Recycling Plastic Bags Gets Easier in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission

Recycle BC and London Drugs expand partnership for return-to-retail of plastic bags, plastic overwrap and foam packaging.

Starting today, recycling plastic bags, plastic overwrap and foam packaging in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission will be as simple as a trip to London Drugs. Recycle BC (formerly Multi-Material 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 and on Vancouver Island, this expansion involves four stores in the participating communities.

The following plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging are now accepted at London Drugs stores in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission:

  • 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

“As new communities within our Recycle BC program, we’re excited to expand our partnership with London Drugs to offer residents of Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission more options for recycling plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging,” said Allen Langdon, Managing Director of Recycle BC. “We’re pleased to offer residents more options for recycling material that is not accepted in curbside recycling.”

“With the expansion to Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission, 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 Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission 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 seven 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 blue bag at curbside or through recycling pick-up programs in multi-family buildings. A full list of packaging and paper that can be recycled is available at https://recyclebc.ca/what-can-i-recycle/.

Recycle BC is a not-for–profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper recycling throughout BC, ensuring household material is collected, sorted and recycled. Plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging are not collected at curbside because when these materials mix with other recyclables they 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 ABBOTSFORD, CHILLIWACK AND MISSION:

Abbotsford:
#26 – 32700 South Fraser Way
Unit L 110 – 3122 Mt. Lehman Road

Chilliwack:
#21 – 45585 Luckakuck Way

Mission:
#200 – 32555 London Avenue

ABOUT LONDON DRUGS

Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs has 79 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba including its online store www.londondrugs.com. London Drugs offers consumers a range of products from digital cameras and cosmetics to computers and televisions. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,500 people with pharmacy and health care services being the heart of its business. Committed to innovation and superior customer service, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.

Media Contact: Lyndsey Chauhan, 778-840-5156, lchauhan@recyclebc.ca