Banned and Prohibited Materials


There are certain materials that Metro Vancouver disposal facilities do not accept, either because there are already disposal programs set up for these items, or because they are hazardous to waste collection workers, the public and the environment.

At disposal sites, garbage loads are inspected for banned and prohibited materials. Loads that arrive at the disposal sites containing prohibited materials are assessed a $69 minimum surcharge, plus the cost of removal, clean-up or remediation. Loads containing banned materials are assessed a 50% tipping fee surcharge.

Following are examples of materials that are banned or prohibited from the landfill. For a complete list visit Banned and Prohibited Materials. For drop-off locations visit Recycling and Disposal Options or call 604-732-9253.

  • Asbestos
  • Automotive bodies and parts
  • Batteries
  • Barrels or drums in excess of 205 litres
  • Creosote-treated wood
  • Clean or treated wood exceeding 2.5 metres in length
  • Electronics and electrical products
  • Fluorescent lights
  • Food scraps
  • Gypsum
  • Hazardous waste
  • Inert fill materials including soil, sod, gravel, concrete and asphalt in quantities exceeding 0.5 cubic metres
  • Lead acid batteries
  • Liquids and sludges
  • Mattresses
  • Metal household or commercial appliances
  • Motor oil and antifreeze -including empty containers and filters
  • Paint products, solvents and flammable liquids
  • Pesticide products
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Propane tanks
  • Smoke Alarms
  • Thermostats
  • Tires
  • White expanded polystyrene packaging (block Styrofoam)

Examples of banned materials that can be recycled through the City's curbside recycling programs ( Blue Box/Cart or Green Can/Cart ):

  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Recyclable paper
  • Containers made of glass, metal or banned recyclable plastic code 1, 2, 4, 5
  • Beverage containers
  • Food scraps

Examples of banned/prohibited materials that can be recycled at the City's Recycling Depot:

  • Batteries
  • Electronics
  • Fluorescent lights
  • Lead acid batteries
  • Paints, solvents and flammable liquids
  • Metal household appliances
  • Motor oil and antifreeze - including empty containers and filters
  • Pesticides
  • Propane tanks
  • Smoke alarms
  • Thermostats
  • Tires
  • White expanded polystyrene packaging (block Styrofoam)

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