Expanded Free Waste Drop-Off event collects record 3,300 tonnes of waste
Surrey’s expanded Free Waste Drop-Off event, held from May 1 to September 25, saw record participation and waste collection with over 21,000 loads delivered to the Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling & Waste Centres by Surrey residents.
Surrey, BC – Surrey’s expanded Free Waste Drop-Off event, held from May 1 to September 25, saw record participation and waste collection with over 21,000 loads delivered to the Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling & Waste Centres by Surrey residents. The free five-month-long program collected more than 3,300 tonnes of waste and recyclables, a substantial increase from previous years’ weekend pop-up junk events.
"I am happy to announce that Surrey has achieved our highest-ever results in this year's expanded Free Waste Drop-Off event,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Over five months, 3,300 tonnes of waste were disposed of responsibly. Most importantly, we have seen a 13% reduction in illegal dumping since 2021. The results are clear, by providing easier ways for our residents to get rid of unwanted items, we are creating a cleaner and greener Surrey.”
Key improvements and highlights:
- 195% increase in number of loads, reaching 21,000 (up from 7,150 loads from the 2019 Pop Up Junk Events)
- 175% increase in tonnage delivered with 3,304 tonnes of waste and recycling collected (up from 1,200 tonnes from the 2019 Pop Up Junk Events)
- 13% reduction in illegal dumping since 2021
The event's expanded format was a direct response to community feedback, providing a more accessible and convenient way for residents to dispose of unwanted items. This contributed to a cleaner, safer city while reducing illegal dumping. Participant feedback was positive, particularly appreciating the extended timeframe and the 100kg limit for disposal.
Residents can continue to take advantage of Surrey’s Large Item Pickup Program, which allows up to six free pickups per year (eight for homes with registered secondary suites). Pickup requests can be made online at surrey.ca/largeitems or by calling 604-590-7289 (press 3). Additionally, recyclables can be dropped off anytime year-round at Metro Vancouver’s Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres.
These initiatives demonstrate the City’s commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management. For more information, visit surrey.ca/rethinkwaste.