Green Can Program
The Green Can Program is the easiest and most convenient way to compost food scraps, soiled paper, and yard trimmings while helping the environment at the same time.
Beginning the first week of May 2011, approximately 20,000 households that receive garbage collection through the Township of Langley (strata dwellers: verify service eligibility with your property management company) will be able to separate all food scraps and place them with their yard trimmings. The Green Can Program is designed to help our community prevent food scraps and other compostable items from going to the garbage dump. And since nearly 40% of all household garbage is compostable, you’ll be helping our community achieve the goal of substantially reducing the amount of garbage being thrown away. Now that is something to feel good about!
Watch this 2-minute video, “How composting will save the world”, for a simple explanation of the benefits of composting/recycling food scraps instead of throwing them in the garbage.
For ideas on how to reduce your food waste before it needs to be composted. View these "10 easy tips".
How it Works
Composting is as easy as pie. Come to think of it, you can compost that, too.
- Purchase a kitchen food scraps container from your local retail store or make one from an empty ice cream pail with lid. If you prefer, line the kitchen container with newsprint or a kraft paper bag. Collect food scraps, including bones, in the kitchen container and place contents directly into your maximum 80 L Green Can (yard trimmings can).
- Identify your can with a Green Can decal (see bottom of page for how to obtain a decal). Mix food scraps and yard trimmings together.
- Put your Green Can curbside by 7:30am on your regular collection day with the decal facing the street.
Green Can Container
Container must:
- Have a Green Can decal attached to one side of the can facing the road
- Have a secure fitting lid
- Weigh less than 44lbs when filled
Participating Retailers who support the Green Can Program:
- Canadian Tire - 6312 200 Street, Langley BC, V2Y 1A1
- Costco Langley - 20499 64 Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 1N5
- Frontier Building - Supply 9202 Glover Road, Langley BC, V1M 2R7
- London Drugs - 20202 66 Avenue, Langley BC, V2Y 2P3
- Pearce Hardware - 3147 272 Street, Langley BC, V4W 2V1
Green Can Contents
Click here to see what can go into your Green Can.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do with the 10,246 plastic bags under my sink?
Plastic bags are really harmful to the environment and will not be accepted in the Green Can. Consider eliminating your use of plastic bags; use reusable cloth shopping bags instead. Use your leftover plastic bags to collect your regular garbage, and use your Green Can and blue box for everything else.
How do I know if I’m eligible for Green Can curbside collection?
If you currently receive curbside garbage collection through the Township of Langley, you are eligible. Strata dwellers: verify service eligibility with your property management company.
When am I scheduled for Green Can curbside collection?
Refer to the Township of Langley garbage and recycling collection schedule.
Why can’t I use compostable or biodegradable plastic bags to line my kitchen catcher or Green Can?
Good question. At this time, these plastic bags do not compost quickly enough for the composting facilities. Therefore, they cannot be accepted at the local facilities.
Is there a limit to the amount of food scraps and yard trimmings I can put in my Green Can?
When filled, your Green Can cannot weigh more than 20 kg (44 lbs). If you have more food scraps and yard trimmings, simply add another can clearly identified with a Green Can decal. Better yet, reduce your food scraps.
What about rodents getting in my Green Can?
Just as you would need to take precautions with your regular garbage, ensure your Green Can has a tight fitting lid. If possible, store your Green Can in a secure place, e.g. in your garage or garden shed. On collection day, place your can(s) curbside by 7:30am.
What about my regular yard trimmings can - can I just put yard trimmings out for collection?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend mixing yard trimmings with food scraps in your Green Can to absorb moisture.
Twigs and branches can be bundled using garden string or twine (no wire, nylon rope, or plastic strapping).
- Maximum branch size: 1 m (3 ft) in length and 7.5 cm (3 in) in diameter
- Maximum bundle size: 1 m (3 ft) in length and 0.5 m (1.5 ft) in diameter
- Maximum bundle, container, or bag weight: 0 kg (44 lbs)
Is there a limit to the number of Green Cans or yard trimmings cans I can put out?
There is no limit. Put out as many as you want. Just ensure each individual can is identified with either a Yard Trimmings decal or Green Can decal.
What if I don’t have enough yard trimmings to put in the can with my food scraps?
It’s fine to just put food scraps in your Green Can.
Everyone loves my cooking. What if I don’t have any food scraps?
If you currently use a yard trimmings can, simply place the Green Can decal on the opposite side of the can so you can still add food scraps when you have them. Be sure to face the appropriate decal to the street when you put your can out for collection.
I want to compost, but I’m not in the current Green Can collection area. How can I participate?
The Township of Langley encourages residents to use a home or backyard composter. While you can’t put the same variety of items in your backyard composter as the Green Can, it will significantly help reduce the amount of garbage you are dumping. Click here for more information on home composting.
Where can I get more of those FREE Green Can decals?
Obtain decals from any of the following locations:
To request a decal(s) be mailed to you, contact us.
More Information
Engineering Division
604.532.7300
enginfo@tol.ca