Neighbourhoods can become very unsightly and dangerous for pedestrians and motorists with discarded items often placed on the street well in advance of the service.

When discussing this program with other municipalities, they have advised that some residents abuse the program. Many unacceptable materials, such as large piles of demolition and renovation waste, or products such as car batteries and pesticides, are set out and remain behind after the event for cleanup by the City.

This level of service is quite expensive. According to the Delta Optimist newspaper, in 2004 the Corporation of Delta spent $80,000 to provide a “Spring Clean-up Week”; the City of Surrey more than $200,000.

The City provides a standard level of solid waste collection service for all single family homes and supports a user pay approach for any service (i.e. disposal of large bulky items) above this standard, which is in fairness to homeowners that don't require a higher level of service.

There are several alternatives that residents may consider for their old household goods/furniture such as listing them on a websites such as Craigs List http://vancouver.craigslist.org/.