Hey Cowichan,

With the launch of the three-stream curbside collection service, most households will now have two or three totes at the curb on collection day — depending on the week.

🚛 That means proper spacing is more important than ever to ensure safe and efficient collection.

🦾 Why is spacing important?
Collection trucks are equipped with automated mechanical arms that lift and empty the totes. These arms require space on all sides to operate properly. If totes are too close together, or obstacles such as vehicles, fences, or utility poles are present, the truck may not be able to collect them.

📏 Please follow these spacing guidelines:

• Leave 1 metre (3 feet) between each tote and any surrounding objects
• Ensure 2 metres (6.5 feet) of clearance behind the totes
• Maintain 3 metres (10 feet) of vertical clearance — avoid low-hanging branches or wires

Your totes may be moved by our drivers or audit team to improve collection access. Please return your totes to the same location on your next pickup day.

Visit https://www.cvrd.ca/3393/Curbside-Collection-Overview to view the curbside collection guidelines for successful collection.