City of Vancouver says waste collection is finally back on track

After weeks of delayed trash pickups and overflowing green bins, the City of Vancouver says its waste collection schedule is finally getting back on track.

This comes after the city says Metro Vancouver’s Christmas-time winter storms caused major slow-downs.

“When up to 20 centimeters of snow fell across Vancouver, green bin service was suspended and all available staff and vehicles concentrated on garbage collection,” when more snow hit again, the city says this created safety concerns that forced the cancellation of all garbage collection.

Since then, the city says crews have been hard at work trying to catch-up since late December.

“City crews have since worked extended hours, seven days per week to catch up on cancelled or delayed garbage and green bin collection for approximately 30,000 addresses,” a news release from the City of Vancouver said.

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It says garbage collection is already back up to speed, and green bins are on track to be caught up by Wednesday.

In a statement, Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung is apologizing for the frustration caused by missed pickups over the holidays, and says the city is looking into how it can better prepare for similar conditions.

“We know garbage and green bin collection are essential services residents rely on. We’re sorry for the frustration caused by missed pickups,” Kirby-Yung said.

“This is an issue we take seriously, and are asking staff to review processes and issues, and identify how we can improve response and communication during extreme weather events,” he added.

Heavy snowfall as seen in Vancouver, B.C. on Wednesday December 21st, 2022. (OMNI / CityNews Image)

Mayor Ken Sim adds that he’s been hearing from residents about their concerns, and the echo’s Kirby-Yung’s statement that the city is looking into it.

“I’ve been hearing frustration from many residents who are dealing with overflowing bins,” Sim said.

Although garbage and green bins are set to resume, the city says recycling management is done by Recycle BC, and it’s not sure when recycling will be back up to speed.

“I hear your concerns loud and clear. Council has been working closely with City staff to get garbage and green bin collection back on track. My office has also reached out directly to Recycle BC’s Executive Director for a meeting to discuss the status of their services and when residents can expect collection of their recycling,” Sim explained.

The city says that in light of the snow, and with the possibility of more winter weather, green bin schedules will be on a bi-weekly schedule.

“While residents will be noticing a return to their regular green bin and garbage service, future interruptions due to extreme winter weather remain a possibility,” it said.