Recycle BC and London Drugs Expand Partnership to Recycle Plastic Bags and Foam Packaging

Starting today, recycling plastic bags, plastic overwrap and foam packaging in Surrey, Richmond, Langley and Delta will be as simple as a trip to London Drugs. Recycle BC is partnering with London Drugs to offer this convenient option for residents to bring these materials to their local store for recycling. Building off a partnership established with London Drugs stores in the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Island and many parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, this phase of the expansion involves 10 stores in participating communities.

The following plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging are now accepted at London Drugs stores in Surrey, Richmond, Langley and Delta:

  • Plastic bags and overwrap, including grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, outer bags for diapers
  • White and coloured plastic foam packaging, including foam meat trays, foam egg cartons and foam cushion packaging for electronics

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with London Drugs to offer residents of Surrey, Richmond, Langley and Delta more options for recycling plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging,” said Allen Langdon, Managing Director of Recycle BC. “These items are not accepted in curbside recycling in Surrey, Richmond and Langley so we’re pleased to offer residents more locations to recycle them.”

“With the expansion to Surrey, Richmond, Langley and Delta, London Drugs is proud to again be partnering with Recycle BC to offer a very convenient way for more consumers to recycle their plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging,” said Kevin Sorby, General Manager, Retail Operations, London Drugs. “Now our customers and the greater community in these areas will be able to bring in these materials no matter where the original product packaging has originated from. There is no reason for residents who live in these four communities to throw plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging in the waste bin. Simply bring it in to your local London Drugs and we’ll ensure it is recycled properly.”

Recycling helps to conserve resources, save energy and protect the environment. Plastic bags and overwrap are recycled into new grocery bags, plastic pallets, containers, crates, pipes, decking and park benches. Plastic foam packaging is recycled into picture frames, construction trim, moulding, park benches and fence posts.

In addition to London Drugs locations, residents can continue to return plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging at the 15 other depots in these communities. A tool to find the nearest depot can be found at https://recyclebc.ca/recycling-at-home/recycling-depots/. Residents are also able to recycle a variety of packaging and paper in their curbside and multi-family recycling collection programs. A full list of packaging and paper that can be recycled is available at https://recyclebc.ca/what-can-i-recycle/.

Plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging are best collected at depots because when these materials mix with other recyclables they often do not separate well enough to meet the standards of North American recycling markets.

Sustainability and recycling have been a priority and part of London Drugs’ daily operations since the 1980s. Partnering with a variety of regional, provincial and waste reduction partners, such as Recycle BC, London Drugs continues to be recognized for its waste stewardship across Western Canada. Additional items consumers can recycle at London Drugs include fluorescent lights, rechargeable and alkaline batteries, cell phones, cardboard, electronics and cartridges for printers and computers. More information on the many items London Drugs will take back for recycling can be found at www.greendeal.ca.

LONDON DRUGS LOCATIONS IN SURREY, RICHMOND, LANGLEY AND DELTA:

Cloverdale ·         17685 64th Avenue, Unit #821, Surrey
Delta ·         7303 120th Street, Delta
Guildford ·         2300 Guildford Town Centre, Surrey
Ironwood ·         11666 Steveston Hwy, 3200, Richmond
Ladner ·         5237 48th Avenue, Delta
Langley ·         20202 66th Avenue, 1B, Langley
London Station Surrey ·         10348 King George Hwy, Surrey
Morgan Crossing ·         15850 26th Avenue #130, Surrey
Peninsula Village White Rock ·         15355 24th Avenue #100, Surrey
Richmond ·         5971 Number 3 Road, Richmond