will be sent in the mail to property owners at that time.

• My household has too much recycling and it will not all fit in a 360 L recycling cart. What can I do?

  Thank you for your recycling efforts!  We recommend ensuring that boxes are flattened and milk jugs or other containers are compacted before placing loosely in your blue recycling cart.  This is an important step in maximizing the space in your cart.  If you find you still have more recycling than what will fit in your blue cart then it can be dropped off for free at a participating recycling depot.  Visit our Excess Waste section for more tips on how to maximize the amount of material that can fit in your carts.  Second recycling carts are not able to be provided, per the Solid Waste Management Bylaw.  

• My household has too much yard waste and it will not all fit in a 360 L compost cart. What can I do?

  Thank you for your composting efforts!  You could consider grasscycling, leaf mulching or backyard composting as an alternative option to curbside collection, or use one of your yard waste coupons to drop off the yard waste for free at the composting facility. More information on these option can be found in our Excess Waste section.  Otherwise, you can request a second compost cart that can be either 240 Litre or 360 Litre in size.  Please note that additional fees will apply for second compost carts.  Visit our Cart Costs section for more information on how cart size and number may affect your solid waste user fees.

• My household has too much garbage and it will not all fit in a 360 L garbage cart. What can I do?

  Are you certain that everything you are placing in your garbage cart is truly garbage?  Many items can be recycled or composted, or dropped off for free at a recycling depot or other drop off location.  Use our Waste Wizard to search options for recycling or disposing of hundreds of items.  Visit our Excess Waste section for more tips on how to manage extra waste.  Second garbage carts are not able to be provided, per the Solid Waste Management Bylaw. 

• 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 for assistance.

• I live in a single family dwelling, what are my cart exchange options?

  You can request to upsize any cart to the larger 360 Litre size, downsize any cart to the smaller 120 Lire size, or add a second compost cart that can be 360 Litre or 240 Litre in size.  You can also request a 240 Litre bear-resistant cart in place of any standard 240 Litre cart.  Second recycling or garbage carts cannot be provided, per the Solid Waste Management Bylaw.  Please refer to our Cart Costs and Cart Sizes & Types sections for more information on available carts and how the size, number or type may impact your solid waste user fee.

• I live in a single family dwelling that has a basement suite, what are my cart exchange options?

  You can request to upsize any cart to the larger 360 Litre size, downsize any cart to the smaller 120 Litre size, or add a second compost cart that can be 360 Litre or 240 Litre in size.  You can also request a 240 Litre bear-resistant cart in place of any standard 240 Litre cart.  Second recycling or garbage carts cannot be provided, per the Solid Waste Management Bylaw.  Please refer to our Cart Costs and Cart Sizes & Types sections for more information on available carts and how the size, number or type may impact your solid waste user fee.

• How can I request a bear-resistant cart in place of the standard carts I received?

  Requests for bear-resistant carts cannot be submitted online. Please call us at 604-864-5640 to request a bear-resistant cart. You will still need to provide your name, address (including postal code), folio number and contact information to make a request.

• How much does 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). As a result, the solid waste user fee for 2021 was $245 (based on a base service level of three 240 L carts). User-pay options to increase or decrease service levels and associated fees have been implemented to ensure equitable services are provided to all households in the curbside collection program. This means that households that generate more waste will pay more than households that generate less. It is important to highlight that the 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 is not 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 240 Litre cart for all three waste streams will pay an annual solid waste user fee of $245. Whereas a household that uses one 360 Litre garbage cart in place of the 240 Litre 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, per the Solid Waste Management Bylaw.

• 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 do 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.

• Are there 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 did I get 240 L sized carts?

  The City’s own curbside participation studies and disposal data showed that the 240 Litre cart size should 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 Litre carts are large enough for the majority of households for all three waste streams.

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

  Property owners can request a second compost cart that is either 240 Litre or 360 Litre in size.  Second carts for recycling or garbage collection are not available, per the Solid Waste Management Bylaw.  Visit the Cart Costs and Cart Exchange sections for more information on how your solid waste user fill will be impacted by requesting a second compost cart, and how to submit a request.

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

  No. 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 has not changed under the new automated collection program.  However, to help with the transition to the new program, homes with registered secondary suites were provided with a 360 Litre recycling cart in place of the standard 240 Litre recycling cart. We recommend that tenants work with their landlord or property manager to determine how to allocate waste allowances among the suites.  Larger compost and garbage carts may now be requested. Visit the Cart Costs and Cart Exchange sections 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.  A second curbside collection service can be requested for a secondary detached dwelling on the 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.

• Who owns the carts?

  The City owns the carts and will be responsible for the maintenance of the carts. The carts are assigned to each household and need to stay with the property. The carts are equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) 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 radio frequency identification (RFID) 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. Visit our Moved or Moving Soon section for more information.

• 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.

• Can I still use blue bags for my recycling?

  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 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. Blue bags are no longer accepted in curbside recycling.

• Can I still use garbage bags for my garbage?

  Yes, bagged or unbagged garbage can be placed in the grey 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 are 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 are 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 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 now be requested by submitting a cart exchange request.   

  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, and to the Cart Exchange section to submit an exchange request.

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

  Yes.  Property owners can request to exchange their standard 240 Litre cart for a 240 Litre bear-resistant cart for any waste stream.  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 are not be able to leave the collection truck at each collection point. This means that any bear-resistant carts placed at the curb 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.

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

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

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

  Yes. 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 curbside 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 collection schedule was also included in the Curbside Collection Guide that was delivered to your home along with the carts. The Curbside Collection Guide can be viewed online in Punjabi translation with printed copies available at City Hall, Matsqui Recreation Centre, and Abbotsford Recreation Centre.  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 use my own containers for curbside 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.

  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.

• Can I put out paper yard waste bags?

  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.

• Can I 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 needs 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.

• Are there 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 were 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. 

• What should I do with my old curbside containers?

  We recommend reusing or repurposing any old curbside containers. Visit our Old Curbside Containers section for more information.