FAQs

No, your scheduled pickup day remains the same.

• Worker Safety: Reduces the risk of repetitive motion injuries for collection crews.

• Litter Control: Lidded carts prevent "snowing" (paper blowing out of bins on windy days).

• Efficiency: Automated trucks can service more homes in less time, helping to stabilize long-term service costs.

No. The collection method is now automated, the sorting rules following Recycle BC guidelines remain the same. Items like glass, foam packaging, and plastic bags still need to be taken to the Resource Recovery Centre, not placed in your curbside cart. 

Your new cart will be delivered in September/October 2026. You might want to use your old blue bins for household storage. Only items within the recycling cart will be collected. Items placed alongside in blue bins or other containers will not be collected.

Carts need one meter (3 feet) of clearance on all sides—away from cars, poles, and other carts—so the mechanical arm can grab them without damage.

The cart sizes were chosen for efficiency and stability. 

Because the new carts have wheels and a sturdy handle, you no longer need to carry heavy bins to the curb. Just tilt and roll. The secure lids also help keep materials dry and prevent wind-blown litter from escaping into our neighborhoods.

For residents with accessibility needs, please contact our Operations Secretary at opssecretary@powellriver.ca or call 604-485-8657  for assistance.  

If you do not want to participate in recycling collection, request to have your cart picked up by City staff.  Please contact our Operations Secretary at opssecretary@powellriver.ca 

Blue recycling carts are being delivered free of charge to single-family dwellings, duplexes, and multi-family residences with 18 units or less. 

Delivery of the carts is planned for September/October 2026.

Information kits will be provided with the carts and include instructions and tips on cart usage.

Carts are assigned to each address, so do not move carts from one location to another.

Each registered dwelling (or unit) will receive one blue cart. Additional carts are not available at this time. There will be an opportunity to increase the size of your recycling cart to 360-litres three months after the service begins. More information about the cart exchange program will be available in early 2027. It is important to note that the larger cart option (360-litres) is less maneuverable and may not fit through some doorways. Its footprint is significantly larger and may be a challenge to store.

The City of Powell River offers an assisted collection service for residents who are unable to place their carts to the curb due to a temporary or permanent mobility challenge or disability.

Please contact the Roads Supervisor at roadsuper@powellriver.ca or Operations Secretary at opssecretary@powellriver.ca or call 604-485-8657 

Some lids may need a little time to settle before they sit flush with the rest of the cart.

If it’s still not closing properly after three weeks of receiving your cart, please email us at opssecretary@powellriver.ca or call 604-485-8657

It is anticipated that automated recycling collection will begin shortly after carts are delivered.

Carts can be stored in the same place residents currently store their waste – in the garage, backyard, in a shed or against the side of their house or fence.

Once your carts arrive, please:

• Move carts from the curb and store them until collection begins.
• Write your address in the space provided with a permanent marker.
• Remove and review the information attached to the cart.

No, recyclables must be inside the cart for collection not alongside the cart or in separate bins.  

Yes, is it fits in the cart. Our rules for cardboard and boxboard are fairly specific to ensure efficient curbside pickup. Since the city follows the RecycleBC program, the preparation of your materials is key.

Flatten Everything: Cardboard and boxboard must be flattened. For corrugated cardboard (the thick stuff), you should deconstruct the boxes and bundle them if you have a large amount.

Size Limits: Bundles or pieces of cardboard should be no larger than 30” x 30” (76cm x 76cm) and no thicker than 8” (20cm) and must fit inside your cart.

Placement: Place flattened boxboard loosely and neatly inside your recycling cart. 

Cleanliness: Material must be clean. Pizza boxes are accepted only if they have minimal food or grease residue. If they are very greasy, they should go in your organics (green) bin instead.