Garbage
Most household garbage contains an average of 40% organic waste. Only items that can’t go in your organics cart, recycling or be taken to a collection site should be placed in your garbage cart.
Is it Really Garbage?
- Can it go in the recycling or organics cart?
- Can it go to a depot or collection site?
- Can it be donated or given away?
- Can it be fixed or repurposed?
What is Accepted in the Garbage Cart?

Waste & Unusable Items
- Pet waste (bagged)
- Cold ashes (wrapped or bagged)
- Non-reusable or non-recyclable clothing and footwear
- Personal hygiene products
- Diapers

Non-Recyclable Plastics
- Biodegradable/compostable plastics
- Plastic squeeze tubes (toothpaste, etc.)
- Chewing gum
What Is NOT Accepted in the Garbage Cart?

Organics & Recycling
- Recycling (paper, plastic containers, cardboard, tin and metal cans, etc.)
- Food scraps or yard trimmings

Items Accepted at Hazardous Waste Programs
- Car parts, batteries and tires
- Paints, solvents and hazardous materials
- Pesticides and fertilizers
- Oil, oil filters and uncontained liquids
- Biomedical or pathological waste
- Pharmaceuticals and medications

Items Accepted at Depots & Return-It Programs
- Flexible plastic (overwrap, bags, food storage, etc.)
- Crinkly cellophane wrap (candy, chip bags, etc.)
- Glass bottles or jars
- Refundable beverage containers that can be returned to Castlegar Return-It Depot
- Electronics

Misc.
- Particulate waste (unwrapped ashes and sawdust)
- Complete, unprocessed carcasses
- Rocks, dirt and sod
- Mattresses and box springs