Residential Recycling - What goes in the bins?
Link to Recycle BC - What can I recycle?
Cardboard
Remember: Remove plastic, labels and adhesive tapes. Accepted at depots and curbside programs.
Not accepted:
- Boxes with wax coatings
- Cardboard with food leftovers, e.g. pizza boxes can be included in compost
Printed paper and packaging
Remember: Remove plastic wrap. Accepted at depots and curbside programs. If your recycling includes unwanted unaddressed mail, Canada Post recommends you place a note on your mailbox.
Not accepted:
- Books
- Non-paper gift wrap
- Musical greeting cards with batteries
- Padded envelopes
- Boxes with wax coatings
- Foiled-lined bags
- Paper towel, napkins and tissues (can be included in compost)
Mixed Containers (metal, plastic and paper pakaging that contained liquids)
Remember: Empty and rinse, include caps and lids removed from containers, squeeze metal lids inside cans, take deposit beverage containers to Return-It depot for refund or place in donation bin.
Not accepted:
- Straws, plastic and non-paper wraps
- Foiled-lined cardboard lids
- Foil bags, foil wrap with paper, stand-up pouches, liquid-absorbing pads, stretch wrap, blister packs, packaging labelled biodegradable, ceramic pots, lawn edging, tarps, plastic furniture, garden hoses, string and rope
- Pails larger than 25 litres
Glass Bottles and Jars
Remember: Empty and rinse containers, remove lids, take deposit beverage containers to Return-It depot for refund or place in adjacent donation bin. Accepted at DEPOTS ONLY.
Not accepted:
- Drinking glasses
- Dishes
- Cookware
- Window glass or mirrors
- Ceramic products
- Metal lids (recylce with mixed containers)
Plastic bags and film
Remember: Empty bags, remove non-plastic items, stuff into one bag and tie closed. Accepted at DEPOTS ONLY.
Not accepted:
- Crinkly cellophane wrap
- Stretch wrap
- Zipper-lock bags
- Potato chip or snack bags
- Plastic shipping envelopes
- Bags labelled biodegradable or compostable
- Multi-layer or laminated plastic packaging
- Plastic bubble wrap
Styrofoam Packaging (Separate white and coloured)
Remember: Rinse; remove labels, tape, paper and cardboard from Styrofoam cushion packaging; separate white and coloured foam. Accepted at DEPOTS ONLY.
Not accepted:
- Liquid-absorbing pads or stretch wrap
- Packing chips, peanuts or noodles
- Blue or pink foam board insulation
