---
title: "Saanich garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits"
question: "When is garbage collected in Saanich, and what are the rules for carts, limits, and extra bags?"
place: Saanich, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/saanich
category: Garbage, recycling and waste
owner: shared
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/garbage-collection/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/garbage-collection.json"
---

# Saanich garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits

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

**Short answer:** Saanich collects garbage and organics (green cart) every two weeks, on the same day. Blue Box recycling is run by the CRD, not Saanich. Find your day in the online collection calendar. Extra garbage bags need a $3 Saanich sticker, up to two per collection. The 2026 solid waste fee is $194.13 plus cart fees.

**Who handles it:** More than one level of government  
**Cost:** 2026: Solid Waste Services fee $194.13 per dwelling per year, plus cart fees. Garbage: 120 L $41.16, 180 L $61.74. Organics: 80 L $35.25, 120 L $49.35, 240 L $98.70, 360 L $129.75. Extra bag sticker $3. Cart size change $30; lost or damaged cart $50 to replace. Billed in three instalments on the utility bill.  
**How long:** Garbage and organics every two weeks. Carts at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day.  
**Where:**
- Online: Collection Schedules (calendar), https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/collection-schedules.html
- Online: Cart exchange requests, utilitybilling@saanich.ca
- Phone: Saanich Public Works (cart assistance program), 250-475-5599
- Online: Cart assistance program email, greenergarbage@saanich.ca

## Key facts

- **How often:** Garbage and organics (green cart) are collected every two weeks, on the same day, by separate trucks. Blue Box recycling is not run by Saanich; it is the CRD Blue Box Program (collection by GFL Environmental).
  - Source: [Greener Garbage Collection Guidelines, General Program Information](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/greener-garbage-collection-guidelines.html)
  - Official wording: "Separate trucks collect organics and garbage waste on the same day every two weeks."
  - Source: [Missed Collection, Missed Collection page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/missed-collection.html)
  - Official wording: "Saanich does not provide Blue Box collection" … "For missed Blue Box collection or inquiries please contact GFL Environmental"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Finding your day:** Enter your address in the online collection calendar on the Collection Schedules page, or use the Saanich GreenerGarbage app for your schedule and reminders. Reminders can also come by email, text or voicemail.
  - Source: [Collection Schedules, Collection Schedules page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/collection-schedules.html)
  - Official wording: "Enter your address below for your garbage & organics collection dates" … "Download the Greener Garbage App (App Store or Google Play) and set up your notification preferences."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Carts:** Garbage carts: 120 L or 180 L. Organics (green) carts: 80, 120, 240 or 360 L. Change or add with the Cart Exchange Form (mail, utilitybilling@saanich.ca, fax): $30 per size change, free for new owners or tenants within three months, no fee to add a cart. Lost or damaged cart: $50 to replace.
  - Source: [Cart Exchanges, Adding or Changing a Cart page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/your-utility-bill/managing-your-account/cart-exchanges.html)
  - Official wording: "Complete and submit a Cart Exchange Form to add, remove or exchange cart sizes." … "We apply a $30 service fee for cart exchanges." … "New owners or tenants can exchange cart sizes for free within three months." … "There is no service fee for ordering additional carts." … "utilitybilling@saanich.ca"
  - Source: [Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaw, 2013, No. 9233, Schedule A](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/garbage-collection-and-disposal-bylaw-2013-no-9233.pdf)
  - Official wording: "120-litre regulation garbage container" … "180-litre regulation garbage container" … "80-litre regulation organics recycling container" … "360-litre regulation organics recycling container" … "Repair or Replace Lost or Damaged Regulation Container" … "$50.00 per container"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Setting carts out:** Put carts at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day, as close to the curb as possible with the front facing the road, at least 1 m clear on all sides and 3 m clear above, without blocking sidewalks, bike lanes or the road. Carts must be accessible to the collector between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
  - Source: [Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaw, 2013, No. 9233, ss. 5.1, 6.1](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/garbage-collection-and-disposal-bylaw-2013-no-9233.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Shall, on their designated collection day place the regulation container(s)" … "in front of the premises, by 7:00 am, as close to the curb as possible" … "at least one metre horizontally on all sides including the back, and three" … "must be accessible to the Collector between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm"
  - Source: [Greener Garbage Collection Guidelines, General Program Information](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/greener-garbage-collection-guidelines.html)
  - Official wording: "Make sure you get your carts to the curb by 7 a.m."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Limits and extra garbage:** Everything must fit inside the cart with the lid fully closed. Extra garbage: up to two extra bags per collection with Saanich stickers ($3 each), each bag no heavier than 25 kg, placed with the cart. Stickers are not for extra organics; sold at Municipal Hall and recreation centres.
  - Source: [Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaw, 2013, No. 9233, ss. 4.1, 7.1; Schedule A](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/garbage-collection-and-disposal-bylaw-2013-no-9233.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No regulation container shall be filled to a point where the lid cannot be fully" … "Each extra bag of garbage" … "shall not exceed 25kg" … "Extra Garbage Tickets** $3.00 each"
  - Source: [Greener Garbage Collection Guidelines, Additional Services](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/greener-garbage-collection-guidelines.html)
  - Official wording: "We'll collect up to 2 extra bags of garbage on your scheduled collection day that have Saanich-issued stickers on them." … "Stickers currently cost $3 per bag. You can buy them at Saanich Municipal Hall or any of the Saanich recreation centres."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** 2026: a Solid Waste Services fee of $194.13 per dwelling per year, plus annual cart fees. Garbage: 120 L $41.16, 180 L $61.74. Organics: 80 L $35.25, 120 L $49.35, 240 L $98.70, 360 L $129.75. Billed in three instalments on the utility bill.
  - Source: [Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaw, 2013, No. 9233, Schedule A, s. 3.4(a)](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/garbage-collection-and-disposal-bylaw-2013-no-9233.pdf)
  - Official wording: "SOLID WASTE SERVICES FEE SCHEDULE (EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026)" … "$194.13 per dwelling unit or non-" … "$41.16 per year per container" … "$61.74 per year per container" … "$129.75 per year per container" … "in three equal instalments"
  - Source: [Cart Selection, Cart Selection page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/cart-information/cart-selection.html)
  - Official wording: "Households will be charged a solid waste services base fee of $194.13 and an annual cart fee"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaw, 2013, No. 9233
  - Source: [Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaw, 2013, No. 9233, title](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/garbage-collection-and-disposal-bylaw-2013-no-9233.pdf)
  - Official wording: "GARBAGE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL BYLAW, 2013, NO. 9233"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Garbage and organics (the green cart) are collected every two weeks, on the same day, by separate trucks. Blue Box recycling is not run by Saanich; it is the CRD Blue Box Program, collected by GFL Environmental. Saanich collects on statutory holidays except those in December and January.

Under the [Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaw, 2013, No. 9233](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/garbage-collection-and-disposal-bylaw-2013-no-9233.pdf), everything must fit inside the cart with the lid fully closed. Garbage carts are 120 L or 180 L; organics carts are 80, 120, 240 or 360 L. Saanich owns the carts; leave them when you move. For extra garbage, up to two extra bags per collection are allowed with Saanich stickers ($3 each), each bag no heavier than 25 kg, placed with the cart. Stickers are not for extra organics and are sold at Municipal Hall and recreation centres.

**Set-out.** Put carts at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day, as close to the curb as possible with the front facing the road, at least 1 m clear on all sides and 3 m clear above, without blocking sidewalks, bike lanes or the road. Carts must be accessible to the collector between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. No time is given for bringing carts back in.

## Steps

1. Enter your address in the online calendar on the [Collection Schedules page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/collection-schedules.html), or use the Saanich GreenerGarbage app for reminders by email, text or voicemail.
2. To change a cart size, send the Cart Exchange Form by mail, to utilitybilling@saanich.ca, or by fax. It is $30 per size change, free for new owners or tenants within three months, and there is no fee to add a cart.
3. If you cannot move your cart, apply for the assistance program: greenergarbage@saanich.ca or 250-475-5599.

## Good to know

- 2026 fees: Solid Waste Services $194.13 per dwelling per year, plus cart fees (garbage 120 L $41.16, 180 L $61.74; organics 80 L $35.25, 120 L $49.35, 240 L $98.70, 360 L $129.75). Billed in three instalments on the utility bill. A 5% penalty is added to balances unpaid 45 days after billing.
- Lost or damaged carts beyond warranty cost $50 per container to repair or replace.
- Opting out of collection needs the Director of Engineering's permission, and the base fee is still charged. Properties with five or more units may arrange private collection.

## Official forms and pages

- [Collection Schedules, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/collection-schedules.html)
- [Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaw, 2013, No. 9233 (PDF)](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/garbage-collection-and-disposal-bylaw-2013-no-9233.pdf)
- [Cart Selection, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/cart-information/cart-selection.html)
- [Cart Exchanges, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/your-utility-bill/managing-your-account/cart-exchanges.html)
- [Greener Garbage Collection Guidelines, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/greener-garbage-collection-guidelines.html)
- [Missed Collection, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/missed-collection.html)

## Related questions

- [Saanich yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/yard-waste.md)
- [Saanich bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/bylaw-fines.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Garbage collection in British Columbia: frequency, limits and fees by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/garbage-collection.md)
- [Oak Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/oak-bay/garbage-collection.md)
- [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/garbage-collection.md)
- [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/garbage-collection.md)
- [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/garbage-collection.md)
- [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/garbage-collection.md)
- [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/garbage-collection.md)

## Sources

- [Collection Schedules, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/collection-schedules.html) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Garbage Collection and Disposal Bylaw, 2013, No. 9233 (PDF)](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/garbage-collection-and-disposal-bylaw-2013-no-9233.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Cart Selection, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/cart-information/cart-selection.html) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Cart Exchanges, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/your-utility-bill/managing-your-account/cart-exchanges.html) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Greener Garbage Collection Guidelines, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/greener-garbage-collection-guidelines.html) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Missed Collection, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/utilities-garbage/garbage-organics-recycling/missed-collection.html) (read 2026-11-06)

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