Commercial Waste

Commercial Garbage

The City of Vernon offers limited commercial garbage collection services through its contractor, Emterra Environmental. Commercial customers participate in the loose bag collection program, which offers a limited number of bags to be collected once per week.

Commercial, industrial and institutional customers that choose to use a commercial bin program are responsible for making their own arrangements with a private waste collection provider.

Batteries of any kind are not accepted in household or commercial garbage or recycling carts in the City of Vernon. Batteries can ignite when crushed, punctured, or exposed to heat during collection and processing, creating serious fire hazards. For safety, all used batteries must be taken to a designated drop-off location. To find a location near you, visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca.

Garbage Collection Details

Commercial Recycling

The City of Vernon provides a mandatory recycling service to the commercial and industrial properties within the municipal boundary, with the exception of Blue Jay, Foothills, Predator Ridge, Turtle Mountain, and Okanagan Landing past the Yacht Club.

Commercial recycling is collected by the City’s contractor, Emterra Environmental, one (1) time per week on Wednesdays only. Businesses who have excess material can register for two (2) times per week collection on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Recycling Collection Details

Customers are asked to place recyclables at their designated location in a clear or blue transparent bag by the date and time indicated below:

Pick-up days	Wednesday (standard), Friday (registered business’ only)
Pick-up times	7:00 a.m. for curbside pick-up locations 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for laneway and alley pick-up locations (Downtown BIA only) Please see map of Downtown BIA for area boundaries.
Quantity limit	Unlimited transparent bags of recycling will be picked up for commercial and industrial customers, up to three times per week.

The following items may be recycled:
- Ledger paper
- Newspaper
- Tin cans
- Aluminum
- Books
- Magazines
- All colours of plastic containers with the recycling symbols 1-7
- Cardboard (Note: cardboard must be bundled and tied in packages not exceeding 2’ x 3’ x 6”)
Glass is no longer allowed in blue bags. Glass bottles and jars can be recycled at the following locations:
Commercial and industrial customers are responsible for making their own arrangements for the appropriate disposal of wooden pallets and oversized materials, such as furniture. Leaving these materials outside is considered illegal dumping.

Questions?

Do you have questions about pick-up times or locations for commercial garbage and recycling? Contact Emterra Environmental at 250 545-4245, or toll free at 1-888-609-2645. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Safety Reminders for Commercial Customers

Piles of garbage and recycling left outside for a period of time can pose a serious fire hazard and safety risk. If a fire happens near or against a building, it could lead to significant property damage or risk to human life. However, we can all take simple steps to help keep our businesses and community safe.

The City of Vernon Solid Waste Bylaw #5911 specifies the times that garbage and recycling material can be placed out for collection.
Please place material out ONLY on the day of collection prior to 7:00 a.m.
Businesses located within the Business Improvement Area (BIA) must place material in Downtown laneways and alleys for collection ONLY on the day of collection prior to 10:00 a.m.

The City of Vernon Fire Services Bylaw #5635 outlines fire prevention regulations as they relate to accumulation of combustible materials and placement of refuse/garbage containers.

Here are some tips to help keep people and property safe:

Put out garbage and recycling as close to collection time as possible; do not place materials outside the night before.
Batteries must be disposed of safely at a designated recycling location. They do not belong in household or commercial garbage.
When placed in the garbage, batteries can cause fires, putting waste collection crews, facilities, and the community at risk.
Keep exterior spaces clean and tidy.
Place bags closely together and bundle cardboard as noted above (2’ x 3’ x 6”).
Do not allow garbage or combustible materials to accumulate.
If a bag is missed during collection, bring it back inside until the next designated collection day and time.
Keep garbage bins away from buildings as best as possible, while still keeping them on private property.
Do not leave pallets outside. Have them collected or dispose of them immediately.
Help your neighbours. Assist with tidying recycling if it becomes scattered prior to collection.

Pick-up day	Wednesday
Pick-up times	7:00 a.m. for curbside pick-up location 10:00 a.m. for laneway and alley pick-up locations (Downtown BIA only) Please see map of Downtown BIA for area boundaries.
Quantity limit	Up to eight (8) plastic liner bags, not exceeding 50 lbs when filled, will be collected once per week.