---
title: "Qualicum Beach garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits"
question: "When is garbage collected in Qualicum Beach, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?"
place: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/qualicum-beach
category: Garbage, recycling and waste
owner: regional
owner_body: Regional District of Nanaimo
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/garbage-collection/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/garbage-collection.json"
---

# Qualicum Beach garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits

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

**Short answer:** In Qualicum Beach, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) runs curbside collection. Garbage and recycling are collected every two weeks on an alternating cycle, and the food waste cart every week. Put carts out between 5 and 8 a.m. on collection day. Look up your day by address.

**Who handles it:** Regional district (Regional District of Nanaimo, https://www.rdn.bc.ca)  
**Cost:** Annual utility fee set by garbage cart size, from RDN Bylaw 1802 Schedule A (May 2022 consolidation, rates may have changed): $170 for an 80 L cart, $180 for 100 L, $260 for 240 L (with a 100 L organics cart). $15 less if paid by the due date. Changing cart size costs a $75 administration fee. A 240 L organics cart costs $50 a year more, or $70 as an additional cart.  
**How long:** Garbage and recycling every two weeks on an alternating cycle; food waste every week. Collection days move ahead for statutory holidays.  
**Where:**
- Online: Collection calendar (Town curbside page), https://qualicumbeach.com/curbside-collection
- Phone: Waste Connections of Canada (printed schedule, missed collection), 250-248-8109
- In person: Town Hall (printed schedule), #201 - 660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7

## Key facts

- **How often:** Curbside collection is run by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) with its contractor Waste Connections of Canada. Garbage and recycling are collected every two weeks on an alternating cycle; the food waste (organics) cart is collected every week. Collection days move ahead for statutory holidays.
  - Source: [Curbside Collection, Find Your Garbage Schedule](https://qualicumbeach.com/curbside-collection)
  - Official wording: "Curbside pick-up for garbage, recycling and food waste is provided through the Regional District of Nanaimo’s contract with Waste Connections of Canada." … "Your Recycling Cart and Garbage Carts are collected every two weeks, on an alternating cycle." … "Your Food Waste Cart is collected every week."
  - Source: [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo, Collection Schedule](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview)
  - Official wording: "Recycling and garbage are collected every two weeks on an alternating cycle."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Finding your day:** Enter your address in the calendar tool on the Town's curbside page or the RDN's page to see or print your schedule, or get email or phone reminders. The free 'RDN Curbside' app also works. A printed schedule can be mailed: call Waste Connections at 250.248.8109 or visit Town Hall.
  - Source: [Curbside Collection, Find Your Garbage Schedule](https://qualicumbeach.com/curbside-collection)
  - Official wording: "To view and print your schedule please enter your address below." … "To obtain a schedule by mail, please call Waste Connections of Canada at 250.248.8109"
  - Source: [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo, Reminders and Alerts](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview)
  - Official wording: "Download the free "RDN Curbside" app through the App Store"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Carts:** Three carts: garbage (black lid), recycling (blue lid), organics (green lid). A single-family home's default is 100 L garbage, 240 L recycling, 100 L organics; other sizes can be requested on the RDN Curbside Collection Online Portal ($75 administration fee per exchange). A 240 L organics cart costs $50 a year more ($70 as an additional cart).
  - Source: [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo, Cart Types](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview)
  - Official wording: "Recycling cart (blue lid)" … "Garbage Cart (black lid)" … "You can select the size of carts that best suit your household's needs." … "(cost is an additional $50/yr, which is added to your annual utility bill)" … "there is a $75 administration fee for the exchange."
  - Source: [Curbside Collection, Exchanges, Damaged & Missing Carts](https://qualicumbeach.com/curbside-collection)
  - Official wording: "Request a cart exchange, or report damaged or missing carts on the RDN Curbside Collection Online Portal."
  - Source: [RDN Bylaw No. 1802 (consolidated to .01), Bylaw 1802 s.17(a)](https://www.rdn.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/1802%20%28consolidated%20to%20.01%29_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "each single family dwelling unit One 100L One 240L One 100L"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Setting carts out:** Put carts out between 5 and 8 a.m. on collection day (not the night before) and bring them in by 10 p.m. Space carts 1 m apart with the lid arrows pointing at the street, lids closed, as close to the road as possible without blocking traffic, sidewalks or bike lanes, with 3 m of clearance above. Collection runs 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; leave carts out until 6 p.m. before reporting a missed pickup.
  - Source: [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo, Guidelines; How to use your carts](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview)
  - Official wording: "Roll your carts out between 5-8 am on your scheduled collection day." … "Bring carts back in no later than 10 p.m." … "Make sure the arrows on the cart lid are pointing toward the street."
  - Source: [Curbside Collection, Missed Collection](https://qualicumbeach.com/curbside-collection)
  - Official wording: "The RDN’s collection day window is from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Limits and extra garbage:** Each cart must not exceed the weight limit or capacity marked on it (the bylaw gives no figure). Not accepted in any cart: items over two feet in any dimension, highly flammable or hazardous waste, liquids such as cooking oil, batteries, paint, pesticides, electronics, and construction or renovation waste. No extra-bag or tag system found.
  - Source: [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo, What Goes Where](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview)
  - Official wording: "Oversize items exceeding two feet in any dimension" … "Construction or renovation waste"
  - Source: [RDN Bylaw No. 1802 (consolidated to .01), Bylaw 1802 s.24(a)](https://www.rdn.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/1802%20%28consolidated%20to%20.01%29_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "not to exceed the weight limit or capacity specified on the Collection Cart and under this Bylaw;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** The annual utility fee depends on garbage cart size. RDN Bylaw 1802 Schedule A (May 2022 consolidation): $170 for an 80 L garbage cart, $180 for 100 L, $260 for 240 L (with a 100 L organics cart); $15 less if paid by the due date. Rates may have changed.
  - Source: [RDN Bylaw No. 1802 (consolidated to .01), Sched. A, single family dwelling unit](https://www.rdn.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/1802%20%28consolidated%20to%20.01%29_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "100L 80L $170 $155" … "240L 100L 100L $180 $165" … "360L 240L $260 $245" … "a flat $15 discount will apply"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Regional District of Nanaimo Residential Curbside Collection of Garbage, Food Waste and Recyclables Regulation and Charges Bylaw No. 1802, 2020. The Town's ticket bylaw also lists a Town Bylaw No. 654, 2010, which is not posted.
  - Source: [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo, Starting or discontinuing](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview)
  - Official wording: "per RDN Bylaw 1802."
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, consolidated to 626.07, Sched. 17](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Garbage, Food Waste and Recycling" … "Bylaw No. 654, 2010"
  - Source: [RDN Bylaw No. 1802 (consolidated to .01), Bylaw 1802 s.1](https://www.rdn.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/1802%20%28consolidated%20to%20.01%29_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Residential Curbside Collection of Garbage, Food Waste and Recyclables Regulation and Charges Bylaw No. 1802, 2020"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) runs curbside collection in Qualicum Beach through its contractor Waste Connections of Canada, under [RDN Bylaw No. 1802](<https://www.rdn.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/1802%20%28consolidated%20to%20.01%29_0.pdf>). Garbage and recycling are collected every two weeks on an alternating cycle. The food waste (organics) cart is collected every week. Collection days move ahead for statutory holidays. It is for single-family homes only; the RDN does not serve apartments, condos or commercial properties.

## Steps

1. Enter your address in the calendar tool on the Town's curbside page or the RDN's page to see or print your schedule, or get email or phone reminders. The free RDN Curbside app also works.
2. Put carts out between 5 and 8 a.m. on collection day, not the night before, and bring them in by 10 p.m.
3. Space carts 1 m apart with the lid arrows pointing at the street, lids closed, as close to the road as possible without blocking traffic, sidewalks or bike lanes, with 3 m of clearance above.
4. Leave carts out until 6 p.m. before reporting a missed pickup (collection runs 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Call Waste Connections at 250-248-8109.

## Carts and limits

- Three carts: garbage (black lid), recycling (blue lid), organics (green lid).
- A single-family home's default is 100 L garbage, 240 L recycling and 100 L organics. Other sizes can be requested on the RDN Curbside Collection Online Portal ($75 administration fee per exchange).
- Carts must not exceed the weight limit or capacity marked on them. No extra-bag or tag system was found.
- Not accepted in any cart: items over two feet in any dimension, highly flammable or hazardous waste, liquids such as cooking oil, batteries, paint, pesticides, electronics, and construction or renovation waste.

## Cost

The annual utility fee depends on garbage cart size. In the RDN Bylaw 1802 Schedule A (May 2022 consolidation): $170 for an 80 L cart, $180 for 100 L, and $260 for 240 L (with a 100 L organics cart). It is $15 less if paid by the due date. A 240 L organics cart costs $50 a year more ($70 as an additional cart). These rates may have changed, so confirm with the RDN.

## Good to know

- The RDN page also says carts should be in place by 8 a.m. The Town's page says 5 to 8 a.m.

## Official forms and pages

- [Curbside Collection, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/curbside-collection)
- [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview)
- [RDN Bylaw No. 1802 (consolidated to .01) (PDF)](https://www.rdn.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/1802%20%28consolidated%20to%20.01%29_0.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Qualicum Beach yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/yard-waste.md)
- [Qualicum Beach bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Qualicum Beach backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-fire.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection.md)
- [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/garbage-collection.md)
- [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/garbage-collection.md)
- [Port Alberni](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/garbage-collection.md)
- [Nanaimo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/garbage-collection.md)
- [Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/garbage-collection.md)
- [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/garbage-collection.md)

## Sources

- [Curbside Collection, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/curbside-collection) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Curbside Collection Program Overview, Regional District of Nanaimo](https://www.rdn.ca/water-waste-environment/waste-recycling/curbside-collection-program-overview) (read 2026-11-06)
- [RDN Bylaw No. 1802 (consolidated to .01) (PDF)](https://www.rdn.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/1802%20%28consolidated%20to%20.01%29_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, consolidated to 626.07 (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)

_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 Regional District of Nanaimo. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/garbage-collection/_