January 5: All depots and drop-off locations have resumed collection of foam packaging.
December 23: We are pleased that we are now able to resume collection of foam packaging at depots province-wide, effective Monday December 27. This lifts the final remaining collection suspension, which affected glass bottles and jars and foam packaging over the past month.
- Collection of foam packaging from depots resumes December 27
The decision to resume collection will be made by depots who collect on our behalf. We expect most will resume collection on Monday. However, given it is the holiday season, some may choose to delay collection of foam for a few days to manage other materials. For example, London Drugs locations will not be resuming collection of foam until after the holidays.
December 17: We continue to implement a phased collection restart plan for glass bottles and jars and foam packaging. We are pleased that we are now able to resume collection of glass bottles and jars province-wide.
- Collection of glass bottles and jars from curbside and multi-family in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island resumed December 13.
- Collection of glass bottles and jars from curbside and multi-family in all other areas of BC (as applicable) resumes December 20.
- Collection of glass bottles and jars from depots resumes December 20.
- Collection of foam packaging from depots remains temporarily suspended.
December 13: With transportation challenges in some areas starting to ease and our primary end market for glass in the Fraser Valley no longer under evacuation order, we continue to implement a phased collection re-start plan for glass bottles and jars and foam packaging.
- Collection of glass bottles and jars from curbside and multi-family homes in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island resumes December 13.
- Collection of glass bottles and jars from curbside and multi-family homes in other areas of BC remains temporarily suspended.
- Collection of glass bottles and jars and foam packaging from depots remains temporarily suspended.
December 9: With transportation challenges in some areas starting to ease and our primary end market for glass in the Fraser Valley no longer under evacuation order we are able to implement a phased restart plan.
- Collection of glass bottles and jars from curbside and multi-family homes in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island can resume the week of December 13.
- Collection of glass bottles and jars from curbside and multi-family homes in other areas of BC remains temporarily suspended.
- Collection of glass bottles and jars and foam packaging from depots in all areas of BC remains temporarily suspended.
November 30: Due to continued flooding and resulting transportation challenges and end-market closures, the collection suspension for glass bottles and jars from homes and depots, and foam packaging from depots remains in effect.
November 18: The flooding some regions of BC are experiencing is unprecedented. Our hearts are with everyone affected. We hope everyone stays safe.
Due to the unprecedented flooding event, we are making a temporary change to collection of some Recycle BC materials. Starting Monday, November 22 we are:
- Suspending collection of non-deposit glass bottles and jars and foam packaging (white and coloured) from Recycle BC depots.
- Suspending collection of all glass bottles and jars from curbside and multi-family.
Please do not take these materials to a depot or set out for curbside or multi-family collection. If possible, hold on to your glass and foam packaging and set out or drop off later, once collection of these materials resumes.
With transportation corridors compromised due to road closures, and our primary glass end market closed due to flooding, we cannot move glass from receiving facilities to our glass end markets. In addition, the flooding has affected the availability of trucks for hauling materials, further compounding these challenges.
At this time, we will continue to collect and receive paper, cardboard, containers and soft plastics – materials that can be baled and stored at receiving facilities in a more compact manner. Managing materials responsibly continues to be a priority for us. We will work with all partners to ensure we handle all materials as effectively as possible during this emergency.
The situation is evolving rapidly, so we do not yet know how long this change will be required. We will provide updates as we have more information.
We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Residents that receive curbside or multi-family service directly from Recycle BC and our applicable contractor can get more information here:
For other communities, please contact your local government or recycling service provider.
Collectors can access communication resources here.