New Westminster experiences a marine west coast climate characterized by mild, wet winters and comfortable, partly cloudy summers. Given the significant rainfall throughout the year, it is crucial to keep your rented bin covered to prevent rainwater accumulation, which can increase the weight and potentially lead to overage fees. Renting a lidded bin or using a tarp is advisable, particularly during the wetter months of fall and winter. Regularly check New Westminster's weather forecasts and be ready to cover your bin before any heavy rain events. Additionally, the cooler winter temperatures can cause waste to freeze to the bottom of the bin, so consider laying down salt or lining the bin to mitigate this issue during winter rentals.

New Westminster provides several key waste disposal and recycling facilities to cater to its residents and businesses. The United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre, located at 995 United Boulevard in Coquitlam, is a major facility where you can drop off a wide range of recyclables, including glass, yard trimmings, food waste, plastic containers, batteries, electronics, and used automotive oil and antifreeze containers. Additionally, the Queensborough Landing Return-It Depot at 409 Boyne Street accepts beverage containers, batteries, cell phones, electronics, and more. For gypsum waste, New West Gypsum Recycling at 38 Vulcan Street specializes in recycling gypsum wallboard into new products. For more detailed information on locations, hours of operation, and accepted materials, visit the City of New Westminster's garbage and recycling web page.

When placing a roll-off dumpster in New Westminster, it is essential to comply with local regulations and bylaws to avoid fines and ensure safety. The City of New Westminster requires maintaining a minimum clearance of 5 feet on each side of fire hydrants to ensure unobstructed access for emergency services. Additionally, if you plan to place the dumpster on a public street, sidewalk, or any other city right-of-way, you must obtain a Street Occupancy Permit, for a fee of $56 per day. This permit ensures that the placement does not impede traffic, block driveways, or obstruct pedestrian pathways.

Certain materials are restricted or prohibited from disposal in New Westminster and the broader Metro Vancouver area. These include recyclable, compostable, and hazardous materials such as pet waste, household hazardous waste, and biomedical waste. Proper disposal of these materials is mandated by specific guidelines to ensure environmental safety. Failure to comply can result in surcharges and fines. For a detailed list of restricted items and appropriate disposal methods, refer to the Metro Vancouver Disposal Ban Program page.

New Westminster features several major roads and highways that can experience significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Key routes include the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), accessible via the Brunette Avenue interchange, and Highway 91A, which connects through the Queensborough Bridge. To avoid delays, it is advisable to schedule your bin rental drop-off and pickup during off-peak hours. Additionally, consider checking DriveBC for real-time traffic updates and road conditions to ensure a smooth and timely delivery or removal of your bin