Illegal dumping is becoming a big problem in Metro Vancouver.
Items such as couches, chairs, mattresses and even pianos are not uncommon to see on the side of the road.
Municipalities across the metro area are all reporting a big spike in illegal dumping and it’s costing them and taxpayers a lot more to clean it all up.
Ironically, most municipalities have programs to pick up big ticket items, usually for free or just a minimal cost, but people either don’t know about it or just don’t care.
“It is a challenge to us,” said Dipak Dattani, deputy director of engineering with the City of Burnaby. “We do offer services and the people are not taking advantage of it, that’s the frustrating part.”
“We get calls on a regular basis. It is a problem in this region, not only in Burnaby.”
Here are the fees in some Metro Vancouver communities to dump household items.
Langley:
Fridge: Free
Coffee Table (clean, solid wood): Free
Coffee Table (treated wood): $15 minimum charge (up to 85 kg)
BBQ: Free
Piano: $15 for up to 85 kg or $165 per tonne
Surrey:
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Fridge: Free
Coffee Table (treated or painted wood): $15 minimum charge (up to 200 lbs)
BBQ: Free
Piano: Same rules apply as regular garbage ($15 minimum charge for up to 200 lbs; depending on weight, $80-$133 per tonne after that)
Coquitlam:
Same rules apply as Surrey.
Port Moody:
The city has multiple sources for dumping and recycling, depending on the items.
Residents can use Coquitlam’s Wastech facility to dispose of items
Burnaby:
A residential curbside program is available to residents for free. This will pick up large items and appliances.
Residents should call 604-294-7972 to arrange a pickup.
City of Vancouver:
BBQ: Free
Fridge: Free
Coffee Table (clean wood): Free
Coffee Table (painted wood): $15 for 70 kg or $25 for 150 kg
Garbage disposal rate: $80–$133 per tonne
Mattress, futon, and box spring recycling fee: $15 per item
Finished wood disposal rate: $67–$133 per tonne, including painted, stained, treated, or laminated wood
Additional fees and charges are listed here.
All Wastech facilities charge $25 for garbage disposals during peak hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is instead of the regular $15 outside of those hours.
The Piano Gallery, located at 3528 Kingsway in Vancouver, will take in unwanted pianos if they fit into their criteria. They fix unwanted and damaged pianos for lessons and resale. The owner must drop off the piano and the Piano Gallery is only able to accommodate between four to five recycled pianos at a time.
Some Vancouver community centres will also take in unwanted pianos.
You can download the Recyclepedia app from the Recycling Council of British Columbia to learn more about what you can recycle and where.
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