Courtenay Residents who are having trouble filling their recycling or compost carts can request a change in size from the city.

鈥淎fter trialling out the carts since the beginning of the year, we understand some households would prefer to downsize their organics or recycling carts,鈥� said Chris Thompson, Manager of Public Works at the City of Courtenay. 鈥渨e have launched a new online form to make it easier for residents to request a change.鈥�

Residents can now request to have one of two sizes for their organics cart: 120L or 360L. They can also choose between 120L, 240L and 360L for their recycling carts. Garbage carts are not included in the exchange program, and all garbage carts are 120L.

"To manage garbage volumes at the curb and reduce impacts to the landfill, residents are encouraged to divert recycling and organic material," a release from the City says. The City also has a guide about what kind of material to put into each of the cart options at

Property owners can submit requests for cart exchanges until Nov. 1. Emterra Environmental, the city's contractor for waste management, will contact residents within three weeks of the request to arrange the exchange. In 2024 there will be no charge for exchanging carts. In 2025, the exchanges will be subject to a $65 fee.

Residents of multi-residential, strata or manufactured home parks with curbside collection through the City wishing to exchange carts should contact their property manager. The City has provided cart exchange information directly with property managers responsible for utility billing.

To exchange their carts, residents can visit .