An Automated Collection System involves the use of specialized garbage carts that are emptied into a garbage truck using a mechanical arm, instead of lifting and emptying cans by hand.  The specialized carts provided by the City are specifically designed for the use of the mechanical gripper and lifting arm. The truck will ONLY pick up the specialized carts.

• Residents must register with the City for a specially designed wheeled cart. 
• The cart is the property of the City and is assigned to the property not to the property owner. A serial number identifies the property to which the carts belong.
• All garbage must be placed inside the cart so that the lid can be properly closed and the cart does not overflow. Carts that are overflowing, or garbage placed outside of the carts will not be picked up.
• If you move you do not take your cart.  It remains with the property for the next resident.
• Residents are responsible for routine maintenance such as cleaning the carts, removing them from the street after collection and storing them in a safe place.
• The carts carry a 10-year warranty and the City will take care of any warranty repairs.
• Any stolen carts or those damaged through neglect or misuse will be replaced at the property owner’s expense.

If you just moved into a property you can call 250-720-2841 to find out the size of the carts that were delivered for your property. If you require different size carts, please see What If I want to change the size of the cart I ordered? for information on how to request a cart change. To arrange for a new account contact the Utilities Clerk.

On collection day, residents wheel their carts to the street.  Improperly placed carts will not be emptied so use the following guidelines when placing your cart out:  

1. Point it - Place carts so the arrows on the lid point towards the centre of the lane or street (handles will face your property). 
2. Space it - Place your carts so that there is approximately 1m (3ft) of space on all sides and at least 3m (10ft) of clearance above. 
3. It is important to place the cart in the proper direction in order to be picked up. If you have chosen animal resistant hardware you are responsible for unlocking the lid on your collection day.
4. Bring it back in After your garbage carts have been emptied, remember to remove them from the lane or street and back to your property.

Garbage attracts animals such as dogs, bears and raccoons. The carts provided to the resident can be fitted with animal resistant hardware that greatly reduces the risk of access. The resident operates a clip mechanism that locks and unlocks the lid. When the cart is put out on the day of collection the resident unlocks the lid for the automated collection garbage truck to pick up and dump. If your cart is stored in a location that is not vulnerable to animals, then the animal resistant hardware for the cart is not required and you can indicate this on the order form. The price of the service doesn’t change with or without the animal resistant hardware.

Not necessarily.  Large garbage bags are not required. Many items can be put in loose. Lids should remain closed to prevent animals and birds from entering the cart and to avoid rainwater from accumulating inside the cart.