(Note: this information is directly from the City of Richmond website. If you are applying for the rebate, you should check with the official Richmond page to ensure that the details are up to date).

Save your money and save precious drinking water at the same time!

Install a low-flush toilet and receive a $100 utility tax rebate!

The City of Richmond’s Toilet Rebate Program provides a utility tax rebate to homeowners who install a low-flush toilet.

Single and multi-family homeowners are eligible to apply for a lifetime maximum of two rebates per household. Industrial, commercial and other non-residential properties are not eligible at this time.

The purpose of the toilet rebate program is to encourage homeowners to replace high volume toilets with low-flush toilets to conserve water and to reduce costs. Homeowners will enjoy a reduction in their utility bill while contributing to a sustainable water conservation initiative.

• Are you eligible?
• How to Qualify
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Get Started
• Contact information

Rebate Application Form:

• English version (opens in new window)
• Chinese version (opens in new window)

Are you eligible?

All residential, single and multi-family property owners in the City of Richmond are eligible to participate in the program.

How to Qualify

• The Toilet Rebate Program applies to installations in single or multi-family homes constructed prior to January 1, 2011.
• Industrial, commercial and other non-residential properties are not eligible at this time.
• There is a lifetime maximum of 2 rebates (maximum $200) per single or multi-family dwelling.
• The program is funded to a maximum of $100,000 per year and submission of an application does not guarantee a rebate – each application will be evaluated and processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Toilets must be new, 6 litres or less and CSA or Warnock Hersey certified.
• Toilets may be installed by the resident or by a licensed plumber (toilet replacement does not require a plumbing permit).
• Rebate application must be made within 90 days of toilet purchase.
• This offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my toilet qualifies for the rebate program?
Replacement of high volume toilets 13 litres or greater are eligible for the rebate program. The toilet’s flush volume is printed on the inside or rear of the tank.

Why should I replace my large volume toilet?

• Toilets account for one third of the water used in the average home.
• Toilets send more than 30% of the water used inside your home into our regional sanitary sewer systems requiring treatment.
• Switching to a low-flush toilet could save more than 70 litres of water every day per family member and, when combined with a water meter, will put money back into your pocket.
• As of September 30, 2005, the provincial Water Conservation Plumbing Regulations have required that all newly installed low flow toilets. (www.waterbucket.ca).

Can I receive a rebate for a toilet that I replaced several years ago?
Only toilets purchased and installed after January 1, 2011 are eligible for a $100 rebate.

Do low-flush toilets really work?
Low-flush toilets have been engineered to perform as well as (or even better than) large volume units, and are standard in most developed countries.

Does anyone check the toilet installation?
The City of Richmond reserves the right to arrange an inspection of your newly installed low-flush toilet.

Can I keep my old toilet?
No, one of the purposes of the rebate program is promote water conservation. The program requires the disposal of the higher flushing toilet from homes to ensure these toilets are not longer in circulation.

How do I dispose of my old replaced toilet?
Old toilets can be disposed of at the following locations for a disposal fee:

City of Vancouver Landfill
5400 72nd Street
Delta BC
604-326-4600

Vancouver South Transfer Station
377 W. Kent Avenue North
Vancouver BC
604-326-4600

Ecowaste
Triangle Road at the South foot of No. 6 Road
Richmond BC
604-277-1410

Garbage disposal vouchers for the City of Vancouver Landfill can be purchased from the City of Richmond (http://www.richmond.ca/services/recycling/garbage/extra.htm).

Is there a time limit to the rebate?
Yes, you must submit your application form, with all supporting documents within 90 days of purchase of the new toilet. Rebates are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, to a maximum of $100,000 per year or the end of the program.

How are low-flush toilets different from regular toilets?
Low-flush toilets are available in a variety of styles and colours. They usually have smaller tanks and are marked to indicate they have been tested for low water consumption.

All low flow toilets are marked on the tank of the toilet with “LC’, “6LPF”, “LC/6 LPF” Look for CSA or Warnock Hersey trademarks:

Why is water conservation important?
There are many answers to this question. One reason is to prevent the need for further expansions to our drinking water supply system so that our resources can be spent on improving our existing system and water quality. Your annual utility bill reflects the water use of properties in the City of Richmond, and these costs continue to rise as the demand increases. Despite B.C’s prevalent rainfall, there is a finite amount of drinking water available, especially during the summer season.

Saving water also helps the environment. The more water we use, the more is drained from our watersheds, which also serve as habitat to fish and wildlife. As well, heating water requires energy, so the less water that must be heated the less energy we use.

What is a low-flush toilet?
A low-flush toilet is a toilet that uses 6 litres or less per flush.

Are low-flush toilets difficult to install?
No, installing a low-flush toilet is the same as installing older models. There are no special tools or connection required.

Where do I get more information?
For more information on the City of Richmond’s Toilet Rebate Program, contact 604-244-1281 or email savewater@richmond.ca.

Where can I find information on low-flush toilet performance?
There are many sources with information on low-flush toilet performance. Consumers can talk to their local plumber or home renovation outlet. There are independent test results of low consumption toilets available at: www.cmhc.ca (direct link: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/su/waho/waho_016.cfm) http://www.cwwa.ca/freepub_e.asp#MAP – references the MAP study authored and published by Veritec & Koehler

Get Started

1. Purchase and install a new CSA/Warnock Hersey certified 6 litre or dual-flush toilet.
2. Take a photograph of the old toilet in place and a photograph of the newly installed toilet in place (for each new fixture).
3. Submit your completed application form (including photos) and sales receipt copy to Tax Department, Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1.
4. A rebate credit will be applied to your utility bill once eligibility has been established. For multi-family dwellings with a common meter, the toilet rebate will be credited to your property tax bill.

Contact Information

For more information, contact the City of Richmond’s Engineering and Public Works Division at 604-244-1281 or savewater@richmond.ca.