Royston Automated Curbside Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reasons for making the switch is to ensure that waste is collected in a timely and efficient manner, and to improve the safety of workers.

The first day of pick up with the new carts will be shared soon.  It will be summer, 2027.

Please DO NOT use the new carts before you receive the official start date. They will not be collected until the official start date.

Yes. The frequency of garbage collection will be changing. When the automated collection begins, garbage will be collected every two weeks, alternating with recycling collection. Organics will be collected weekly. 

2027 calendars will be available at the end of November 2026. They will be mailed to each household, available for download and at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, Comox Valley Regional District main office, and the Royston Christmas Craft Fair and Bake Sale.
 

We do not have a delivery date yet. Once know, residents will be informed via mail.

Each residence with a utility bill will receive three carts.

• New Organics: Co-Mingled Food & Yard Waste – Green Lid |360 L
• Recycling – Blue Lid | 360L
• Garbage – Black Lid | 120 L

*There is an additional annual fee for upsizing to a 240L garbage cart. Cost for upsizing will be shared soon. We apologize for the delay in sharing the cost.

If the default cart sizes do not meet or if they exceed your household needs, residents may choose from a pre-selected list of alternate sizes using the cart exchange program. 

• New Organics: Co-Mingled Food & Yard Waste – Green Lid |360 L
• Recycling – Blue Lid | 360L
• Garbage – Black Lid | 120 L

*There is an additional annual fee for upsizing to a 240L garbage cart. Costs will be shared soon. We apologize for the delay in sharing the costs.

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The number one priority for waste management in the region is to divert as much away from the landfill as possible. Much of what goes in the garbage can be recycled or composted. Recycling has a larger standard sizes to accommodate bulky recyclables and the compost cart is larger to accommodate not only food waste, but yard waste as well. 

The organics cart is equipped with a gravity lock to help reduce access by wildlife. The garbage and recycling carts have heavy duty plastic lids which do not lock. 

Wildlife is primarily attracted to organic matter – things they can eat. All food waste should be placed in your organics cart. Rinse food containers thoroughly before placing them in the recycle cart to avoid wildlife interactions.

What are gravity locks? Gravity locks disengage when the truck tips it upside down during collection. The lock can also be manually disengaged using the handle on the top of the lid. They are required to be kept engaged at all times to limit wildlife access.
 

If your cart is damaged because of a manufacturing defect or during collection, it will repaired or replaced it at no cost to you. Please contact the CVRD by email cswm@comoxvalleyrd.ca or by phone at 250-334-6016.

If the cart is stolen, we will try to attempt to locate it. If it cannot be recovered a fee may apply. If damaged by other means, it is the responsibility of the household to pay for a replacement cart.

All carts are equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag and a unique serial number linked to the assigned property and will stay with the property, even if you move. All collection trucks are equipped with a RFID reader and an onboard computer to ensure that residents are using their assigned carts, and will also be used to report on contamination if materials are placed in incorrect carts or if prohibited materials are being disposed of.

Yes. Cart exchange is possible between November 2, 2026 and January 15, 2027. However, before electing to increase or decrease a cart, please come and see the carts  in-person to determine if they will meet your household needs. 

The default cart sizes that were selected are the standard for residential collection, maximizing diversion potential which decreases the amount of garbage which is produced.

*There is an additional annual fee for upsizing to a 240L garbage cart. Costs will be shared soon. We apologize for the delay in sharing costs.

When: Coming Soon
Where: Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, near the Recycling Depot | 3699 Bevan Rd, Cumberland
Hours: 8:30 am – 5: 30 pm | 7 days/week | closed on stat holidays

When: on November 29, 2026
Where: Royston Christmas Craft Fair and Bake Sale | Royston Community Hall, 3902 Old Island Highway, Courtenay.
Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
 

If you are happy with the default selections, no action is required. 

If you would like to select a different cart size, there is a simple and easy process that can be completed online between November 2, 2026 and January 15, 2027, using the Waste Wizard under the Cart Selection tab, or the mobile Waste Wise app. There is support available for anyone who needs assistance. If you are having trouble selecting a different cart size please email roystoncubside@comoxvalleyrd.ca or call 250-334-6016 for assistance.

Cart Exchange

If you have selected a different cart size using the Waste Wizard on the website or via the Waste Wise mobile app, our staff will reach out to confirm your selection. If you have not received confirmation from CVRD staff please contact us using the information above.
 

November 2, 2026 – January 15, 2027. A reminder post-card will be sent to all residences. 

You do not need to select your cart size if you are happy with the default cart selection.

Cart Exchange

Changing cart size after January 15, 2027, will be subject to an administrative fee of $75 and the cost of the new cart. Please contact cswm@comoxvalleyrd.ca or call 250-334-6016 for more information.

Purchasing new carts and delivering them comes at a cost. To allow flexibility, the first cart exchange, between November 2, 2026 and January 15, 2027 is free (with the exception of 240L garbage cart), giving households an opportunity to see the carts in-person and make the right choice. After that, a fee applies to help cover the cost of collecting the old cart, ordering delivering, and processing replacement carts.  

If you move to a residence and the carts at the new home do not meet your needs, please email cswm@comoxvalleyrd.ca or call 250-334-6016.

If you have purchased a newly built home please contact us by email cswm@comoxvalleyrd.ca or call 250-334-6016.

Proper spacing is one of the most important steps for successful automated collection.

Leave at least one metre of space between carts and nearby objects, such as vehicles, mailboxes, fences, and three metres of space above the cart and overhead obstacles like utility poles, and basketball hoops. This gives the collection truck enough room to safely lift and empty your carts.  

Carts that are too close together or blocked by obstacles may be difficult to service and could result in a missed collection. 
 

Place your cart so that the lid opens towards the street and the wheels face your house.

It may not be collected. If your cart is overfilled and the lid cannot close completely, please anticipate that it will not be emptied. All materials must fit inside your cart with the lid fully closed and gravity lock on the organics cart must be engaged. 
 

We recommend putting out your carts even if they are not full. This will help prevent wildlife interactions and reduce the potential for odours. 

Recycling: No. Please do not bag recycling. All material must be placed loose in your cart.

Organics: No. Please do not use compostable and biodegradable plastic bags. They are not accepted. Acceptable liners for your kitchen bin include shredded paper, paper bags, and newspaper. Liners are not required.

TIP: Use grass clippings, moss, leaves, or other small yard trimmings at the bottom of your organics bin to reduce food build up and odours. 

For more information about by we do not accept compostable and biodegradable plastic bags please visit Food & Yard Waste Collection Program to learn about our composting program and process. 

Garbage: Optional. Garbage can be placed loose within your cart, however residents can  choose to use a bag if they choose.   

Carts should be stored in a secure location on your property. The carts are designed to withstand most weather conditions, however, if possible, please store them in a shed, garage or other secure enclosure. If a wildlife resistant enclosure is not available, store them in a cool, shaded well ventilated area. Please ensure that the lock on the organics bin in engaged when not in use and that recycling is well rinsed.

Yes. Regular cleaning will help keep your carts in good condition, reduce wildlife interactions and help reduce build-up and odours. Wash your carts periodically with mild soap or a vinegar-water solution. Pour soapy water onto grass or gravel. Please do not pour soapy water down outside drains.

Once the new cart program begins, your current garbage, recycling, and organics bins will no longer be needed for curbside collection. If you do not have another use for them, you can drop them off free of charge at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre Recycling Depot. An attendant will direct you where to leave them. 

Bonus! Bins which are dropped off are also FREE to take by residents who can use them.

If you have more material than fits into the cart you will either have to wait until the next collection date or go to the landfill or recycling depot.