Free is your friend.
The City of Surrey is reminding residents about its 2025 Free Waste Drop-off Event, a five-month pilot project in 2024 that's being brought back by popular demand.
Scott Neuman, Surrey's general manager of engineering, says residents can between May 5 and Sept. 24 get rid of up to 100 kilograms of junk at the Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres.
"This event provides residents with a convenient, no-cost opportunity to responsibly dispose of unwanted materials," he explained. "The event supports improved accessibility, cleaner neighbourhoods, reduced illegal dumping, greater landfill diversion, and increased civic pride."
The stuff that can be dropped off includes garbage, furniture, green waste, clean wood, and gypsum. There's also free disposal for recyclable materials such as electronics, metal, appliances, paint, used oil, antifreeze, and mattresses. It's one free drop-off per household – proof of Surrey residency is required – but commercial and business vehicles can't participate.
More than 21,000 Surrey residents made good use of last year's pilot project – marking a 143 per cent increase compared to Disposal Days. More than 3,300 tonnes of junk was collected (a 187 increase).
Also in May, Neuman noted in a corporate report before council on April 28, his department will launch a city-wide Cleanup Blitz. "City staff, along with contractors, will be deployed for enhanced litter picking and cleanup efforts in various neighbourhoods," his report reads.
