New Composting Requirements

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Consultation has concluded

Residents in townhouses, condos, apartments and other multi-family residences, as well as businesses and institutions will need to begin collecting food waste separately from garbage and recyclables effective April 1, 2020. These new requirements align with the Fraser Valley Regional Districts (FVRD) project to implement sorting requirements across the region for all sectors.

If you have any questions about how these new requirements will impact you, please ask us a question! We will share ideas, resources and information here and we encourage you to share your ideas on implementing these changes.

Please Note: The FVRD’s Source Separation Bylaw and the City’s Solid Waste Collection Bylaw come into effect on April 1, 2020. However, due to the disruption and concerns the Covid-19 virus (coronavirus) is already causing to businesses and to residents, the City will be postponing the promotion and enforcement of the new waste sorting requirements. Instead, the City will be focusing efforts on education and gaining compliance over time, as opposed to any immediate enforcement considerations. The City will continue to work with residents, stratas, businesses and haulers to continue to support waste diversion efforts across our City. For more information, visit abbotsford.ca/covid19updates.

Residents in townhouses, condos, apartments and other multi-family residences, as well as businesses and institutions will need to begin collecting food waste separately from garbage and recyclables effective April 1, 2020. These new requirements align with the Fraser Valley Regional Districts (FVRD) project to implement sorting requirements across the region for all sectors.

If you have any questions about how these new requirements will impact you, please ask us a question! We will share ideas, resources and information here and we encourage you to share your ideas on implementing these changes.

Please Note: The FVRD’s Source Separation Bylaw and the City’s Solid Waste Collection Bylaw come into effect on April 1, 2020. However, due to the disruption and concerns the Covid-19 virus (coronavirus) is already causing to businesses and to residents, the City will be postponing the promotion and enforcement of the new waste sorting requirements. Instead, the City will be focusing efforts on education and gaining compliance over time, as opposed to any immediate enforcement considerations. The City will continue to work with residents, stratas, businesses and haulers to continue to support waste diversion efforts across our City. For more information, visit abbotsford.ca/covid19updates.

Consultation has concluded

We want to hear from you!

  • Share This new regulation will mean business opportunities for someone, do you feel there will be sufficient companies that will provide this new service in a competitive manner. On a side note, will these composting items be delivered to new site in the Fraser Valley.? on Facebook Share This new regulation will mean business opportunities for someone, do you feel there will be sufficient companies that will provide this new service in a competitive manner. On a side note, will these composting items be delivered to new site in the Fraser Valley.? on Twitter Share This new regulation will mean business opportunities for someone, do you feel there will be sufficient companies that will provide this new service in a competitive manner. On a side note, will these composting items be delivered to new site in the Fraser Valley.? on Linkedin Email This new regulation will mean business opportunities for someone, do you feel there will be sufficient companies that will provide this new service in a competitive manner. On a side note, will these composting items be delivered to new site in the Fraser Valley.? link

    This new regulation will mean business opportunities for someone, do you feel there will be sufficient companies that will provide this new service in a competitive manner. On a side note, will these composting items be delivered to new site in the Fraser Valley.?

    Len Funk asked over 5 years ago

    Thank you for the question!  There are many private waste haulers that service the Abbotsford area and currently offer collection services for all three waste streams (recycling, compostables and garbage).  Howerver, there may be a business opportunity for some haulers to specialize in collection services for locations that generate smaller volumes of compostables (e.g., offices, churces, etc.).  We also encourage neighbouring properties to work together to see if a shared larger bin could be used for multiple properties.  All compostables waste collected at multi-family, industrial, commercial and institutional properties will continue to be collected by a private waste hauler.  Each hauler will continue to decide which authorized composting facility to bring their material to, with locations operating both in the Fraser Valley and elsewhere. 

  • Share Do you have online workshops for us to watch. Waste sorting workshops etc . on Facebook Share Do you have online workshops for us to watch. Waste sorting workshops etc . on Twitter Share Do you have online workshops for us to watch. Waste sorting workshops etc . on Linkedin Email Do you have online workshops for us to watch. Waste sorting workshops etc . link

    Do you have online workshops for us to watch. Waste sorting workshops etc .

    M asked over 5 years ago

    The City is offering a number of in-person waste sorting workshops over the coming months to help residents learn about placing the right material in the right waste stream.  A number of dates and times are currently available that will hopefully work with most schedules.  Each workshop will last approximately 2 hours, allowing for ample time for follow up questions and tips.  If you aren't able to attend one of the in-person workshops, a number of resources are available for viewing online at abbotsford.ca/compostables.  The City is currently working on developing additional informational videos that will be available in the near future.  However, at this time there are no plans to record a full waste sorting workshop for online viewing.   

  • Share Is there any risk for flies & rodents to get at our composting materials? on Facebook Share Is there any risk for flies & rodents to get at our composting materials? on Twitter Share Is there any risk for flies & rodents to get at our composting materials? on Linkedin Email Is there any risk for flies & rodents to get at our composting materials? link

    Is there any risk for flies & rodents to get at our composting materials?

    rhiebert4me asked over 5 years ago

    Hi again, thank you for your great questions!  With any waste, there is the risk of attracting rodents and other pests.  However, it is important to point out that no additional waste will be generated as a result of the new sorting requirements.  The compostable waste is already present in the garbage and will be required to placed in a separate bin or container instead of comingled with garbage.  We recommend working with your waste hauler to optimize bin sizes and collection frequency to minimize attractants.  Additionally, keeping waste collection areas sanitary and litter free will also go a long way in reducing pests and odours.  

  • Share Some of the owners in our condo aren't able, willing or interested in following rules & regulations about anything so how do we expect them to follow thins change in their routine? on Facebook Share Some of the owners in our condo aren't able, willing or interested in following rules & regulations about anything so how do we expect them to follow thins change in their routine? on Twitter Share Some of the owners in our condo aren't able, willing or interested in following rules & regulations about anything so how do we expect them to follow thins change in their routine? on Linkedin Email Some of the owners in our condo aren't able, willing or interested in following rules & regulations about anything so how do we expect them to follow thins change in their routine? link

    Some of the owners in our condo aren't able, willing or interested in following rules & regulations about anything so how do we expect them to follow thins change in their routine?

    rhiebert4me asked over 5 years ago

    Hi, thank you for your question.  Emphasis is being placed on education as the program requirements are implemented.  The City is working on developing additional resources to help residents understand the sorting requirements and to help them figure out what goes where.  We understand that change can sometimes take time to get used to.  Similar concerns were raised when composting was rolled out for the single family residences in 2013 and the curbside program now achieves over 65% diversion through composting and recycling.

  • Share Were & how do condo's & stratas facilitate the bins for appropriate pick-up and who does the pick-up? Our condo has contracted recycling and garbage pick-up - so who will do the compostable bins? on Facebook Share Were & how do condo's & stratas facilitate the bins for appropriate pick-up and who does the pick-up? Our condo has contracted recycling and garbage pick-up - so who will do the compostable bins? on Twitter Share Were & how do condo's & stratas facilitate the bins for appropriate pick-up and who does the pick-up? Our condo has contracted recycling and garbage pick-up - so who will do the compostable bins? on Linkedin Email Were & how do condo's & stratas facilitate the bins for appropriate pick-up and who does the pick-up? Our condo has contracted recycling and garbage pick-up - so who will do the compostable bins? link

    Were & how do condo's & stratas facilitate the bins for appropriate pick-up and who does the pick-up? Our condo has contracted recycling and garbage pick-up - so who will do the compostable bins?

    rhiebert4me asked over 5 years ago

    Thank you for your questions.  Multi-family and strata properties will continue to be required to make their own arrangement with a private waste hauler for the collection and disposal of all waste streams, including compostable waste.  Information and tips on how to set up compostable collection at these properties can be found in the Guide to Compostable Collection for the Multi-Family and Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Sectors. 

  • Share In Vancouver you can find recyclables, paper, organics(compost), containers & loose plastic in most libraries and now some parks. Can we expect to have BINS for these items in a grocery store parking lot? Cardboard? Paper? Magazines? on Facebook Share In Vancouver you can find recyclables, paper, organics(compost), containers & loose plastic in most libraries and now some parks. Can we expect to have BINS for these items in a grocery store parking lot? Cardboard? Paper? Magazines? on Twitter Share In Vancouver you can find recyclables, paper, organics(compost), containers & loose plastic in most libraries and now some parks. Can we expect to have BINS for these items in a grocery store parking lot? Cardboard? Paper? Magazines? on Linkedin Email In Vancouver you can find recyclables, paper, organics(compost), containers & loose plastic in most libraries and now some parks. Can we expect to have BINS for these items in a grocery store parking lot? Cardboard? Paper? Magazines? link

    In Vancouver you can find recyclables, paper, organics(compost), containers & loose plastic in most libraries and now some parks. Can we expect to have BINS for these items in a grocery store parking lot? Cardboard? Paper? Magazines?

    Shelley L Lahti, CPA, CGA asked over 5 years ago

    Hi, thanks for your question.  The new waste sorting requirements will apply to all properties across the Fraser Valley Regional District.  This means that all civic facilities, libraries, recreation centres, etc. will be required to have separate waste bins for the collection of recycling, compostable waste and garbage (at minimum).  Waste receptacles along roadways and in parks (i.e., streetscape bins) will not fall under the new waste sorting requirements.  However, the City is currently participating in a streetscape roundtable working group being hosted by Recycle BC so that we can learn what is working for other municipalities and can collection information on possibilities for future programs in Abbotsford.

  • Share I don't have a question, but rather a comment. While I've always thought that recycling was a great idea, there continues to be some in our strata townhouse complex that just aren't onboard with following the rules. To this day, unfortunately, cardboard boxes are still ending up in our garbage bin. I pull them out, if I can, and recycle with our blue bag pickup once per week. So, I'm thinking that with the composting, it probably won't get any better. I'm sure it will still be thrown out, by some, with the rest of their garbage. Probably the folks that are doing a good job now, will continue to do so with the composting. on Facebook Share I don't have a question, but rather a comment. While I've always thought that recycling was a great idea, there continues to be some in our strata townhouse complex that just aren't onboard with following the rules. To this day, unfortunately, cardboard boxes are still ending up in our garbage bin. I pull them out, if I can, and recycle with our blue bag pickup once per week. So, I'm thinking that with the composting, it probably won't get any better. I'm sure it will still be thrown out, by some, with the rest of their garbage. Probably the folks that are doing a good job now, will continue to do so with the composting. on Twitter Share I don't have a question, but rather a comment. While I've always thought that recycling was a great idea, there continues to be some in our strata townhouse complex that just aren't onboard with following the rules. To this day, unfortunately, cardboard boxes are still ending up in our garbage bin. I pull them out, if I can, and recycle with our blue bag pickup once per week. So, I'm thinking that with the composting, it probably won't get any better. I'm sure it will still be thrown out, by some, with the rest of their garbage. Probably the folks that are doing a good job now, will continue to do so with the composting. on Linkedin Email I don't have a question, but rather a comment. While I've always thought that recycling was a great idea, there continues to be some in our strata townhouse complex that just aren't onboard with following the rules. To this day, unfortunately, cardboard boxes are still ending up in our garbage bin. I pull them out, if I can, and recycle with our blue bag pickup once per week. So, I'm thinking that with the composting, it probably won't get any better. I'm sure it will still be thrown out, by some, with the rest of their garbage. Probably the folks that are doing a good job now, will continue to do so with the composting. link

    I don't have a question, but rather a comment. While I've always thought that recycling was a great idea, there continues to be some in our strata townhouse complex that just aren't onboard with following the rules. To this day, unfortunately, cardboard boxes are still ending up in our garbage bin. I pull them out, if I can, and recycle with our blue bag pickup once per week. So, I'm thinking that with the composting, it probably won't get any better. I'm sure it will still be thrown out, by some, with the rest of their garbage. Probably the folks that are doing a good job now, will continue to do so with the composting.

    RBN6185 asked over 5 years ago

    Thank you for your comment, and thank you for your efforts to recycle in your complex!  The new sorting requirements will result in stratas and property managers having to provide waste sorting options for residents and tenants.  The City hopes that residents will divert as much material as possible to recycling and compost, and will continue to educate the public on the importance of waste diversion (and reduction!) with emphasis placed on ensuring the materials being diverted are placed in the right waste stream.

  • Share When our townhouse strata looked at composting, it was going to cost us more money. Will the City of Abbotsford be providing assistance to families who will have to pay for this? on Facebook Share When our townhouse strata looked at composting, it was going to cost us more money. Will the City of Abbotsford be providing assistance to families who will have to pay for this? on Twitter Share When our townhouse strata looked at composting, it was going to cost us more money. Will the City of Abbotsford be providing assistance to families who will have to pay for this? on Linkedin Email When our townhouse strata looked at composting, it was going to cost us more money. Will the City of Abbotsford be providing assistance to families who will have to pay for this? link

    When our townhouse strata looked at composting, it was going to cost us more money. Will the City of Abbotsford be providing assistance to families who will have to pay for this?

    cheranda asked over 5 years ago

    Hi, thanks for your message.  Single family residents in our community have been sorting compostable waste separately for many years and the costs of managing this through the curbside collection program are covered through their property taxes.  Multi-family residents do not receive waste collection services from the City and as a result, do not pay waste collection fees in property taxes.  Currently, the City is not in a position to provide incentives for multi-family collection of compostable material.  The City looked into what other municipalities provided to multi-family residents when similar programs were implemented and are not aware of any incentives in place for multi-family residents in other municipalities.

  • Share Once a month glass should be collected. I know this is not compost but it is a recycling issue. The once a month pickup would allow workers to protect themselves. on Facebook Share Once a month glass should be collected. I know this is not compost but it is a recycling issue. The once a month pickup would allow workers to protect themselves. on Twitter Share Once a month glass should be collected. I know this is not compost but it is a recycling issue. The once a month pickup would allow workers to protect themselves. on Linkedin Email Once a month glass should be collected. I know this is not compost but it is a recycling issue. The once a month pickup would allow workers to protect themselves. link

    Once a month glass should be collected. I know this is not compost but it is a recycling issue. The once a month pickup would allow workers to protect themselves.

    Merrilyn Mason asked over 5 years ago

    Thanks for your comment about glass recycling. Currently glass is not picked up with the curbside recycling because it breaks and contaminates the rest of the material in the blue bag. Glass can be recycled at several Recycle BC depots in the community. A list of these locations is online at https://www.abbotsford.ca/city_services/garbage_recycling_and_composting/transfer_stations___recycling_depots.htm#recycling

    The City is, however, undertaking a solid waste master plan, which includes reviewing different options for curbside services. The solid waste master plan is anticipated to be completed in mid-2019, so please stay tuned for more information.

  • Share Most kitchens in Snrs homes or Condo’s do not have space for several bins or places to separate garbage, compost, and some being on 2nd or 3rd floors, cannot make trips up and down, Snrs in houses also usually have kitchen upstairs and stairs are required to get to driveways or garages, being 90 I find it difficult, and garbage collectors are not carefull bins are thrown on the road? I have had special cart made for me to take to roadside, my bins are never returned to cart but thrown on road, regulations should be part of contract to collectors as well as residence, on Facebook Share Most kitchens in Snrs homes or Condo’s do not have space for several bins or places to separate garbage, compost, and some being on 2nd or 3rd floors, cannot make trips up and down, Snrs in houses also usually have kitchen upstairs and stairs are required to get to driveways or garages, being 90 I find it difficult, and garbage collectors are not carefull bins are thrown on the road? I have had special cart made for me to take to roadside, my bins are never returned to cart but thrown on road, regulations should be part of contract to collectors as well as residence, on Twitter Share Most kitchens in Snrs homes or Condo’s do not have space for several bins or places to separate garbage, compost, and some being on 2nd or 3rd floors, cannot make trips up and down, Snrs in houses also usually have kitchen upstairs and stairs are required to get to driveways or garages, being 90 I find it difficult, and garbage collectors are not carefull bins are thrown on the road? I have had special cart made for me to take to roadside, my bins are never returned to cart but thrown on road, regulations should be part of contract to collectors as well as residence, on Linkedin Email Most kitchens in Snrs homes or Condo’s do not have space for several bins or places to separate garbage, compost, and some being on 2nd or 3rd floors, cannot make trips up and down, Snrs in houses also usually have kitchen upstairs and stairs are required to get to driveways or garages, being 90 I find it difficult, and garbage collectors are not carefull bins are thrown on the road? I have had special cart made for me to take to roadside, my bins are never returned to cart but thrown on road, regulations should be part of contract to collectors as well as residence, link

    Most kitchens in Snrs homes or Condo’s do not have space for several bins or places to separate garbage, compost, and some being on 2nd or 3rd floors, cannot make trips up and down, Snrs in houses also usually have kitchen upstairs and stairs are required to get to driveways or garages, being 90 I find it difficult, and garbage collectors are not carefull bins are thrown on the road? I have had special cart made for me to take to roadside, my bins are never returned to cart but thrown on road, regulations should be part of contract to collectors as well as residence,

    Patricia Edwards asked over 5 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback.  There are many different ways waste can be sorted in condos, apartments and single family houses.  The new requirements coming into effect on April 1, 2020 apply to multi-family properties. Single family homes have already been collecting recycling, compostables and garbage separately for a number of years through the city’s curbside collection program.

    There are several multi-family properties in Abbotsford that are successfully collecting their compostables separately.  The City is hoping to highlight some of these properties in the near future in order to share some strategies for setting up successful collection at multi-family homes.   

    All waste haulers operating in the FVRD have been informed about the upcoming sorting requirements. Haulers will be working with property managers to support the new regulations and help with potential space challenges at properties. We know adjusting to a new program will take some practise and we thank you for your commitment to putting waste in its proper place!


    multi-family,hauler, stairs
    multi-family hauler stairs