The following restrictions apply to the transfer stations operated by Wastech Services Ltd. under contract to Metro Vancouver: Coquitlam Resource Recovery Plant, North Shore Transfer Station, Matsqui Transfer Station.
The following materials are banned from disposal and are not accepted at the transfer stations. For disposal options, contact the Recycling Hotline of BC.
asbestos: all materials containing asbestos must go directly to the Vancouver Landfill for proper disposal. Recommendations for Zonolite (brand name for Vermiculite): is assumed to contained asbestos, therefore it is categorized as a banned material and must be taken to the Vancouver Landfill directly. Download the Wastech information brochure about asbestos and materials that contain asbestos.
Tight-head barrels: these are drums with non-removable tops.
bio-hazardous or bio-medical waste: as defined by the CCME guidelines. These are usually hospital, medical clinic and veterinary clinic sharps (needles, surgical instruments), anatomical (body parts) and laboratory wastes, body tissues and fluids including blood-soaked materials. It does not include such things as diapers, IV bags and tubes, bed sheets or clothing with dried blood and typical institutional garbage.
dangerous goods/hazardous waste: as defined by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. These are chemicals with hazardous properties usually identified with a "square-on-point" hazard symbol label. They may be solid, liquid or gas and the hazards include flammable, corrosive, reactive, oxidizing, poisonous, infectious and compressed gas properties.
dead animals or animal parts: these include bones, feathers and fish waste, in quantity, from processing plants, carcasses from farmers, residents, hunters and veterinarians.
electronics: desktop computers, computer monitors, notebook computers, desktop printers and fax machines, and televisions are banned from disposal. To find the collection site nearest you visit www.electronicsrecyclingbc.ca.
explosives and ammunition
liquids and sludges: these are large quantity materials that will readily flow when dumped loose or their containers break. Wet food wastes is generally acceptable if the liquid is incidental to the solid food product.
pesticides
radioactive materials
strong, offensive smelling loads: typically these are loads from a single source that adversely affect the public and workers in the area.
"hot" load: a load that is burning or smouldering.
over-sized articles: articles that are too heavy (100 kg) or too large (over 2 meters) to put into a compactor or top-loaded into a trailer. Articles that can be broken down by the front-end loader may be acceptable in limited quantity.
The following materials are accepted at the transfer stations with restrictions:
construction/demolition waste: only quantities delivered in a small (less than 5 tonne) vehicle.
fill materials: sand, gravel, asphalt, rock, concrete in a quantity less than 1/2 cubic meter.
dusty materials: dust creates unacceptable working conditions for transfer station staff. These loads require special preparation and/or handling and prior permission and identification before arriving at the station. Dust generation must be minimized when moving the material.
compressed gas cylinders: Only propane tanks are accepted and they must be set aside in the designated storage area.
Large quantities of metal strapping, cables, ropes, wires, hoses, fishnets, etc. must be securely bundled or less than 2 meters in length.
fiberglass insulation: It must be double-bagged in plastic bags so there are no loose fiber, no exceptions.
gypsum: 1 tonne or 1 pick-up truck (no trailer) limit. Must be sorted and placed in the designated area by the hauler. It should not be contained in boxes or bags or mixed with other wastes. The disposal cost is higher than for normal garbage. Gypsum generates air pollutants at the incinerator and in any landfill.
pesticide containers: Must have one end of the container removed and the inside triple rinsed and dry.
paint, resin and chemical containers: Must be cleaned or have the residues solidified.
automobile waste: Tires are not accepted at the transfer stations, please call RCBC at 604-732-9253 to get a listing of locations. Auto hulks are not accepted. used oil filters, a maximum of five from a resident and placed in the designated container and lead-acid batteries placed in the designated area, are accepted.
office paper: Excessive quantities (greater than 5% by volume) of these materials in a load may result in a disposal surcharge.
Other materials may be refused if they are considered to be unacceptable at the receiving facility or if a more appropriate disposal site is available. If refused, the hauler must immediately remove the material.
Requests for a limited exemption from these restrictions must be made to the Wastech Transfer Station Manager (604-517-6557) or to a Metro Vancouver engineer (604-436-6800). To prevent potential misunderstandings between the hauler, station personnel and Metro Vancouver staff, a written permission for disposal should accompany the load and/or the name of the person giving permission for disposal.
If unacceptable waste isdelivered to a transfer station and only detected on site, additional costs for removal and disposal will be incurred. When possible, these will be charged back to the generator or the hauler. Proper waste screening will avoid extra costs and possible legal charges.
For more information on banned and restricted materials, please contact Metro Vancouver's contract services division 604-451-6185 or visit the regional district's webpage.