Recycle BC, in partnership with Science World, today announced the launch of a new two-year exhibit that brings BC’s residential packaging and paper recycling process to life. Running from September 2025 through September 2027, the exhibit is designed to educate, engage, inspire, and build trust with families and residents while encouraging greater participation in recycling at home and at depots.
At the heart of the exhibit are three interactive displays, where children and families can test their recycling knowledge using real-world examples from BC’s residential packaging and paper recycling system. The exhibit features games, facts, videos, and information about the recycling process, including showing the full journey that plastics take from collection to being turned into new products.
“This exhibit is about showing people exactly what happens to the packaging they put into their recycling bins — and why it matters,” said Sam Baker, Executive Director of Recycle BC. “By demystifying the recycling process, we’re helping residents see the difference their actions make and what the items they recycle can ultimately become. But, this system only works when everyone takes part. Whether recycling at home or bringing materials to a depot, resident participation is what keeps these materials in circulation and ensures they’re transformed into something new.”
“At Science World, we believe in sparking curiosity and making science engaging for all ages. Through this partnership with Recycle BC, we’re not just exploring the recycling journey — we’re inspiring families to use less, waste less, and imagine more,” said Tom Cummins, Director of Exhibits at Science World.
This exhibit embodies Science World’s commitment to sustainability and regeneration. By exploring the ripple effect of our daily choices, we’re not just celebrating the progress we’ve made; we’re inviting visitors, especially young people, to imagine a future with less waste, more resilience, and greater care for the world we share.
Exhibit at a Glance
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- Reach: Science World welcomes between 1,500 and 10,000 visitors each day and hosts approximately 4,500 local school groups annually. Over the next two years, this exhibit will engage thousands of young people, families, and residents in BC — deepening their understanding of recycling and inspiring long-term environmental action.
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- Timeline: The exhibit will run for two years (September 2025 – September 2027).
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- Partners: Developed through a collaboration between Recycle BC and Science World.
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- Impact: Designed to educate, engage and inspire residents while building trust in the recycling system — encouraging greater participation in recycling packaging and paper at home and at depots.
The impact of the program is already clear. More than 90% of plastics collected through Recycle BC are sent to recycling end markets, with 99% of that processed locally in Metro Vancouver into pellets used to make new products such as bottles, packaging or even plant pots. With over two million BC households — 99% of the province — participating in the program through curbside, multi-family, and depot collection, residents are essential to keeping materials out of landfills and in the circular economy. By recycling properly, British Columbians help ensure materials are given a second life. This exhibit celebrates that collective effort while inspiring the next generation to carry it forward.
Visit the exhibit page here.