Every week, someone calls us with the same question: “Can I put _____ in it?”
The answer is yes for most household and construction waste. But the exceptions matter. Get it wrong and a transfer station can reject the entire load and charge you a $250 minimum fee. Here’s what’s safe to throw in and what isn’t.
What’s Accepted
For most renovation, cleanout, and construction projects in BC, the following materials are accepted:
Construction & Renovation Debris
- Lumber, framing scraps, trim
- Drywall and plaster (with conditions. See below)
- Flooring: hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile
- Insulation (non-asbestos)
- Roofing shingles and felt
- Concrete, brick, masonry
- Metal (pipes, rebar, sheet metal)
Household & Cleanout Material
- Furniture and mattresses
- Appliances (most. See exceptions)
- General household junk
- Clothing and textiles
- Cardboard and paper
Landscaping & Yard Waste
- Soil and dirt
- Sod and turf
- Branches, brush, and stumps
- Gravel and rock (weight limits apply)
What’s NOT Accepted
The following are prohibited in our bins and at most transfer stations in BC:
- Hazardous household waste: paint, solvents, oil, pesticides, cleaning chemicals
- Batteries (all types, including car batteries and lithium batteries)
- Electronics (computers, TVs, monitors)
- Propane tanks and pressurized containers
- Tires
- Bio-waste or sewage
- Asbestos-containing materials
- Medical waste
If you’re not sure whether something qualifies as hazardous, BC has a Recycle BC program with drop-off locations throughout Vancouver Island for electronics and household hazardous waste.
The Drywall Rule (Important)
Drywall is accepted. But there’s a catch.
BC transfer stations require an asbestos testing report for any load containing drywall. If your drywall was installed before the mid-1980s, it may contain asbestos and needs to be tested before disposal. Even if it tests clear, you need the documentation with you.
Loads arriving at the transfer station without proper drywall documentation can be rejected with a minimum $250 fee. Even if the load is otherwise clean.
Before your project starts:
- Determine when the drywall was installed
- If pre-1985, arrange asbestos testing through a certified inspector
- Keep the clearance report with your project documentation
Download our free Drywall Disposal Guide. It covers exactly what you need and where to get it done on Vancouver Island.
Heavy Materials. Weight Limits Apply
Materials like concrete, brick, and soil are accepted but are subject to weight limits. A bin that’s half-full of concrete can exceed the legal weight limit for transport.
If your project involves a significant amount of heavy material:
- Call us before booking so we can advise on load limits
- Consider whether a separate hauling service makes more sense for bulk soil or concrete
What Happens If Prohibited Items Are Found?
Transfer stations inspect loads before processing. If prohibited items are found:
- The load may be rejected entirely
- You’ll be responsible for the rejected load
- Additional fees apply for sorting or special disposal
We want your project to go smoothly. So if you have any questions about a specific material, just call us at 778-909-9874 before you load. It’s a quick conversation that can save a lot of headache.
Ready to Book?
We deliver bins throughout Central Vancouver Island. Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, and beyond.
Request a quote or call 778-909-9874 to book your bin today.