PORT COQUITLAM, BC – April 19, 2021… As of today, Port Coquitlam households receiving City waste services can start booking free pick-up of appliances, furniture and other large items.

Kicking off during Earth Week, the pilot Large Item Pick-up program will provide free curbside pick-up of six large items per year – including mattresses, furniture, appliances, tires, exercise equipment and more – to single-family homes and multi-family units that pay a garbage levy on their property tax bills. 

The service will be operated by CleanStart BC, which will bring its extensive waste removal experience and focus on sustainability, inclusivity and community service to the one-year pilot project.

“This new program will make it easier and more convenient for our residents to dispose of their unwanted items by giving them flexibility to choose the day of pick up that fits with their schedule,” said Mayor Brad West. “We’re always looking for ways to improve our services for Port Coquitlam and this is a great addition to the variety of waste services the City already offers. We expect it to be very popular especially in time for spring cleaning.”

The program is the latest improvement to the City’s waste services, following last year’s launch of year-round weekly green cart pickup and extra holiday recycling. 

Qualifying households can schedule pick-ups up to twice per calendar year, for up to three items each time. Full details about the booking procedure, accepted items and requirements are posted on the City’s website at portcoquitlam.ca/largeitem. 

CleanStart BC will manage the entire process, including coordinating the booking, retrieval and responsible disposal, with many items being donated. Port Coquitlam households can start making appointments today by phone to 1-855-297-8278, by email to info@cleanstartbc.ca or through the online booking form at portcoquitlam.ca/largeitem.

“We’re happy to introduce this new service and want to make sure everyone has a great experience trying it out,” said Cllr. Darrell Penner, Council’s designate for public works matters. “Before booking, we strongly encourage residents to closely review the requirements online, because items that don’t meet the criteria will not be picked up.”

Bookings will be confirmed within a day. A minimum seven-day booking turnaround is anticipated for the first two months to address the demand, reducing over time as volume levels out. Residents may also request a free estimate for additional item pick-up if they have types or numbers of items than the program permits. 

As much as possible, CleanStart BC donates usable discarded materials to people in need through its longstanding relationships with social housing providers and non-profits, along with thrift shops, charities and others. Its in-house tracking system will provide data to the City about landfill diversion and donations of significant volume.

The company provides jobs and training to people from marginalized populations and prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is also a Community Contribution Company, which means it is legally mandated to provide 60 per cent of company asset distribution to community good every year. 

The City will monitor the pilot program throughout its first year, during which participants may submit feedback through the City’s program webpage. After the pilot is completed next spring, the City will review the feedback and consider whether to continue, change or expand the program.

For more information, visit portcoquitlam.ca/largeitem.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca