Quick Notes:
– All previously accepted recyclable materials remain part of 2025 program; flexible plastics now go in the red/pink box for curbside pickup or flexible plastics cart for multi-family pickup
– Residents encouraged to review sorting changes, take advantage of support resources, and stay up to date on best recycling practices
Recycle BC is reminding Maple Ridge residents of recent changes to curbside and multi-family recycling collection that took effect on January 1, 2025. The transition from Ridge Meadows Recycling Society (RMRS) to Recycle BC introduced new home sorting requirements to align with the province-wide system, ensuring greater collection and recycling effectiveness of collected materials. With this change, Recycle BC also assumes the full cost of the recycling service for Maple Ridge residents.
All previously accepted recyclable materials remain part of the program; however, Recycle BC is asking residents to adjust how they sort materials into existing collection boxes, bags, or carts. Updated recycling guidelines are as follows:
- NEW SORTING Red/pink box or flexible plastics cart: as of January 1, 2025, all flexible plastics, such as plastic bags and overwrap, crinkly wrappers and packaging, zipper-lock pouches, plastic net bags, and similar materials are to be sorted in red/pink box or flexible plastics cart.
- Blue box or container cart: plastic containers, metal containers, cartons, and paper cups.
- Yellow bag or paper cart: paper and cardboard.
- Grey box or glass cart: glass bottles and jars.
A full list of materials accepted can be found here. These adjustments ensure that materials are properly recycled and help minimize contamination and maximize the efficiency of the recycling process, allowing each material to be processed appropriately at dedicated facilities.
“Maple Ridge is leading the way by including curbside and multi-family collection of segregated flexible plastics,” said Sam Baker, Vice President of Operations, Recycle BC. “This is an exciting milestone for us, and we are thrilled to offer this service to the community. We recognize that changes to sorting requirements have created some challenges, and we understand that adjustments take time. We want residents to know that we are listening and continuously reviewing our systems to identify opportunities for improvement, providing resources as needed to ensure the system is efficient and user-friendly for residents. We are working closely with our collection partners, Remple Disposal and Waste Control Services, to increase efficiency and respond to resident inquiries. The Ridge Meadows Recycling Society has built a strong foundation for recycling in this community, and we are dedicated to building on that legacy by providing a convenient, reliable, and effective recycling service for Maple Ridge residents.”
As part of the transition, red/pink boxes are now allocated for flexible plastics for curbside collection, ensuring these materials are properly sorted from other recyclables. To help residents adapt to the changes, all households received a new collection guide in the mail, and last month a follow-up postcard, with detailed sorting instructions. Included with the guide is a blue box voucher, which can be exchanged for a larger 20-gallon blue box at no cost for those who need additional space for plastic containers, metal containers, cartons, and paper cups. Interested residents can contact Remple Disposal, Recycle BC’s curbside collection partner by phone at 778-503-1340 or email mapleridge@rempledisposal.com, or the voucher can be redeemed in-person at Ridge Meadows Recycling Society. Residents who do not have a red or pink box to use for flexible plastics can request a pink box from Remple Disposal as well. Remple will deliver the new containers directly to residents who request them.
“The City of Maple Ridge appreciates Recycle BC’s leadership in managing curbside and multi-family recycling collection in our community at no cost to residents,” said Dan Ruimy, Mayor of the City of Maple Ridge. “This transition marks a change in service delivery, with Recycle BC now overseeing the program as Ridge Meadows Recycling Society is no longer providing this service. While the City is not responsible for collection, we strongly support programs promoting responsible recycling, reducing waste, and protecting our environment. We recognize that changes like this take time, and we thank residents for their patience and commitment to keeping recyclable materials out of the landfill as Recycle BC works to enhance the program for Maple Ridge.”
Residents are encouraged to download the Recycle BC App for service information and updates. For more information, including FAQs, schedules and accepted materials, visit the website, RecycleBC.ca/MapleRidge or contact Remple Disposal (for curbside) or Waste Control Services (for multi-family) directly.
“A few curbside households will see slight adjustments to their collection days starting in summer 2025; residents will receive clear information well in advance,” said Baker. “Recycle BC will be out at local events throughout the summer to provide sorting demonstrations, answer questions, and help residents navigate the program with ease.”
Paper, mixed containers and glass are collected weekly and flexible plastics every two weeks on the same day as your other materials, but in a separate truck. Residents are reminded to set out materials at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection days.
For more information visit RecycleBC.ca/MapleRidge.
