Backyard Composting
Banned Items
City Farmer
Garbage Bylaw
Garbage Containers
Garbage Pick Up Days
Garbage Tags
Grass Cycling Tips
Green Waste Depot
Recycling
Toxic and Hazardous Waste
Waste Reduction Tips

Gibsons Garbage Pick Up Days

Residential garbage is picked up (on contract with the Town of Gibsons) by Direct Disposal.  Only one garbage container per household is permitted, which (see permitted containers) must be placed curbside by 8:00 am on your pick up day.

Residences located below Gibsons Way - Wednesday
Residences located above Gibsons Way - Thursday

Download the Garbage Collection Route (PDF Document)

If your household garbage pick-up was missed please contact:
Direct Disposal at 604.885.4246

Permitted Garbage Containers
Garbage Containers One (1) waterproof container of heavy plastic or light weight galvanized sheeting with a close fitting lid, and a maximum capacity of 77 litres and of not more than 20 kilograms gross weight when filled with garbage. Plastic bags are not allowed unless they display a "garbage tag".

Additional Garbage Tags for Town of Gibsons & SCRD Residents
Please note that the Town of Gibsons sells additional garbage tags for those who live in the Town of Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast Regional District.

Extra garbage tags may be used by residents to ensure collection of garbage containers in excess of the weekly limit (one container per household). The tags may be purchased at the Town of Gibsons Office, 474 South Fletcher Road or from the Driver. The tags are $2.50 each. SCRD Residents: The Town of Gibsons also sells additional garbage tags for your garbage. See above for details on where to buy them.

Banned Items that cannot be included in your household garbage for collection:

•    Batteries
•    Chemicals which may create hazardous working conditions
•    Explosive or flammable substances
•    Fish feed bags
•    Grass cuttings, tree or hedge clippings or other garden refuse
•    Hazardous (including pathogenic and radioactive wastes)
•    Material hot enough to start combustion
•    Paints ties lumber, demolition materials, rocks gravel or soil, stumps or timber
•    Undigested septic sludge
•    Waste oil or petroleum by-products

A reminder that pursuant to Bylaw No.779 (A Bylaw to provide for the Control, Collection and Disposal of Garbage), Collectible Garbage shall mean unwanted, noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter or substances of a non-toxic nature derived from normal household use and capable of being contained in a garbage can, but shall not include the following:

The Town of Gibsons, in conjunction with our Garbage Contractor
is requesting your cooperation in adhering to the Bylaw provisions.

Waste Reduction Tips
Remember that waste prevention is the most effective way to reduce garbage.  If each of us makes small changes to our purchasing and disposal habits, we can greatly reduce the amount of waste we create.

Please don't put your recyclables in the garbage!

•    Kitchen and yard waste make up 1/3 of your garbage

Try Composting! See what can go in your compost and how to start one.
Visit Vancouver's City Farmer website for great ideas on composting.

•    Try to change your habits to avoid making garbage and to help extend the life of landfills.

•    Buy only what you need. Rather than owning a set of everything, try to borrow and lend items that you would use infrequently from neighbours and family members. If you no longer want an item, offer it to friends or community organizations that would find it useful.

•    Don't buy items with excess packaging. Packaging makes up about half of all garbage by volume and a third by weight.  You can write to manufacturers and let them know that you find their packaging wasteful, including the packaging from the product for added weight to your words.

•    Whenever possible, buy refillable or reusable containers.
Avoid containers that can only be thrown away – and make sure you reuse the ones you buy!

•    Bring your own bags when you shop and try to buy in bulk as often as possible.

•    Purchase durable goods of quality rather than disposable items. The cost may be higher initially, but you can save money in the long run. Get the longest warranty with the best repair service possible.

•    Be an informed buyer. Investigate the product’s life-cycle, from its manufacturing, throughout its use, and to its disposal. Consider environmental factors (like what materials it is made of, how far is it shipped, and if it is recyclable) and social factors, too!  Read consumer magazines and contact consumer organizations before making major purchases.

•    Dispose of all of your Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) safely and responsibly.
Try to purchase cleaners that are less harmful to the environment or make your own.  You can look for Canada’s Environmental Choice Eco-logo. Read our section below for specifics on HHW disposal in Gibsons.

•    Don't throw anything away that can be reused or repaired.Your trash could be someone else's treasure. Fabric scraps, books, sporting goods, toys and clothing are always needed by non-profit groups.  Look at the Sunshine Coast Recycling Directory to find out where to take materials for recycling, reuse, or safe disposal. Try organizing a “stuff swap” or a goods exchange day in your neighborhood or apartment building.

•    Compost your food and yard waste. Up to ½ of your household waste is compostable. It's a simple way to reduce waste and produce a nutrient-rich  conditioner for your lawn, garden and houseplants.

•    Grasscycle your lawn clippings. Learn how to grasscycle and about other natural lawn care tips.
Or take your residential garden trimmings to Gibsons’ Green Yard Waste Drop Off Depot.

•    Recycle when you can't reduce or reuse. Recycling is not waste prevention; it is waste diversion from the landfill. Recycling can be energy intensive and may require sophisticated technology, therefore it should be employed only after all reduction and reuse strategies have been exhausted. Concentrate on reducing and reusing so there will be less to be recycled or landfilled!

Reusing saves money, resources, energy and landfill space
Reusing creates local jobs and keeps resources in our local economy
Reused items are more affordable, unique and fun to shop for