For the sixth year, the City of Port Coquitlam will provide additional curbside recycling pickup over the holidays to help residents manage increased seasonal recycling.
City recycling trucks will service all five collection zones on December 26 and 27, days that would otherwise be non-collection days due to statutory holidays. Recycling is collected biweekly in Port Coquitlam, which can result in full blue carts during the holiday period depending on regular pickup schedules.
Extra Holiday Recycling Pickup Schedule
- Dec. 26: Zones 3, 4 and part of Zone 5 (Langan Street and streets to the north).
- Dec. 27: Zones 1, 2 and the remainder of Zone 5 (south of Langan Street).
For an updated schedule, reminders and other tools, residents receiving City waste services are encouraged to download the free PoCo Sort & Report app at portcoquitlam.ca/sortreport. Collection details are also available on the Collection Schedule & Zone Map at portcoquitlam.ca/waste.
Residents who regularly require additional recycling capacity may upgrade from a 240 litre cart to a 360 litre cart for $10 per year, or obtain an additional 240-litre or 360-litre cart for an annual fee of $20 or $30 respectively. Contact 604.927.5496 or email [email protected] for more information.
More Holiday Recycling Options
Additional holiday recycling options include local depots, the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre, and the annual tree chipping event hosted by Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services on January 3 and 4, 2026.
Depot locations can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/recycling, and tree chipping and disposal options are listed at portcoquitlam.ca/treechip.
Tips for a Greener Holiday Season
- Give the gift of experience and time.
- Plan your food shopping wisely by buying only what is needed and reduce packaging.
- Choose cloth napkins and containers, and place food scraps in the green cart.
- Recycle old or broken Christmas lights at approved locations listed at portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
Are You a WishCycler?
The extra holiday pickup program supports the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce contamination in blue recycling carts. Residents are reminded not to wishcycle, which means placing items into recycling when unsure if they are accepted.
Wishcycling increases landfill waste and contributes to contamination penalties from Recycle BC that are ultimately passed on to taxpayers.
Commonly Misplaced Items in Blue Carts
- Soft and flexible plastics, and overwrap
- Styrofoam
- Hard plastics such as Tupperware, plastic toys, tarps and laundry hampers
- Clothing and shoes
- Hard and soft-cover books
- Bags garbage
- Scrap metal such as pots, pans, chains and hardware
- Electronics, including light strings
Recyclables must be clean and dry. Food residue or liquids contaminate otherwise clean materials, resulting in entire loads being sent to landfill.
Sort It Right! Tools and Resources
- Sort & Report app: Personalized schedules, sorting search and service reporting - portcoquitlam.ca/sortreport.
- Online sorting tool: portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
- Waste Sorting & Services guide: Available at City facilities or online
- Community Calendar and Waste Collection Schedule: Available at City facilities or online
- Ambassador outreach program: Virtual presentations and resources: portcoquitlam.ca/ambassadors.
- In-person support: Public Works, 1737 Broadway St. or call 604.927.5496.
For more information on waste and recycling services, visit portcoquitlam.ca/waste.
