Coun. Jordan Back wants DNV to offer large item pick-up services

Councillor Jordan Back is calling upon the District of North Vancouver council to implement a large item pick-up service for residents. No municipality on the North Shore currently offers this service.

The recommendation by Back directs staff to investigate various models, including whether they could be offered for free or for a fee. Councillor Back highlights that many municipalities across Metro Vancouver already offer large item pick-up services to residents to manage waste and prevent illegal dumping.

Programs in other cities vary, with some allowing a set number of items per year and operating during specific seasons, such as spring and summer. Examples of such programs in other cities include:

Bowen Island: Residents purchase decals based on the size of the item they wish to dispose of and participate in designated clean-up dates.

Burnaby: Residents in houses and duplexes may schedule up to three items per pick-up, while multi-unit residences like apartments and condos can schedule up to six items per complex. The city provides a list of acceptable items for disposal.

Langley: Properties receiving municipal garbage collection are eligible for the Large Item Pick-Up program, allowing up to four large items per year by appointment.

Surrey: Households with curbside collection service can schedule up to six items annually, while properties with registered secondary suites are eligible for up to eight items per year.

“Council has an opportunity to lead North Shore municipalities by supporting this initiative for large item removals as an enhancement to the solid waste services offered,” Back says. “Currently, no municipalities on the North Shore offer large item pick-up services for their residents. The District of North Vancouver (District) has an opportunity to lead the North Shore by implementing a large item pick-up service.”

Introducing a large item pick-up service would provide a convenient option to dispose of bulky items but also support environmental management goals, such as reducing illegal dumping and greenhouse gas emissions, he says. If the council supports, the motion will direct staff to present detailed service implementation options, including potential costs, logistics, and program design.