How to Leave no Trace in the Southern Gulf Islands

You’ve likely heard to “leave no trace” in a campground or a park, but what does it mean for an entire island? Waste collection is a little different in our region. Unlike towns and cities, there are no municipal collection services. Instead, recycling is provided by local community associations and waste must be shipped to Vancouver Island. That can amount to a big environmental footprint, not to mention careless littering. Consider it best to pack out all your garbage and recycling with you, but if you can’t, here’s how to properly dispose of your waste in each of the Southern Gulf Islands:

Recycling can be dropped at the Mayne Island Recycling Society’s volunteer-run depot at 390 Campbell Bay Road. Pre-sorting is heartily encouraged to reduce lineups. Propane canisters are not accepted.
Open: Wednesdays: 10:00am to 2:00pm Fridays, from 10:00am to 2:00pm (July and August only) and Saturdays, from 10:00am to 4:00pm

For general waste, the Mayne Island Garbage Services provides Monday morning curbside pickup and Sunday evening drop-off at the ferry terminal starting 60 minutes before the evening sailing to Vancouver.

Visit the recycling centre to drop off recycling materials. Make sure to check out the ReDirectory for treasures, unique finds and household necessities available by donation.

Open: Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30am to 2:30pm.

Waste can be dropped at the Garbage Gals at 61 Georgeson Bay Rd on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Contact for pickups. Prices are $2-5 for a shopping bag of garbage, $7 for a small garbage bag, $10 for a medium bag and $10-20 for a big bag. Cash only.

Bring your recycling to the Saturna Recycling/Free Store, also known as The Share Shoppe, at 101 Harris Road. The centre asks that all recycling be clean and especially clear of food waste.

Open: Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10:00am to 12:00pm

If you want to schedule a garbage pick up, Darryl’s Digs is your go-to. Note that this is a pay per use service—all bags must be paid for before or at time of pick up.

Take your recycling to the Recycling Depot at 349 Rainbow Road. Pre-sorting is heartily encouraged to reduce lineups. Be sure to check out the Book Exchange while you’re there.

Open: Monday through Thursday, 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Fridays, 8:00am to 4:00pm

Alternatively, drop both your recycling and waste at Laurie’s Garbage & Recycling, in the Country Grocer parking lot.

Open: Monday to Saturday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Return your beverage containers for a refund at Island Return It, make sure to both count and separate them by type which can be done onsite.

Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am – 4:30pm

Take all your waste to the transfer station at 360 Blackburn, pricing starts at $.35/kg. Pickups can be arranged. Peruse the “Blackburn Mall” while you’re there, where reusable items are available by donations which are then funneled back into the community via scholarships and other givings.

Open: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 04:00pm, and Saturday, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Though the Pender Island Recyling Depot encourages you to rethink and reuse first, you can drop off your recycling at 4400 Otter Bay Road, 500 metres west of the Pender Islands Community Hall. Propane canisters are not accepted.

Open: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10:00am to 3:00pm

For garbage disposal, daily drop-off is available at Medicine Beach Garbage, a key is available from the Liquor Store from 10:00am to dark. Pickups can also be arranged with Pender Island Disposal Services.