The City of Surrey saw a record number of residents take part in this year’s free waste drop-off program, which ran from May 5 to Sept. 24. The expanded five-month service, unique to Surrey, was introduced in response to community feedback for more time and flexibility to drop off items at the Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres. Participation was up 9% from last year, with more loads and greater tonnage of waste dropped off overall. Notably, mattress drop-offs rose by 50%, keeping thousands of unwanted items out of streets and parks. 

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY-The City of Surrey saw a record number of residents take part in this year’s free waste drop-off program, which ran from May 5 to Sept. 24. The expanded five-month service, unique to Surrey, was introduced in response to community feedback for more time and flexibility to drop off items at the Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres. Participation was up 9% from last year, with more loads and greater tonnage of waste dropped off overall. Notably, mattress drop-offs rose by 50%, keeping thousands of unwanted items out of streets and parks. 

“Surrey is proud to be the only city in the region offering residents a free waste drop-off service, reflecting our commitment to a clean, safe and beautiful city,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Thank you to our residents for making the most of this service and the Large Item Pickup program, and to our staff for their hard work keeping Surrey clean. I’m also grateful to the community groups, businesses and residents who support the Adopt-A-Street program. Together, we’re building a city we can all be proud of — one that’s free of illegal dumping.” 

Highlights from the 2025 waste disposal programs:  

 Free waste drop-off: 23,600 loads (up 9%), 3,600 tonnes of waste (up 9%), 4,075 mattresses (up 50%). 

Large item pickup: The City receives an average of 40,000 requests and collects over 60,000 items annually (up 10%). 

Seasonal clean-up blitzes: 

May: 2,645 illegally dumped items and 1,502 bags of litter collected  

August: 2,248 illegally dumped items and 889 bags of litter collected 

The City’s goal is to reduce illegal dumping by 20% by 2026.  To date, incidents have decreased by 19% compared to 2021.

For more information about waste and recycling services, visit surrey.ca/rethinkwaste.