Paper bags lined with plastic are no longer accepted in the Recycle BC program due to recent changes and stricter guidelines in global recycling end-markets, Examples of paper bags lined with plastic include dog food bags and tortilla chip bags.
With these changes in effect, it is more important than ever to keep recyclables sorted, clean and dry. Refresh your recycling know-how with the following tips:
Residents with curbside or multi-family collection with the Recycle BC program:
- DO NOT put plastic bags and overwrap in your recycling bin. Plastic bags and overwrap should be taken to a depot near you. Use the depot finder tool at RecycleBC.ca/Depots to find your closest depot.
All residents:
- DO NOT include paper bags lined with plastic in your paper recycling. They are no longer accepted in the Recycle BC program.
- Please keep your recyclables clean. Rinse containers to ensure no food residue is left before putting them in your recycling bin.
- Sort your recyclables and only include accepted material. When sorting, ask yourself, “Does this go here?” If you’re not sure, use Recycle BC’s waste wizard tool found at RecycleBC.ca, download the Recycle BC app on the App Store or Google Play, or if at a depot, check with the depot staff.
British Columbia has one of the best recycling programs in North America. The Recycle BC program is fully financed by producers of packaging and paper, has a province-wide post-collection system, and a consistent accepted material list. Being extra vigilant when sorting your materials will not only help BC continue to be a recycling leader, but will work to keep our province clean and beautiful.