Organic Collection

Organic waste in Ladysmith is collected every week on your scheduled garbage or recycling collection day.

Each household is allowed to place one organic container (no larger than 45 litres/10 gallons in size) at the curb.

All containers must have handles, waterproof lids and be set out on the curb by 8:00 am on collection day.

The Town of Ladysmith does not provide organic containers.

What goes in the organics container?

Figuring out what is and isn’t allowed in the organics container can be tricky. To help ease the confusion, we’ve complied a handy list of what’s acceptable to put in your organic container.

Acceptable items
  • All food items: fruit and vegetable scraps, meat and fish (including bones), pasta, bread, cereal, dairy products, eggshells, baked goods, coffee filters and grounds, tea bags
  • Some paper products: soiled paper towels, tissues, and food-soiled paper packaging
Unaccepted items
  • Construction waste including drywall
  • Pet waste or kitty litter
  • Plastic, metal, glass
  • Soiled diapers or sanitary products
  • Styrofoam or meat tray liners
  • Waxed paper products
  • Yard and garden waste
Organic bin/tote liners

Biodegradable bags, including those labelled compostable and oxo-degradable, are not allowed in compost bins.

This is because they are not as environmentally friendly as one might think.

Here’s why:

  • These plastics do not break down properly in home or municipal composting systems.
  • Even if labelled “compostable,” “biodegradable,” or “oxo-degradable,” they are made to degrade under lab conditions, which are very different from real-world composting facilities.
  • They can leave microplastics behind, which are harmful to our health and the environment.

Because of this, provincial regulations are now prohibiting composting facilities from accepting these items. The federal government is currently working on regulations to clarify labelling and reduce confusion around biodegradable and compostable plastics.

Tips to Keep Your Bin/Tote Clean
  • Line your bin with newspaper or a 100% paper bag.
  • Freeze extra messy or smelly scraps until collection day.
  • Add cardboard (tape and labels removed), boxboard, newspaper, a paper bag, or yard waste to the bottom of your tote before adding kitchen scraps.
  • Rinse your tote/bin regularly.

For more information, please visit the CVRD's website.

Peerless Road

Garbage and other items not accepted at the curb may be taken to the Peerless Road Recycling Centre & Garbage Drop-Off Depot.

For a full list of what is accepted at Peerless Road, please visit the CVRD’s website or call 250-746-2540.

Operating Hours (excluding holidays):

April 1 – October 31
Wednesday to Sunday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

November 1 – March 31
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm