Garbage Collection - Multi-Family & Commercial Properties
Small businesses and small multi-family properties that want City garbage collection (i.e. wheeled cart service) can apply to the City of Vancouver by calling 3-1-1 (or 604.873.7000 from outside Vancouver city limits). All applications for City garbage service must come from the property owner or the owner's agent. The City will consider applications from small businesses and apartments up to a maximum service level of 4 - 360 litre carts, emptied weekly.
Larger businesses and larger multi-family properties that require more garbage service should contact a private licensed waste disposal company (see yellow pages under “Garbage Collectors”) and arrange for a commercial-sized garbage container. Please note that the City of Vancouver does not operate a container (dumpster) garbage collection service.
Commerical Garbage Container Licence Agreement
The City’s preference is that waste containers should be kept on private property but recognizes in many locations, this is not possible.
When a container is stored on City street or lane, the container user and the hauling company must consent to a number of terms and conditions, as part of the approval process. In addition, the user and the hauling company agree to manage the container in a manner that helps keep Vancouver a beautiful city.
Please see the Commerical Containers on City Property Brochure (
PDF, 1.6 MB) for information on the application and approval process.
For information regarding the commercial garbage container licence agreement, please contact the Clean Streets Team at 604.871.6544.