Your Partners in Building a Cleaner Community
Did you know that nearly 28% of the water used in your home goes right down the toilet? Older, large-tank models can be incredibly wasteful, but making a simple switch can save a family of four up to 30,000 litres of water every year.
To help our neighbors conserve our most precious resource, the City of Maple Ridge and Ridge Meadows Recycling Society offer a $50 utility tax credit when you replace an old, high-volume toilet with a new, water-efficient model.
Are You Eligible?
Before you head to the hardware store, check these quick requirements to see if you qualify:
- Property Ownership: You must be the property owner (or their representative) and pay property taxes to the City of Maple Ridge.
- Residential Only: This credit is for residential homes, with a limit of one credit per property.
- The Old Toilet: The toilet you are replacing must have a flush volume of 13 litres (3.5 gallons) or more.
- The “New” Toilet: Your new model must be a CSA- or Warnock Hersey-approved 4.8-litre flush or dual-flush toilet.
- Exclusions: This credit is not available for new constructions or renovations that already require a plumbing permit (as those must be low-flow by law!).
Tip: Look for the stamp on your current toilet, usually behind the seat or inside the tank, to check the flush volume. If it says 13L or 3.5gal, you’re good to go!
How to Apply in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Buy Your New Toilet Purchase a qualifying 4.8L or dual-flush toilet. Check out local partners RONA, Haney Builders, or Home Hardware. They often offer extra discounts for participants in this program!
Step 2: Fill Out the Form Complete our Online Application Form with your contact info and the installation address.
Step 3: Email Your Receipt Snap a photo or scan your receipt and email it to info@rmrecycling.org for us to verify your purchase.
Step 4: Get Your Confirmation We’ll chat with the City to verify your property ownership. Once everything is confirmed, we’ll send you an email letting you know the $50 credit will appear on your next property tax notification.
- Note: Apply by April 30 to see the credit on this year’s taxes. Applications after this date will appear on next year’s notice.
Step 5: Dispose of the Old Unit While there isn’t a recycling program for porcelain toilets just yet, you can bring your old unit to the Metro Vancouver Waste Centre right next door to our Recycling Depot for proper disposal.
Why Make the Switch?
Making the move to a low-flow model is one of the easiest ways to go green at home. Water-efficient toilets can reduce your household water consumption by 20% almost instantly. It’s a win for your utility bill and a big win for our local environment!
If you have questions about the program, eligibility or the application process, give us a call at 604-463-5545 or email info@rmrecycling.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know that my toilet qualifies?
Look for a stamp on your toilet to find the number of litres it uses per flush. The toilet’s flush volume is printed on the inside or rear of the label, on the top of the bowl, or on the flush valve. If the flush volume is 13 L (3.5 gal) or greater, it qualifies!
I’m a tenant, can I replace the toilet in my rental property and receive the credit?
No, you must be the property owner or representing the owner. (ie: husband or mother-in-law)
Why am I not eligible if I live in a new building?
Under the Provincial Water Conservation Plumbing Regulation, new homes are required to install 4.8-litre or less water-efficient toilets. This regulation applies to any new construction and renovations. The purpose of the tax credit is to replace older wasteful toilets with newer efficient models.
Can I get a credit for more than one toilet?
The toilet utility tax credit program goal is to provide incentives and opportunity to a greater number of homeowners, so there is only one credit per home being offered.
