A Solution for Halloween Packaging - Recycle BC

A Solution for Halloween Packaging

Ghosts, goblins, witches, and – packaging? Unlike the usual spooky subjects, packaging doesn’t have to be scary because candy wrappers and other flexible plastic packaging can be returned to a Recycle BC depot or London Drugs location.

Collection of other flexible plastic packaging provides a collection solution for many types of common food packaging, keeping them out of garbage bins and landfills during (and after) the Halloween season.

What is Other Flexible Plastic Packaging?

Other flexible plastic packaging is one of the fastest growing packaging types on the market. It is flexible plastic that often includes multiple layers of different types of plastic, making it more difficult to recycle. Examples include:

  • Stand-up and zipper lock pouches
  • Crinkly wrappers and bags
  • Flexible packaging with plastic seal
  • Plastic net bags

It also includes non-food protective packaging like bubble wrap, plastic envelopes, and air packets used for shipping packages.

What are some examples of Halloween Packaging that is Other Flexible Plastic Packaging?

Much like the rest of the year, if you have a sweet tooth, you have this type of packaging. Candy and snack wrappers, chip bags, and plastic net bags (holding tasty foil-wrapped chocolates) are common examples during Halloween:

Halloween candy individually wrapped in plastic          Open bag of chips

Three plastic packages of candy corn          Two small zipper-lock bags of gummy bears

 

What do I do with Other Flexible Plastic Packaging?

Other flexible plastic packaging can be returned to a depot. It is not collected in your blue box. It is collected separately at depots to ensure it managed responsibly. Many Halloween examples can be small, easy-to-lose pieces like candy wrappers, so we recommend the following to keep your material organized:

  • Flatten and fold larger crinkly wrappers and bags (e.g. protein bar wrappers and chip bags) and collect them in a re-usable container
  • Re-purpose larger plastic packages like stand-up and zipper lock pouches to collect smaller pieces like candy wrappers

Please remember all wrappers and bags must be empty of their contents and, if necessary, rinsed to prevent contamination.

When you’ve collected enough other flexible plastic packaging to make a depot trip, find a Recycle BC depot near you using our app or depot map on our website.

London Drugs Collects Other Flexible Plastic Packaging

You can also return other flexible plastic packaging to London Drugs stores throughout BC. Look out for collection bins at their in-store customer recycling centres. London Drugs also collects plastic bags and overwrap, and foam packaging for Recycle BC.

Did you know in 2019, London Drugs collected 46.2 tonnes of other flexible plastic packaging with Recycle BC? We couldn’t have achieved that without resident participation so keep up the good work, BC!

Learn more about other flexible plastic packaging.