There have been some changes at your local Recycle BC depot.
We’ve combined all flexible plastics into one collection category for recycling! No more sorting plastic bags and overwrap from other flexible plastic packaging (crinkly wrappers, stand-up zipper-lock pouches, etc.). You can now collect and store all Flexible Plastics in one bag or container for your depot trip and drop it off in one convenient collection bin on site.
With this change, squishy cushion packaging (polyethylene foam) can now also be included with this collection category as it is compatible with the same recycling process.
Research and Development Timeline:
2017 – Planning starts for Other Flexible Plastic Packaging research and development project with Merlin Plastics.
2018 – Soft launch of research and development project with select depots.
2019 – All Recycle BC depots begin collecting Other Flexible Plastic Packaging.
2019 to 2022 – Amass enough clean and correctly sorted Other Flexible Plastic Packaging for Merlin Plastics to do tests; conduct research and development on material recyclability.
2021 – Partner with University of Victoria to test reuse of Other Flexible Plastic Packaging.
2022 – Merlin Plastics is successful in recycling Other Flexible Plastic Packaging. Recycle BC confirms comingling of Plastic Bags and Overwrap and Other Flexible Plastic Packaging categories
2023 – Launch new Flexible Plastics material category at Recycle BC depots and London Drugs. Ongoing partnership with the University of Victoria to test reuse of Flexible Plastics.
For more information, see the frequently asked questions below.