Esquimalt garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits

When is garbage collected in Esquimalt, and what are the rules for bins, limits, and extra bags?

Esquimalt, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

How it works

The Township collects garbage and kitchen scraps (organics) from residential properties every second week, with the north and south sides of the municipality on alternate weeks. Recycling (blue box) is collected by the Capital Regional District on its own schedule. Statutory holiday pickups move to the next business day, and holiday changes are posted on the Township's Garbage & Recycling page.

Steps

1. Find your collection day with the 2026 north-side or south-side collection calendar (PDF), the interactive garbage collection map, or phone 250-414-7108. Esquimalt Alert sends reminders by text, app or phone.
2. Put your bin at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day, as close to the curb as possible, with the front facing the road and 1 m clear on all sides. Take bungee cords or clips off the lid.
3. Bring bins in to a secure place on your property by the end of the collection day.

Bins and limits

• The Township provides 121-litre garbage bins and organics bins. Call 250-414-7108 to request new or replacement bins. They are replaced at no cost if lost, stolen, unsafe to handle, no longer waterproof or damaged beyond repair, but $95 if the damage is from misuse or abuse.
• Each bin must not be overfilled (the lid must close; 2 inches from the lid) and must not weigh over 55 lbs (24 kg).
• One garbage and one kitchen scraps bin per two-week period per home.
• Banned from garbage: yard waste, food scraps, recyclables, hazardous waste, construction waste.

Extra garbage

The Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw No. 2815 lets extra bags (each up to 25 kg) go out with a sticker, $2 a bag. The Township's garbage bin page says instead that extra garbage needs an extra Township regulation bin ($95 each at Municipal Hall) with an extra garbage sticker (four for $8). The page differs from the bylaw, so confirm with Public Works before setting out extra bags.

Good to know

• There is no separate garbage fee. The Township includes utility costs such as sewer and refuse collection in property taxes.
• Most container offences are a $200 bylaw notice (Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, Schedule G).
• For missed Blue Box collection, call the CRD's collector, GFL Environmental, at 236-470-0186.