---
title: "New Westminster garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits"
question: "When is garbage collected in New Westminster, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?"
place: New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/new-westminster
category: Garbage, recycling and waste
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of New Westminster
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/garbage-collection/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/garbage-collection.json"
---

# New Westminster garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits

**Question:** When is garbage collected in New Westminster, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?

**Short answer:** New Westminster collects garbage every two weeks, and your day is on the City's online collection schedule. Put your cart at the curb or lane by 7 a.m. on collection day. Extra garbage goes in Tag-a-Bag bags ($5 per tag), each no more than 60 L and 23 kg.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of New Westminster, https://www.newwestcity.ca)  
**Cost:** Tag-a-Bag tag $5. Annual solid waste charge on the utility bill: $515.85 for a 120 L garbage cart or $796.99 for a 240 L cart, with a 5% discount if paid on time. Glass collection adds $19.22 a year. Upsizing a garbage cart from 120 L to 240 L: $80 admin fee. Replacing a lost or damaged cart: $105 (120 L) or $130 (240 L).  
**How long:** Garbage and recycling are collected every two weeks; yard trimmings and food scraps are weekly year round.  
**Where:**
- Online: Collection Schedule, https://www.newwestcity.ca/collectionschedule
- Online: Collection Cart Request Form (size change), https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/collection-cart-size-change-request
- Phone: Public Works Office, 604-526-4691

## Key facts

- **How often:** Garbage every two weeks, recycling every two weeks, and yard trimmings and food scraps weekly year round.
  - Source: [Garbage Collection, intro](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/garbage-collection)
  - Official wording: "Garbage will be collected every two weeks."
  - Source: [Recycling, intro](https://www.newwestcity.ca/recycling)
  - Official wording: "Recycling will be collected every two weeks."
  - Source: [Yard Trimmings and Food Scraps Collection, intro](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/food-scraps-and-yard-trimmings-collection)
  - Official wording: "Yard Trimmings and food scraps will be collected weekly, year round."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Finding your day:** Use the City's online Collection Schedule at newwestcity.ca/collectionschedule.
  - Source: [Garbage Collection, intro](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/garbage-collection)
  - Official wording: "Please refer to the Collection Schedule for more details." … "Collection Schedule -> https://www.newwestcity.ca/collectionschedule"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Carts:** Garbage carts come in 120 L (small) or 240 L (large). Request a size change through the Collection Cart Request Form; upsizing garbage from 120 L to 240 L costs an $80 admin fee, and recycling and greens changes cost nothing. Replacing a lost or damaged cart is $105 (120 L) or $130 (240 L).
  - Source: [Collection Cart Size Change Request, intro](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/collection-cart-size-change-request)
  - Official wording: "There are two sizes of carts – 120L small or 240L large." … "There is no difference in cost for upsizing or downsizing."
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 4.0, Part 4.0 D](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "To upsize from a 120 Litre garbage container to a 240 Litre garbage $80.00" … "For the replacement of a lost or damaged 120 Litre container, as $105.00" … "For the replacement of a lost or damaged 240 Litre container, as $130.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Setting carts out:** Put carts at the curb or lane by 7 a.m. on collection day (collection runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and return them to storage by the end of that day. Wheels against the curb, lid arrows toward the street, at least 1 m clear on all sides and 3 m clear above.
  - Source: [Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw 7634, 2014, s. 10.1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/SolidWaste_7634(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "place collection carts out for collection prior to 7am on the collection day;" … "return collection carts to their storage location no later than the end of the day of" … "one (1) meter clear space on all sides of each collection container and three (3) metres of"
  - Source: [Garbage and Recycling, Cart Placement](https://www.newwestcity.ca/garbage_recycling)
  - Official wording: "Carts should be at the curb for pick-up no later than 7:00 am on collection day." … "Make sure arrows on the lids are pointing towards the centre of the street."
  - Source: [Garbage and Recycling Frequently Asked Questions, missed](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/frequently-asked-questions)
  - Official wording: "Collection takes place between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Limits and extra garbage:** Do not overfill: the lid must close. Extra garbage goes in Tag-a-Bag bags ($5 per tag), each no more than 60 L and 23 kg (the City says under 50 lbs), placed on top of the cart or 1 m away.
  - Source: [Garbage Collection, Tag-a-Bag](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/garbage-collection)
  - Official wording: "Residents that have additional bags need to place extra tagged bags on top of your cart, or group bags 1 metre away from your garbage cart" … "Tags can be purchased for $5 each"
  - Source: [Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw 7634, 2014, s. 5.1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/SolidWaste_7634(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Each bag of garbage must have a volume no greater than 60 litres and weigh no more"
  - Source: [Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw 7634, 2014, s. 7.1(j)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/SolidWaste_7634(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Set out only the amount of waste that will fit into a collection cart or disposal bin with"
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 4.0, Part 4.0 C](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(not to exceed 60 Litres in $5.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** Annual solid waste charge on the utility bill: $515.85 for a 120 L garbage cart or $796.99 for a 240 L cart, with a 5% discount if paid on time (net $490.06 and $757.14). Glass collection adds $19.22 a year. Owners 65 or older living alone can get 25% off.
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 4.0, Part 4.0 A](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "For each 120 Litre garbage collection cart, as provided by the City - Annually $515.85 $25.79 $490.06" … "For each 240 Litre garbage collection cart, as provided by the City - Annually $796.99 $39.85 $757.14" … "glass collection receptacle as provided by the City – $19.22"
  - Source: [Utility Rates, 2026 rates](https://www.newwestcity.ca/propertytaxes-utilities/sb_expander_articles/1271.php)
  - Official wording: "Solid Waste - 120L1 | $535.07 | ($26.75) | $508.32"
  - Source: [Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw 7634, 2014, s. 6.7](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/SolidWaste_7634(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "to have services waived at 25% of the solid waste services rate set"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** New Westminster Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw 7634, 2014 (rules); Engineering Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013, Part 4.0 (fees).
  - Source: [Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw 7634, 2014, s. 1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/SolidWaste_7634(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw shall be cited for all purposes as "New Westminster Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw"
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 4.0, s. 1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Engineering Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013.”"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The City collects garbage every two weeks, recycling every two weeks, and yard trimmings and food scraps weekly year round. Glass is collected separately in a grey bin. Find your day on the City's online Collection Schedule at newwestcity.ca/collectionschedule. Statutory holidays may shift collection days. The rules are in the [Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw 7634](<https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/SolidWaste_7634(1).pdf>), and fees are in the [Engineering Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553](<https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf>), Part 4.0.

## Steps

1. Put your cart at the curb or lane by 7 a.m. on collection day (collection runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and return it to storage by the end of that day. Where construction, filming or snow may affect road access, set it out by 6:30 a.m.
2. Place the cart with its wheels against the curb and lid arrows toward the street, at least 1 m clear on all sides and 3 m clear above.
3. Do not overfill: the lid must close.
4. For extra garbage, buy $5 Tag-a-Bag tags. Each bag may be no more than 60 L and 23 kg (the City says under 50 lbs), and goes on top of the cart or 1 m away.

## Good to know

- Cart sizes are 120 L (small) or 240 L (large). To change size, use the Collection Cart Request Form or call Public Works at 604-526-4691. Upsizing garbage from 120 L to 240 L costs an $80 admin fee; recycling and greens changes cost nothing.
- Annual charge: $515.85 (120 L) or $796.99 (240 L), net $490.06 or $757.14 with the 5% on-time discount. Glass adds $19.22. Owners 65 or older living alone can get 25% off. The City's utility page shows a different discount deadline (May 4, 2026) than the bylaw (within 60 days of billing), so check your bill.
- A missed collection caused by late set-out, the wrong cart or poor placement can be recovered for $55.
- Special pick-ups for large items start at $55 for one item.

## Official forms and pages

- [Garbage Collection](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/garbage-collection)
- [Garbage and Recycling (cart placement)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/garbage_recycling)
- [Frequently Asked Questions (missed collection)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/frequently-asked-questions)
- [Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw 7634, 2014 (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/SolidWaste_7634(1%29.pdf)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/garbage-collection.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/garbage-collection.md)
- [Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/garbage-collection.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/garbage-collection.md)
- [Belcarra](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/garbage-collection.md)
- [Surrey](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/garbage-collection.md)

## Sources

- [Garbage Collection, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/garbage-collection) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Recycling, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/recycling) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Yard Trimmings and Food Scraps Collection, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/food-scraps-and-yard-trimmings-collection) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Garbage and Recycling, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/garbage_recycling) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Garbage and Recycling Frequently Asked Questions, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling/frequently-asked-questions) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Collection Cart Size Change Request, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/collection-cart-size-change-request) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Utility Rates, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/propertytaxes-utilities/sb_expander_articles/1271.php) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw 7634, 2014 (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/SolidWaste_7634(1%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 4.0 (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of New Westminster. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/garbage-collection/_