Courtenay, BC - On Sunday, September 13, 2026 there was a fire at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre in Cumberland. Emergency services were notified and attended at the scene. The fire was successfully contained to the mattress disposal area, posing no risk to residents nor staff. The fire has been fully extinguished and operations are proceeding as normal.
CSWM would like to extend its thanks to Cumberland Fire Rescue, as well as mutual aid who attended from the Oyster River and City of Courtenay fire departments.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place,” said Vivian Schau, Senior Manager of CSWM Services. “One major piece of equipment was damaged as a result of the fire. We’re very thankful that the fire was detected early, fire fighters responded quickly, and no one was hurt as a result.”
The Comox Valley Waste Management Centre is open for regular operating hours and there is no impact to curbside recycling, compost or garbage collection.
Comox Valley and Campbell River Waste Management Centres cannot take mattresses for disposal at this time. CSWM is asking residents to please hold-off bringing them to the landfill or transfer station until further notice. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of residents as staff work to restore this service.
CSWM staff will be liaising with all relevant government bodies to ensure that no environmental issues arise as a result of the fire.
The Comox Strathcona Waste Management service area is located in the Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Nuu-chah-nulth territories.
Comox Strathcona Waste Management manages over 100,000 tonnes of waste and recycled material annually and oversees a number of diversion and education programs for the Strathcona and Comox Valley Regional Districts.
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Media contact:
Vivian Schau
Senior Manager of CSWM Services
250-334-6025