What we heard

The results of the preliminary City Waste Collection survey in the fall of 2025 were reported to Council on March 9, 2026 in this Engagement Summary.

Engagement Overview City staff conducted a community survey through Let’s Talk Colwood in Fall 2025 as part of preliminary engagement for the Solid Waste Collection Feasibility Study. The survey gathered input on current waste practices, satisfaction levels, and interest in a municipally coordinated collection model. A total of 248 responses were received over a four-month period (Sept. to Dec. 2025).

Current Waste Practices and Satisfaction Most respondents (81%) currently use private contractors for garbage collection, with service typically provided bi-weekly (55.6%) or weekly (28.2%). Overall satisfaction with current services is high, with 62.5% reporting they are satisfied or very satisfied, and 23% neutral. A smaller proportion (14.6%) expressed dissatisfaction.

Support for a City-Managed Model Approximately two-thirds of respondents (66.9%) support the City managing garbage collection through a single contracted service provider, while 21.8% were unsure and 11.3% opposed. Cost reduction through economy of scale was the primary motivation, followed by environmental benefits, reduced neighbourhood truck traffic, and service consistency.

Yard Waste Services Yes 66.9% Satisfaction with existing yard waste services is very high, particularly the Branch Drop-off Program, with nearly 79% of respondents reporting satisfaction or very satisfaction and fewer than 3% dissatisfied. While only 9.3% currently use private yard waste collection, 57.7% expressed interest in curbside yard waste collection if included in a City-managed system.

Next steps are outlined in this Colwood News Release: Colwood continues to explore options for City Waste Collection