News, Updates, and Special Notices

Hello Valued Community members
It does feel like the end of an era, the end of PAN as we have know it for decades.
We are waiting to see as the new service model rolls out, if there might be a possible smaller side gig for us,
but we won't know for a wee while.
For now, we are taking a breather from the stressful, emotional and tiresome journey this has been. Stay tuned!

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is now providing universal curbside garbage, recycle, organics,
yard waste and glass collection to all eligible residents across the whole region. 
If you have any questions about the CVRD’s coming service, learn more here:
Website: www.planyourcowichan.ca
E-mail: [email protected]
CVRD Recycling Hotline: 250-746-2540

If we are unable to get out at all due to snow or severe ice the day we will be getting to you will be posted here.

How to tell if it's going to be a snow day 

Safety is our main concern, and we don't want to put you or the        drivers at risk.  Therefore, if the school busses aren't running, we      won't be either.
If the busses are running, but the roads are snowy, or visibility is low, we will generally be out and about - but on those days, routes will take a lot longer. Therefore, give us a few extra hours before you pull your bins in or contact the office. 

What happens when collection day gets missed

We will try and collect your organics and/or garbage at the first possible opportunity.  

If the snow has melted or been removed from the neighbourhood, we are generally able to get to you the following day. If the roads remain snow-covered, and the ploughs haven't been able to dig you out, we have to wait until it is safe to navigate your neighbourhood.  

After several snow days in a row, we may decide it makes more sense to empty your bins the following week.  

The importance of being on time...

Please ensure your containers are out at curbside by 8am.
​Our drivers start early and because we can never quite know how long the route will take (i.e. what time we'll get to your street), it is really important that everyone have their bins out by 8am and leave them out until they both are collected (until dusk).

​The garbage and organic trucks run on different schedules throughout the day, therefore, both will not be picked up at the same time. As well, please do not expect the same time each week, as this will vary depending on how the drivers' day is going. As long as your garbage/organics collection is out by 8:00am, both should be gone by the time it gets dark out. Please do not put your collection out the night before or leave your collection out overnight, as it will attract animals.
As the garbage and organics is hand-collected, maximum weight in each bag should not exceed 25lbs for lifting purposes. We require all garbage to be bagged, with no loose material in the container.

Going Green - Island-wide!

It's been a few years since we began the Organics program, we want to thank YOU for helping us reach our goal, which is to divert half of what our company collects from the "dump" ... and we are close! This means almost half of the waste produced in South Cowichan is being turned into rich, nutrient-dense garden soil instead of harmful, water-polluting leachates! 
​
We're still struggling to collect clean, un-contaminated organic matter. I know it's easy to forget the bits (especially when food is past it's prime), but the plastic, stickers, tags, bags, etc. have to be removed from food waste before it goes in your bin.