Saanich garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits

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

Saanich, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 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, 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, 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.