The cart selection period is now open
If you have not decided which cart size fits your household, you can return to the City of Mission project page to:
- Learn about the new cart collection system. Read our frequently asked questions.
- Download Recycle Coach from Google Play or the App Store and sign-up to receive updates and reminders.
How this works: 3 easy steps
Step 1
Enter you address to confirm service eligibility
Step 2
Select your desired cart size(s)
Step 3
Review and confirm to finalize cart selection
Eligibility
You are eligible for this service if you have a home address in the City of Mission that receives Garbage, Recycling, and Organics services.
Contact Us
If you have a question or need more details about this service, please contact us.
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
Most asked
Program Overview
When will the new curbside cart collection service begin?
There will be no changes before May 2027. You can continue using your current bins and service schedule until then. The City will provide advance notice, information and reminders to curbside customers before changes are implemented.
The automated cart service is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 3, 2027.
What are the benefits of automated cart collection?
The new system uses wheeled carts with attached and locking lids, to make collection easier, cleaner, and safer.
Key benefits include:
- Less lifting—simply roll your cart to the curb
- Secure carts equipped with gravity locks will help reduce potential wildlife attractants and keep waste contained.
- Safer working conditions for crews
- A consistent look across neighbourhoods
- Flexible cart sizing options
Is the curbside cart program optional?
No. This will be a City-wide service transition, and all current curbside customers will move to the cart-based system when it is implemented.
Will my collection schedule change?
Yes, recycling collection will move to every other week. This will provide more space at the curb on collection day and allow for more efficient routing.
Some zones may change. The City will be sending everyone’s new schedule through the mail. For reminders about changes download the ‘Recycle Coach’ app to get notifications.
Costs & Fees
Will I pay more for this program?
Costs for carts are included in the annual utility fee for each curbside customer household dependent on the size of garbage cart selected, as shown below.
| Bin Size | Garbage | Recycling | Organics | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 360 L | $270.00 | $140.00 | $205.00 | $615.00 |
| 240 L | $165.00 | $140.00 | $205.00 | $510.00 |
| 120 L | $140.00 | $140.00 | $205.00 | $485.00 |
Is there a cost to change my cart size?
There is no fee to request a cart size change through this website.
How much do the carts cost?
There will be no one-time or up-front fees for carts. All costs for the services will be included in annual utility fees.
Why is the City switching to a cart-based system?
The City is moving to automated cart collection to make curbside collection safer, easier, and more efficient to operate. Wheeled carts are easier to move, help keep waste contained with secure, lids equipped with gravity locks and reduce heavy lifting for both curbside customers and collection crews.
Cart Selection
Can I choose different sizes for each cart type?
Yes. You can choose the cart sizes that best fit your household's needs for each waste type. Carts will be available in 120L, 240L, and 360L for each waste type. You can choose the cart sizes that best fit your household's needs for each waste type.
For example, a household that recycles frequently may choose a larger recycling cart, while a household that produces less garbage may prefer a smaller garbage cart. The City will provide information and support to help you choose the right fit.
How many carts will I receive?
Most curbside customers will receive three carts: one for garbage, one for recycling, and one for organics. Cart sizes will vary based on the selections made during the cart selection process. Properties with known secondary suites may be eligible for additional carts provided they have adequate space for collection and secure storage.
What dimensions are the carts?
Can I choose my cart size?
Yes. Carts will be available in 120L, 240L, and 360L for all waste types. The cart size that best suits your household will depend on the number of people living in your home and your household’s typical waste generation habits. The city will provide tools, information, and opportunities to see the carts in person to help you choose the size that best fits your needs.
What goes in each cart?
Food waste and yard waste will be accepted in your organics bin. There are no changes to the materials accepted in your recycling and garbage carts. The City will provide a sorting guide before the program launches. You can also use the Recycle Coach app to learn where items belong and search for specific materials.
Do I need to bag my materials?
Recycling cannot be bagged; all material must be placed in the cart loose. Except for shredded paper which must be contained in a paper bag or box prior to placing it in the cart.
Organics can be placed in a certified compostable or paper bag prior to placing it in the cart. This isn’t required but does help to keep the cart clean and reduce odours. However; fine organics material like sawdust does need to be contained within a bag.
Garbage can be placed in the cart loose however, pet waste and fine debris (vacuum cleaner contents, etc) do need to be contained within a bag. Containing all garbage within a bag also helps to keep the cart clean and reduces odours.
Can I get carts for a secondary suite?
By default, properties with a secondary suite that is known to the City will receive shared carts sized to serve both households: one 360L recycling cart, one 360L garbage cart, and one 240L organics cart.
Some properties may qualify for separate carts for the main home and the secondary suite if there’s enough space for safe collection, adequate room for secure storage, and a cart selection request has been submitted. The City will contact eligible properties with details about available options and next steps as part of this process.
If you’re unsure whether your suite is known to the City, staff can confirm your status and help you understand your options.
Can I see carts in-person?
Yes! Visit one of our community events or City locations to see the carts up close before making your selection.
You can:
- Compare cart sizes side-by-side.
- Get a better sense of how much each cart holds.
- Ask questions and speak directly with City staff.
- Get help selecting the cart sizes that best fit your household's needs.
Seeing the carts in person is one of the best ways to understand the size differences and feel confident about your choice. Find upcoming event dates and locations at: mission.ca/carts.
What is the deadline to select my carts?
The deadline to select your carts is October 30, 2026. To ensure you receive the cart sizes that best fit your household, we encourage you to make your selection as early as possible. The City will send reminders and provide support throughout the selection period, but waiting until the last minute may limit the time available to review your options and ask questions.
If you do not make a selection by the deadline, the City will assign default cart sizes to your property, and you will need to wait until the cart exchange period if a different size is needed.
Remember: Choose your carts by October 30, 2026 to make sure your household gets the best fit.
What happens if I don’t choose my carts?
If a selection is not made, the City will assign default cart sizes to ensure your property receives the carts needed for the new collection program. We encourage all curbside customers to select the cart sizes that best fit their household by the deadline.
To avoid the need for an exchange later, we encourage curbside customers to take advantage of the cart selection period, review the available options, and choose the sizes that best meet their household's needs.
What are the default cart sizes?
| Property Type | Default Garbage Cart | Default Organics Cart | Default Recycling Cart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Unit Residence (e.g., single detached dwelling) | 240L | 240L | 240L |
| 2 Unit Residences (e.g., single detached dwelling, or duplex unit with a suite; suite must be known to the city) | 360L | 240L | 360L |
| 1 unit residence with a detached unit (e.g., single detached dwelling with garden cottage or coach house) | 2 x 240L | 2 x 240L | 2 x 240L |
| Duplexes | 2 x 240L | 2 x 240L | 2 x 240L |
| Townhomes | 240L | 120L | 240L |
| 4-plex | 4 x 120L | 4 x 240L | 4 x 240L |
Delivery & Rollout
When will carts be delivered?
Your new carts will be delivered between March and April 2027, before the new curbside collection program begins so households have time to prepare.
Before your carts arrive, the city will provide information to help you get ready, including:
- Advance notice about when cart delivery will take place.
- Instructions on how to use and store your carts.
- Information about collection schedules and how to place carts at the curb for pickup.
- Tips to help you make a smooth transition to the new collection system.
Cart Exchanges
Can I change my cart size after delivery?
Curbside customers will be required to use their carts for the first three-month of the program to provide time to get used to the new cart before requesting a change.
- May 3 – August 2, 2027: No cart exchanges available.
- August 3 – October 29, 2027: One free cart exchange per household (multiple carts can be exchanged at one time).
- After October 29, 2027: Additional exchanges are available for a $50 administrative fee per exchange. Only one exchange is permitted per 12-month period. Only the registered homeowner can request an exchange.
What if my household changes after I select my carts?
Household needs can change over time. If you find that your carts no longer fit your needs, you may be able to request a different size during the cart exchange period. We encourage curbside customers to use their carts for several collection cycles before deciding if a change is needed, as many households find their original selection works well once they become familiar with the new system.
If your needs change, options are available to help you find the right fit.
Why are there fees for additional cart exchanges?
Delivering, swapping, and purchasing new carts comes at a cost to the City. To allow flexibility, the first cart exchange is free, giving households an opportunity to try their carts and make sure they are the right fit. After that, a fee applies to help cover the cost of collecting, delivering, and processing replacement carts.
Choose carefully, use your cart, and if needed, take advantage of the one free exchange period.
How do I exchange my carts after August 2, 2027?
The cart exchange requests will be submitted online, using the online services portal which will be accessible via mission.ca/carts.
Remember:
- August 3 – October 29, 2027: One free cart exchange per household (multiple carts can be exchanged at one time).
- After October 29, 2027: Additional exchanges are available for a $50 administrative fee per exchange. Only one exchange is permitted per 12-month period. Only the registered homeowner can request an exchange.
Cart Features & Maintenance
What if my cart is damaged, lost, or stolen?
If your cart is damaged because of a manufacturing defect or during collection, the City will repair or replace it at no cost to you. If your cart is lost or stolen, City staff will attempt to locate it. If the cart cannot be recovered, replacement fees may apply. To help protect your cart, we recommend recording the cart serial number, writing your address on the designated space on the cart and storing carts securely on your property between collection days.
If there's a problem with your cart, submit a repair request through the online portal.
Are the carts wildlife-resistant?
Yes. The new carts are designed with attached lids equipped with gravity locks to help keep waste contained and reduce access by wildlife. The durable design also helps prevent lids from being lost or damaged and makes it easier to keep materials secure between collection days.
The gravity locks are required to be engaged at all times. They do not need to be unlocked on collection day as they will automatically unlock when tipped upside down during collection.
What are gravity locks?
Gravity locks engage when the cart lid is closed firmly and disengage when the truck tips it upside down during collection or when the locks are manually disengaged using the buttons on either side of the front lock.
They are required to be kept engaged at all times to limit wildlife access.
Existing Bins & Extra Waste
Can I use my old bins once the new program begins?
No, once the automated cart collection program starts, only City-provided carts will be collected for regular curbside service. The existing black glass boxes will continue to be used as well. The only exception to this is during the seasonal yard waste collection period from May to November when extra yard waste that doesn’t fit in your organics cart can be placed in an 80L bin with orange tape and D-handles for collection. Old bins can be returned for recycling or reuse or kept for other household purposes.
What should I do if I have too much material by collection day?
A 240L organics cart holds five times as much as the current green "rot pot” and a 240L garbage cart is the equivalent of three 80L garbage bins (one more than the two currently accepted). If you consistently have more than 240L of any material type, you can request a cart exchange to the 360L size option.
If you have more material than fits into the cart, you will either have to wait until the next collection date or go to the landfill or recycling depot. Up to 4-yard waste bags bins or bundles will be collected May-November
Can I still set out extra yard waste?
Yes. From May-November, curbside customers can set out a limited number of extra yard waste bags, bins, or bundles beside their organics cart. Details about acceptable materials, limits, and collection requirements will be provided before the program launches.
What happens to my current bins?
Once the new cart program begins, your current garbage, recycling, and organics bins will no longer be needed for curbside collection. You can choose to have them collected at no cost for recycling, drop them off at a designated drop-off location or reuse them or keep them for other household uses. Additional details will be provided regarding collection of old bins for recycling early in 2027.
Will we still be able to buy extra garbage bag tags?
No, The default garbage cart is 240L which provides an additional 80L to what is currently accepted. You may request a cart exchange to a 360L garbage cart if necessary. Utility fees will be based on the size or your garbage cart.
I have a medical condition where I produce more waste, what do I do?
The garbage carts are 80L larger than the existing limits. If after using the carts you are finding you are still producing more waste due to a medical condition, please reach out to the City to evaluate options.
Collection Day
What time should I put my carts out?
Place your carts at the curb between 5am and 7am on your collection day. This helps ensure they are ready when the collection truck arrives, as collection times can vary from week to week. Do not place your carts out earlier than 5am or the night before collection, as this could attract unwanted wildlife.
How much space should I leave around my carts?
Leave at least 1 meter of space between carts and nearby objects, such as vehicles, mailboxes, fences, and 3 meters of space above the cart and overhead obstacles like utility poles, and basketball hoops. This gives the collection truck enough room to safely lift and empty your carts.
Proper spacing is one of the most important steps for successful automated collection. Carts that are too close together or blocked by obstacles may be difficult to service and could result in a missed collection.
Detailed information on spacing and set-out requirements will be provided in your cart "Welcome-Package" when your carts are delivered.
What direction should my cart face?
Place your cart so that the arrows on the lid point towards the street and the wheels face your house.
What happens if my cart is blocked by a vehicle or obstacle?
Your cart needs to be easy for the collection truck to reach. If it is blocked by a vehicle, utility pole, mailbox, fence, or other obstacle, it may not be collected.
Before collection day, make sure your cart is placed in a clear, accessible location with at least 1 meter (3 feet) of space around it and 3 meters (10ft) above it. This helps collection crews safely and efficiently service your cart. If there isn't enough room at your curb, place it at the end of your driveway where it will not be blocked by parked cars.
What happens if my cart lid won't close?
All materials must fit inside your cart with the lid fully closed and the gravity lock engaged. Closed, locked lids help keep waste contained, prevent litter, reduce wildlife access, and allow collection crews to safely service your cart.
If your cart is overfilled and the lid cannot close completely, it may not be collected. If you regularly find that your cart is too full, consider whether a larger cart size would better meet your household's needs during the cart exchange period.
What if the lock won't engage?
The gravity locks on the carts can require a little force to engage. Try firmly pressing on the top of the lid where the locking mechanism is until you can confirm that the lock is engaged.
What if I am unable to move my cart to the curb?
The City understands that some curbside customers may have mobility or accessibility challenges that make it difficult to move carts to the curb. If you are unable to place your cart out for collection, support options may be available.
More information about eligibility and available accommodations will be provided before the new program begins. Curbside customers who require assistance are encouraged to contact the City to discuss their needs.
Need assistance? We're here to help ensure everyone can access curbside collection services CartQuestions@mission.ca.
What should I do if I don't have enough material to fill the cart by collection day?
If you haven't filled your carts by the collection day, we recommend putting them out regardless. This is particularly true during summer where warmer weather can cause waste to become odorous and attract wildlife.
If you consistently have extra room in your carts for any of the waste types, consider requesting a cart exchange to a smaller cart size.
Cart Storage & Use
Where should I store my carts?
Carts must be stored in a secure location on your property. Garbage and organics carts should be stored within a wildlife resistant enclosure (garage, shed, etc.) on your property.
If a wildlife resistant enclosure is not available, ensure garbage and organics are not stored in the cart on non-collection days.
All carts must have the gravity lock on the lid engaged at all times; ensure the lock is engaged by pressing firmly on the lid where the locking mechanism is located.
Proper storage is important to reduce odours, and wildlife attractants.
Can I leave my carts at the curb all week?
No. Carts must be removed from the curb as soon as possible after collection and stored on your property until the next collection day.
Returning carts after collection helps keep streets, sidewalks, and neighbourhoods clean, safe, and accessible for everyone. It also helps protect carts from damage, loss, or theft.
Do the carts need to be cleaned?
Yes. Regular cleaning will help keep your carts in good condition and reduce odours, pests, and buildup over time.
- Store your carts in a cool, shaded, ventilated area
- Keep the lid closed and the gravity lock engaged
- Wash your carts periodically with mild soap or a vinegar-water solution. Pour soapy water onto grass or gravel—do not pour soapy water down outside drains
- Certified compostable bags or liners for your organics bins can also help reduce odours.
A quick rinse every so often, especially during warmer months, can also help keep your carts clean and pleasant to use.
Staying Informed & Getting Assistance
How can I stay informed about the program?
The City will provide regular updates throughout the transition to the new cart-based collection system so curbside customers know what to expect and when to take action.
You can stay informed by:
- Visiting mission.ca/carts for the latest program information.
- Signing up for the city newsletter for project updates and notifications: mission.ca/subscribe.
- Downloading the Recycle Coach app and signing up for notifications, service updates, and educational resources.
- Attending community events, pop-ups, and cart demonstrations to ask questions and learn more.
What tools and resources are available?
The City offers a variety of tools and resources to help curbside customers stay informed and make the transition to the new cart-based collection system as easy as possible.
Recycle Coach
- Access your collection schedule.
- Receive collection reminders and service updates.
- Search for information on how to sort materials properly.
City of Mission Website – mission.ca/carts
- Learn about the new curbside collection program.
- Find recycling, organics, and contamination information.
- Locate drop-off information for items that can't be collected at the curb.
Additional Resources
- Community in-person events and cart demonstrations.
- FAQs, guides, and educational materials.
- Curbside Cart Ambassador
The information you need is just a click, call, or visit away.
What happens if I move?
The carts stay with the property. If you move, leave the carts behind for the next residents. The new homeowner or tenant will use the carts assigned to that address.
