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Mandatory Waste Source Separation

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For Multi-Family, Business, Institutional and Industrial

The Regional District of Nanaimo is taking the next step towards achieving 90 per cent waste diversion from the landfill: introducing mandatory three-stream waste diversion for multi-family residential, business, institutional and industrial properties.

A Mandatory Waste Source Separation bylaw is coming into effect January 2025. This means that if you live, work or have a business in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach or a RDN Electoral Area, you will be required to separate out recyclables and organics from your garbage. To ensure there is time to address questions and to make whatever changes are needed to your waste collection service, you will have six months from the implementation of the bylaw to meet its requirements.

This page is not meant for residents who already receive curbside pickup. You are already doing your part and we thank you!

Welcome to your information resource for this exciting change. To learn more:

  • Join us at our upcoming webinar to ask your questions.
  • Check out our FAQs! We will add to them as questions are asked and more information is available.
  • Review the guides and resources.
  • Look for updates on our What's New tab.
  • Register and ask us a question on our Questions and Answers tab.
  • Subscribe to stay informed, leave your email address and receive email updates.


For Multi-Family, Business, Institutional and Industrial

The Regional District of Nanaimo is taking the next step towards achieving 90 per cent waste diversion from the landfill: introducing mandatory three-stream waste diversion for multi-family residential, business, institutional and industrial properties.

A Mandatory Waste Source Separation bylaw is coming into effect January 2025. This means that if you live, work or have a business in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach or a RDN Electoral Area, you will be required to separate out recyclables and organics from your garbage. To ensure there is time to address questions and to make whatever changes are needed to your waste collection service, you will have six months from the implementation of the bylaw to meet its requirements.

This page is not meant for residents who already receive curbside pickup. You are already doing your part and we thank you!

Welcome to your information resource for this exciting change. To learn more:

  • Join us at our upcoming webinar to ask your questions.
  • Check out our FAQs! We will add to them as questions are asked and more information is available.
  • Review the guides and resources.
  • Look for updates on our What's New tab.
  • Register and ask us a question on our Questions and Answers tab.
  • Subscribe to stay informed, leave your email address and receive email updates.


Questions about the new program? Share them here and the project team will respond!

You need to be signed in to add your question.

  • Share I manage a small shopping center on Gabriola. We have several garbage cans outdoors on the premises for garbage. Will they have to be replaced with labeled and divided receptacles ? If we have separate receptacles, will we be required to comb through each section and ensure each one only contains the appropriate materials? Also, one of our tenants is a grocer. Will they be separating their waste stream? Will we have to request GFL provide separate bins for each stream? Currently, although we attempt to separate cardboard from garbage, it all goes in the same truck. Separation seems futile if that continues. on Facebook Share I manage a small shopping center on Gabriola. We have several garbage cans outdoors on the premises for garbage. Will they have to be replaced with labeled and divided receptacles ? If we have separate receptacles, will we be required to comb through each section and ensure each one only contains the appropriate materials? Also, one of our tenants is a grocer. Will they be separating their waste stream? Will we have to request GFL provide separate bins for each stream? Currently, although we attempt to separate cardboard from garbage, it all goes in the same truck. Separation seems futile if that continues. on Twitter Share I manage a small shopping center on Gabriola. We have several garbage cans outdoors on the premises for garbage. Will they have to be replaced with labeled and divided receptacles ? If we have separate receptacles, will we be required to comb through each section and ensure each one only contains the appropriate materials? Also, one of our tenants is a grocer. Will they be separating their waste stream? Will we have to request GFL provide separate bins for each stream? Currently, although we attempt to separate cardboard from garbage, it all goes in the same truck. Separation seems futile if that continues. on Linkedin Email I manage a small shopping center on Gabriola. We have several garbage cans outdoors on the premises for garbage. Will they have to be replaced with labeled and divided receptacles ? If we have separate receptacles, will we be required to comb through each section and ensure each one only contains the appropriate materials? Also, one of our tenants is a grocer. Will they be separating their waste stream? Will we have to request GFL provide separate bins for each stream? Currently, although we attempt to separate cardboard from garbage, it all goes in the same truck. Separation seems futile if that continues. link

    I manage a small shopping center on Gabriola. We have several garbage cans outdoors on the premises for garbage. Will they have to be replaced with labeled and divided receptacles ? If we have separate receptacles, will we be required to comb through each section and ensure each one only contains the appropriate materials? Also, one of our tenants is a grocer. Will they be separating their waste stream? Will we have to request GFL provide separate bins for each stream? Currently, although we attempt to separate cardboard from garbage, it all goes in the same truck. Separation seems futile if that continues.

    FLVillage asked about 2 months ago

     *Please Note – This Response has been updated

    Hello - Our recommendation is to place recycling and organics bins alongside garbage bins wherever possible, allowing people to divert as much waste as they can. Since outdoor bins are often more prone to contamination, they can remain as garbage bins. However, indoors—such as in lunchrooms, open mall areas, inside grocery stores, or places where people tend to gather—there should be separate bins for garbage, recycling, and organics.

    The RDN is also introducing a waste hauler licensing program that incentivizes waste diversion and includes measures to ensure that haulers keep these streams separate – this will ensure that the work residents put into separating waste will lead to diversion from the landfill.

  • Share Where do we get an organic bucket for our condo? on Facebook Share Where do we get an organic bucket for our condo? on Twitter Share Where do we get an organic bucket for our condo? on Linkedin Email Where do we get an organic bucket for our condo? link

    Where do we get an organic bucket for our condo?

    SallyMonteith asked about 1 month ago

    Hello - There are many good sources for organics containers available, and the best option will depend on the size that you need. If you're looking for smaller 'buckets' for within individual units, there are options available in local hardware stores, or for a bulk purchase, check out the "Bins Discounts" handout on the right hand side of this page. For a larger organics collection container, we recommend contacting your waste collection service to see what they offer and what could be available to meet your needs.

  • Share I currently live in an apartment building and we have 2 large bins for garbage, 5 organic bins, and 1 large green recycling bin. All refundable items are collected by a committee of people and money goes to a seniors program. What is left over is soft plastics, glass, hard bodied plastics and styrofoam. Will our building require another container for plastics and styrofoam as currently these items are recyclable but not listed as items that are aloud to go into the large green recycle bin? Thank you are any clarification that can be given as our building is very proactive when it comes to recycling. on Facebook Share I currently live in an apartment building and we have 2 large bins for garbage, 5 organic bins, and 1 large green recycling bin. All refundable items are collected by a committee of people and money goes to a seniors program. What is left over is soft plastics, glass, hard bodied plastics and styrofoam. Will our building require another container for plastics and styrofoam as currently these items are recyclable but not listed as items that are aloud to go into the large green recycle bin? Thank you are any clarification that can be given as our building is very proactive when it comes to recycling. on Twitter Share I currently live in an apartment building and we have 2 large bins for garbage, 5 organic bins, and 1 large green recycling bin. All refundable items are collected by a committee of people and money goes to a seniors program. What is left over is soft plastics, glass, hard bodied plastics and styrofoam. Will our building require another container for plastics and styrofoam as currently these items are recyclable but not listed as items that are aloud to go into the large green recycle bin? Thank you are any clarification that can be given as our building is very proactive when it comes to recycling. on Linkedin Email I currently live in an apartment building and we have 2 large bins for garbage, 5 organic bins, and 1 large green recycling bin. All refundable items are collected by a committee of people and money goes to a seniors program. What is left over is soft plastics, glass, hard bodied plastics and styrofoam. Will our building require another container for plastics and styrofoam as currently these items are recyclable but not listed as items that are aloud to go into the large green recycle bin? Thank you are any clarification that can be given as our building is very proactive when it comes to recycling. link

    I currently live in an apartment building and we have 2 large bins for garbage, 5 organic bins, and 1 large green recycling bin. All refundable items are collected by a committee of people and money goes to a seniors program. What is left over is soft plastics, glass, hard bodied plastics and styrofoam. Will our building require another container for plastics and styrofoam as currently these items are recyclable but not listed as items that are aloud to go into the large green recycle bin? Thank you are any clarification that can be given as our building is very proactive when it comes to recycling.

    Terry Edwards Frampton asked 2 months ago

    Hello Terry – It sounds like you and other residents are doing a great job, thank you to all of you. The goal of the bylaw is to divert all recyclable and compostable materials from the landfill. That will include recyclable materials that you’ve listed. It is up to you and your neighbours to decide how best to manage this – whether it’s by working with your collection service to start collecting these items, or add these items to those collected by your volunteer team. Please let us know if you have any further questions!

  • Share I have disabilities and moved out of a house because I simply found this system unmanageable. Were people with disabilities consulted regarding this or was this just pushed through without consideration for the implications for those who do not have the capacity to reliably adhere to this mandatory system? on Facebook Share I have disabilities and moved out of a house because I simply found this system unmanageable. Were people with disabilities consulted regarding this or was this just pushed through without consideration for the implications for those who do not have the capacity to reliably adhere to this mandatory system? on Twitter Share I have disabilities and moved out of a house because I simply found this system unmanageable. Were people with disabilities consulted regarding this or was this just pushed through without consideration for the implications for those who do not have the capacity to reliably adhere to this mandatory system? on Linkedin Email I have disabilities and moved out of a house because I simply found this system unmanageable. Were people with disabilities consulted regarding this or was this just pushed through without consideration for the implications for those who do not have the capacity to reliably adhere to this mandatory system? link

    I have disabilities and moved out of a house because I simply found this system unmanageable. Were people with disabilities consulted regarding this or was this just pushed through without consideration for the implications for those who do not have the capacity to reliably adhere to this mandatory system?

    frustratedanddisabled asked about 2 months ago

    Hello - Consultation was completed on the Mandatory Waste Source Separation bylaw in 2021, inviting people in multi-family units, businesses and industrial buildings to provide input on the proposed change. You can find information about that process here. If you are in an apartment building now, it will be up to the management company or strata to determine how waste can be divided into separate streams to ensure recyclables and organics are diverted from the landfill. We encourage you to connect with them to share input about how you can participate within your capacity.

  • Share The press release says that “properties will need to implement an organics and recycling diversion program. It will be the responsibility of property owners and managers to coordinate the collection and proper management of separated waste with their collection service provider”. We are a 20-unit townhouse strata community. Our current service provider does not collect recycling and our residents are responsible for taking their recycling to the local depot. Can we continue to do that and still be in compliance under the new bylaw? on Facebook Share The press release says that “properties will need to implement an organics and recycling diversion program. It will be the responsibility of property owners and managers to coordinate the collection and proper management of separated waste with their collection service provider”. We are a 20-unit townhouse strata community. Our current service provider does not collect recycling and our residents are responsible for taking their recycling to the local depot. Can we continue to do that and still be in compliance under the new bylaw? on Twitter Share The press release says that “properties will need to implement an organics and recycling diversion program. It will be the responsibility of property owners and managers to coordinate the collection and proper management of separated waste with their collection service provider”. We are a 20-unit townhouse strata community. Our current service provider does not collect recycling and our residents are responsible for taking their recycling to the local depot. Can we continue to do that and still be in compliance under the new bylaw? on Linkedin Email The press release says that “properties will need to implement an organics and recycling diversion program. It will be the responsibility of property owners and managers to coordinate the collection and proper management of separated waste with their collection service provider”. We are a 20-unit townhouse strata community. Our current service provider does not collect recycling and our residents are responsible for taking their recycling to the local depot. Can we continue to do that and still be in compliance under the new bylaw? link

    The press release says that “properties will need to implement an organics and recycling diversion program. It will be the responsibility of property owners and managers to coordinate the collection and proper management of separated waste with their collection service provider”. We are a 20-unit townhouse strata community. Our current service provider does not collect recycling and our residents are responsible for taking their recycling to the local depot. Can we continue to do that and still be in compliance under the new bylaw?

    juliemiao asked 4 months ago

    Hello – All strata properties will be required to have separate bins for recycling and organics moving forward.

    Here is the language from the bylaw about what will be required for existing buildings:
    “Separate containers, or a partitioned container or containers, that are clearly labeled and identifiable as separate storage for each of Garbage, Recycling Material and Organic Material, and no containers without such labelling and identification or containers for non-separated Garbage, Recyclable Material and Organic Material”

    If your townhouse community decides to continue hauling their own recycling, it would need to be clear that all homes have access to bins that are “clearly labeled and identifiable”. The strata will need to look at options for diverting organics as well. We suggest contacting your current service provider and other haulers in the region to see what services they can provide. You may find that once you add a composting service, adding a recycling service becomes easier as well, if you choose to.

    Along with this bylaw, the RDN is also making changes to waste hauler licensing that will incentivize offering additional pick up services and making sure that garbage is uncontaminated by recycling or organics.

  • Share I live in a patio home complex. currently we have recycling for newspaper & paperboard and garbage curbside pickup. we have no room for bins for separation - owners are responsible for taking recyclables to a depot. there is really no room for owners to store 3 separate bins. what do we do??? on Facebook Share I live in a patio home complex. currently we have recycling for newspaper & paperboard and garbage curbside pickup. we have no room for bins for separation - owners are responsible for taking recyclables to a depot. there is really no room for owners to store 3 separate bins. what do we do??? on Twitter Share I live in a patio home complex. currently we have recycling for newspaper & paperboard and garbage curbside pickup. we have no room for bins for separation - owners are responsible for taking recyclables to a depot. there is really no room for owners to store 3 separate bins. what do we do??? on Linkedin Email I live in a patio home complex. currently we have recycling for newspaper & paperboard and garbage curbside pickup. we have no room for bins for separation - owners are responsible for taking recyclables to a depot. there is really no room for owners to store 3 separate bins. what do we do??? link

    I live in a patio home complex. currently we have recycling for newspaper & paperboard and garbage curbside pickup. we have no room for bins for separation - owners are responsible for taking recyclables to a depot. there is really no room for owners to store 3 separate bins. what do we do???

    the winchelseas asked 4 months ago

    Hello – your complex will be required to separate recycling and organics from the garbage stream.  There will need to be a plan created for organics diversion and expanding your recycling. We suggest, as a first step, to contact your waste collection provider and speak with them about what services they provide and how it could be best implemented within your community given your space limitation. You can also reach out to other contractors in the area and see what services they offer that may be a better fit.

  • Share Will manufactured Home parks (private property but a business) be included in the Bylaw??? on Facebook Share Will manufactured Home parks (private property but a business) be included in the Bylaw??? on Twitter Share Will manufactured Home parks (private property but a business) be included in the Bylaw??? on Linkedin Email Will manufactured Home parks (private property but a business) be included in the Bylaw??? link

    Will manufactured Home parks (private property but a business) be included in the Bylaw???

    bekons asked 4 months ago

    Hello - yes, manufactured home parks are included in the new bylaw.

Page last updated: 07 Nov 2024, 09:18 AM