Green Can Program
Did you know that up to 40 percent of household garbage is compostable?
Recycle food scraps and food-soiled paper at the curbside along with your yard trimmings, instead of sending these recyclable items to the landfill with the garbage. The Green Can Program is available to households in West Vancouver that receive curbside garbage and yard trimmings collection.
What goes in: All food scraps (including dairy and bones), food-soiled paper and small amounts of yard trimmings What stays out: All plastic, including biodegradable or compostable plastic, and pet waste Green Can Items: Complete Listing Green Cans will be picked up with yard trimmings EVERY week, year-round on the same day as recycling. More tips: How to Participate or How-to Video Series |  |
If you backyard compost, please continue to do so. Use your Green Can for items that are difficult to safely compost such as cooked plate scrapings, meat and dairy.
Please continue to Be Bear Smart in West Vancouver – Your Green Can will not be a bear attractant if you manage it responsibly.
Why Recycle Food Scraps and Food-Soiled Paper?
Collecting and recycling food scraps and food-soiled paper into compost with the Green Can Program will help to:
- Save landfill space and support regional waste reduction goals
- Reduce greehouse gas emissions
- Create rich soil for local gardeners, farms and landscapers
- Minimize increases to local garbage collection fees
By using a Green Can or backyard composting to recycle food scraps, we can cut our garbage in half and save money in the long run. West Vancouver pays $107 per tonne to dispose of garbage, but only $71 per tonne for compostable yard waste and kitchen scraps.
Of course, the best way to reduce our waste is to not make any in the first place. Create less food waste by planning meals in advance, buying only what you need and donating surplus produce to those in the community who do not have access to fresh, healthy food.
Didn't get a Green Can? See Getting a Green Can for more information.
More information
Still have questions? Visit greencan.northshorerecycling.ca for more information or send us an email