Frequently Asked Questions

The new curbside collection program starts on May 1, 2026. The City’s current service provider, Emterra, will continue to operate manual collection service as-is until the contract start date.

The new contractor will be Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S); they currently operate the Bailey Landfill and Household Hazard Waste Day Events.

The City of Chilliwack’s current curbside collection contract expires April 30, 2026. In 2024, the City released a Request for Proposals for collection contractors to submit bids. After careful evaluation of technical and financial proposals, E360S was selected as the preferred service provider, offering a comprehensive collection service with very competitive pricing that minimizes costs for residents. 

The City consulted residents through two different surveys to determine the preferred collection method and frequency. Results of the 2023 and 2025 Curbside Collection Surveys indicated residents were in favour of a cart-based program for garbage, recycling and compostable waste. A fully-automated collection system also reduces the chance of injury for collection staff and improves collection efficiency (all materials will be collected in the same truck with separate compartments).

In addition, the 2025 Curbside Collection Survey indicated residents were in favour of reducing recycling collection to biweekly and glass collection to monthly to reduce costs. Lastly, residents indicated they were in favour of adding flexible plastics collection at the curb. 

For updates on the 2026 Curbside Collection Program, please visit the 2026 Curbside Collection Program page or download and sign up for notifications on the City’s Curbside Collection App. Key program information will also be provided on social media and in the local paper.

Yes, residents can choose from the following sizes for their garbage, recycling, and compostable waste collection carts (the new flexible plastics pink cart comes in one standard size, 57L): 

•  120 Litres (equivalent to 1 standard container)

•  240 Litres (equivalent to 2 standard containers)

•  360 Litres (equivalent to 3 standard containers)

Residents will have the opportunity to select the size of carts suitable for their household from September 1 -30, 2025. To view details and cart dimensions, visit the Cart Selection page.

Property owners will receive a letter and a cart selection form with more details during the first week of September 2025. Each letter contains a unique account number and access code (the same account code and access number on utility bills). Residents can use the account number and access code to select their carts online at chilliwack.com/carts, submit the form by mail, drop off the completed form at City Hall, or scan and email the form to [email protected]. Click here to select carts for your property.

If you do not select carts for your property, the City will assign the appropriate default carts for your property type. Information about cart selection and default cart sizes can be found on the Cart Selection page. 

There is no upfront cost for the carts; the cost is included in the monthly service fee. 

If a property has a single detached dwelling plus a secondary suite, coach house or garden suite, both units will share one set of carts (garbage, recycling and compostable waste) and pay for one service. Large cart sizes (up to 360L) will be available for each commodity. More information is available on the Cart Selection page.

Yes, residents will be allowed to set out up to 10 additional Kraft bags or bundles of yard trimmings with their green cart year-round.

Yes, Tag-a-Bag stickers will be available for purchase for the collection of excess garbage. Tag-a-Bag fees will increase, likely to around $4-$5 per tag, because more time and effort will be required to collect an extra bag with automated collection (the driver will have to exit the vehicle and manually load the garbage bag). Tag-a-Bag stickers are for the odd time when residents have more waste than what fits into their cart. If households regularly have more waste than their cart can hold, they should consider sizing up to a larger container, as it will be more cost-effective.

Because large carts (up to 360L) and excess set out of materials (kraft bags, Tag-a-Bag stickers) are available, additional garbage and compostable waste carts will not be permitted. 

If a resident has already sized up to a 360L recycling cart and has regular additional recycling, they may add an extra blue cart to their service at the following monthly rates:

Additional 120L Recycling Cart: $5.50

Additional 240L Recycling Cart: $5.70

Additional 360L Recycling Cart: $5.90

If you are interested in adding an extra recycling cart to your curbside collection service, please call 604.793.2787 or email [email protected]. 

Residents may choose to keep their garbage and recycling bins for personal use. Residents who no longer need their garbage and recycling bins will be able to place them at the curb for pick up by the contractor. Dates and additional information regarding bin pick-up will be sent to residents in spring 2026. 

Yes, residents living in designated wildlife areas will receive specialized wildlife-resistant carts with double-walled lids and durable plastic bodies. Lids will be equipped with gravity locks — a special latching mechanism that releases when the cart is tipped upside down by the automated arm on the collection vehicle

No, only residents living in designated wildlife areas will be eligible to receive wildlife-resistant carts. To see if you live in a designated wildlife area, please visit the Wildlife Page. 

The new curbside collection program will utilize split-body trucks with multiple compartments. The driver can control which compartment the load is emptied into during collection. The compartments are then unloaded separately at their respective post-collection facility. This design increases efficiency.

Flexible plastics are not permitted in the current curbside recycling program and should be taken to a recycling depot. By adding flexible plastics to the curbside program, the City hopes to decrease contamination in the blue bin and divert flexible plastics from the landfill. A survey completed in 2025 found that 69% of residents were in favour of adding curbside collection of flexible plastics.

More information on accepted flexible plastics, collection method and frequency can be found on the 2026 Curbside Collection Program page.

Collection fees will increase slightly to cover the cost of standardized carts and increased services (flexible plastics). Curbside Collection costs will depend on the size of garbage and compostable waste carts selected and will range from $27.15 to $34.80 per month. 

To view exact pricing, visit the 2026 Collection Fees page. 

No. The curbside collection program is a standardized program to maximize diversion and cost-effectiveness. Curbside collection fees include collection services for garbage, recycling, compostable waste, glass, and flexible plastics. In alignment with the City’s Solid Waste Management Bylaw, all residences must separate their waste and divert it from the landfill. 

Yes, the 57L pink flexible plastics bin will be delivered with a tight fitting lid to prevent street litter.