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 now in effect as of January 2025. This means that if you live, work or have a business in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach or an RDN Electoral Area, you are required to separate 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 bylaw implementation date 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:

  • View our webinar from November 20, 2024.
  • 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 now in effect as of January 2025. This means that if you live, work or have a business in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach or an RDN Electoral Area, you are required to separate 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 bylaw implementation date 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:

  • View our webinar from November 20, 2024.
  • 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!

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  • Share For our non profit this will cost $300 per year. Are you offering a grant to help offset these costs to our already tight budget? on Facebook Share For our non profit this will cost $300 per year. Are you offering a grant to help offset these costs to our already tight budget? on Twitter Share For our non profit this will cost $300 per year. Are you offering a grant to help offset these costs to our already tight budget? on Linkedin Email For our non profit this will cost $300 per year. Are you offering a grant to help offset these costs to our already tight budget? link

    For our non profit this will cost $300 per year. Are you offering a grant to help offset these costs to our already tight budget?

    IPS asked 3 months ago

    Hello - There are no grants available from the Regional District of Nanaimo. We encourage you to contact all haulers in the area to get a quote for the service as there may be one that's a better fit. We have a few resources to help:

    These documents can be found in the right hand column of the Get Involved page, under "Documents".

    We also note that there is an option to self-haul materials to the landfill, which could reduce expense here, depending on the amount of waste being diverted.

  • Share Hello. We are a non profit and have been advised by our bin collection company that this additional uplift will be $25 per month. Are there any grants available to assist us in offsetting this new cost of $300 per year? on Facebook Share Hello. We are a non profit and have been advised by our bin collection company that this additional uplift will be $25 per month. Are there any grants available to assist us in offsetting this new cost of $300 per year? on Twitter Share Hello. We are a non profit and have been advised by our bin collection company that this additional uplift will be $25 per month. Are there any grants available to assist us in offsetting this new cost of $300 per year? on Linkedin Email Hello. We are a non profit and have been advised by our bin collection company that this additional uplift will be $25 per month. Are there any grants available to assist us in offsetting this new cost of $300 per year? link

    Hello. We are a non profit and have been advised by our bin collection company that this additional uplift will be $25 per month. Are there any grants available to assist us in offsetting this new cost of $300 per year?

    IPS asked 4 months ago

    Hello - There are no grants available from the Regional District of Nanaimo. We encourage you to contact all haulers in the area to get a quote for the service as there may be one that's a better fit. We have a few resources to help:

    These documents can be found in the right hand column of the Get Involved page, under "Documents".

    We also note that there is also an option to self-haul materials to the landfill, which could reduce expense here, depending on the amount of waste being diverted.

  • Share are the small plastic creamers for single cup servings recyclable and if so which bin on Facebook Share are the small plastic creamers for single cup servings recyclable and if so which bin on Twitter Share are the small plastic creamers for single cup servings recyclable and if so which bin on Linkedin Email are the small plastic creamers for single cup servings recyclable and if so which bin link

    are the small plastic creamers for single cup servings recyclable and if so which bin

    jans ideas asked 4 months ago

    Hello – yes, the plastic portion of single serve creamers are recyclable if you have roadside recycling. Please remove the foil lid (which goes in the garbage) then rinse the creamer container and drop in your blue bin. A note: If you are in a multi-family building, please check with your service provider.  

    *This page is focused on the new waste source separation bylaw that applies to commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings. If you have more questions about sorting, we encourage you to visit the “what goes where” page on the RDN website: https://www.rdn.bc.ca/what-goes-where(External link)

  • Share Our waste hauler tells us there is a 25% environmental charge on pick up of our recyclables and organics (in the future). What is this? on Facebook Share Our waste hauler tells us there is a 25% environmental charge on pick up of our recyclables and organics (in the future). What is this? on Twitter Share Our waste hauler tells us there is a 25% environmental charge on pick up of our recyclables and organics (in the future). What is this? on Linkedin Email Our waste hauler tells us there is a 25% environmental charge on pick up of our recyclables and organics (in the future). What is this? link

    Our waste hauler tells us there is a 25% environmental charge on pick up of our recyclables and organics (in the future). What is this?

    what does this mean asked 5 months ago

    Hello – We suggest talking with your hauler to better understand this charge. There is no additional charge from the RDN to haulers for these items – in fact, haulers can save money by ensuring that recyclables and organics are diverted from the landfill as part of the new hauler license that is coming into effect. A list of haulers is available on this webpage (see section in right-hand column) should you like to do further research about the service that’s right for you.

  • Share Can we put noxious weeds in the bins? Morning glory, ivy etc. on Facebook Share Can we put noxious weeds in the bins? Morning glory, ivy etc. on Twitter Share Can we put noxious weeds in the bins? Morning glory, ivy etc. on Linkedin Email Can we put noxious weeds in the bins? Morning glory, ivy etc. link

    Can we put noxious weeds in the bins? Morning glory, ivy etc.

    KFetherston asked 5 months ago

    Hello – If you are in a multi-family building with a private collection service, it’s best to confirm with your service provider.

    For residential homes that receive collection through the RDN, there is a list of priority invasive plants that are not accepted in organics collection, including:

    • Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
    • Invasive Knotweeds (Fallopia x / Polygonum polystachum)
    • Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
    • Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)
    • Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris)
    • Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum (T)
    • Gorse* (Ulex europaeus) 
    • Daphne/Spurge-Laurel* (Daphne laureola)

    These invasive plants should be double-bagged and disposed at the landfill as controlled waste.

    Other weeds can be composted in the green carts.

  • Share I use wood pellets for cat litter. Can I compost them after scooping the feces? on Facebook Share I use wood pellets for cat litter. Can I compost them after scooping the feces? on Twitter Share I use wood pellets for cat litter. Can I compost them after scooping the feces? on Linkedin Email I use wood pellets for cat litter. Can I compost them after scooping the feces? link

    I use wood pellets for cat litter. Can I compost them after scooping the feces?

    KFetherston asked 5 months ago

    Hello – If you are in a multi-family building with a private collection service, it’s best to confirm with your service provider what is or isn’t accepted. For residential homes that receive collection through the RDN, we ask that all kinds of kitty litter go to the landfill.

  • 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 8 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 7 months 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 8 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 8 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.

Page last updated: 14 Mar 2025, 10:40 AM