City of Chilliwack acknowledges issues with new curbside collection rollout

CHILLIWACK – The rollout of Chilliwack’s new curbside collection didn’t exactly go as planned this past Friday.

Some Sardis residents reported on social media that their garbage and compost bins weren’t picked up on Friday (May 1), and instead saw their materials collected on Monday, May 4.

In the past, Emterra collected materials with a crew of two or more, but the city has gone with a new curbside collection contractor, Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S), which relies on a single driver.

Residents also reported on social media that old bins that were supposed to be picked up on Monday, May 4 in the Sardis area weren’t retrieved.

In a statement released to Fraser Valley Today, the City of Chilliwack acknowledged there were some hiccups on the first day of the rollout.

“The new curbside collection contractor, Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S), encountered issues with their navigation system on Friday, which affected collections,” the city said in an emailed statement. “Collection efficiency also tends to be slower as collection staff are rolling out a new program. Crews worked until 7 p.m. on Friday and resumed collections on Monday to address the missed materials.”

The city says its staff are aware of the situation through ongoing communication with the new contractor.

“City staff are in frequent contact with the contractor, who has provided information about adjustments being made to resolve the issues that arose,” the city said. “The City will continue to monitor performance and work with the contractor as they identify issues and implement corrective measures during program start-up. E360S and the City apologize for any inconveniences to residents that arise through this transition period.”

Leading up to Friday’s rollout, the city touted E360S as the same company that had operated the Bailey Sanitary Landfill since 2021 as well as the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Event since 2024. The city pointed out that E360S provides waste management services for many municipalities across Canada.

As part of the new curbside collection program, residents will keep their existing green cart, unless an exchange is requested or required (e.g., homes in wildlife issue areas).

Garbage will be collected bi-weekly (once every two weeks), alternating with recycling. Residents have already been provided with a new black garbage cart. Recycling will be collected bi-weekly (once every two weeks), alternating with garbage. Residents should have already received a new blue recycling cart by now. Because large carts (up to 360L) are available, all recyclable materials will need to be placed inside of the recycling cart. Residents should break down or cut up cardboard boxes to place inside the blue cart.