What Can I Recycle?

Paper

 Accepted Materials

• Newspapers, inserts and flyers
• Magazines and catalogues
• Telephone books and other directories
• Writing and home office paper, paper envelopes, and notepads
• Paper gift wrap and greeting cards
• Shredded paper (if paper and containers are set-out for collection in separate bins, contain shredded paper in a paper bag or box; if paper and containers are set-out for collection in one bin, contain shredded paper in a clear plastic bag)

 Where Accepted

• Curbside collection
• Multi-family collection
• Recycle BC depots

PAPER PACKAGING FOR DRY GOODS

Paper packaging is recycled into new boxes, paper towels, tissues, paper-based plant pots, the paper cover for drywall liner, kraft paper, brown paper products including paper towels.

Download a full list of materials in English, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean.

 Accepted Materials

• Corrugated cardboard boxes used for shipping, grocery and liquor store boxes and pizza boxes

• Cardboard and boxboard boxes used for cereal, shoes, tissues, pizza, frozen entrees, desserts, detergent, etc.

• Carrier trays for bulk bottled water, soft drinks, cans, food, etc.

• Cores for paper towels and toilet tissue

• Moulded boxboard packaging for egg cartons, take-out beverage trays, paper-based plant pots

• Paper bags (also called kraft paper) and envelopes

• Multi-layered paper bags for flour, sugar, etc.

 Where Accepted

• Curbside collection
• Multi-family collection
• Recycle BC depots

CARTONS AND PAPER CUPS

Paper packaging is recycled into new boxes, paper towels, tissues, paper-based plant pots, the paper cover for drywall liner, kraft paper, brown paper products including paper towels.

Download a full list of materials in English, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean.

 Accepted Materials

• Paper cups for hot and cold beverages

• Cartons and boxes for milk, milk-type beverages, cream, substitute eggs, broth, sauces, etc.

• Frozen dessert boxes for ice cream, frozen yogurt, etc.

 Where Accepted

• Curbside collection
• Multi-family collection
• Recycle BC depots

PLASTIC CONTAINERS

 

Plastic is recycled into new packaging, fleece clothing, broadloom, rope, brush bristles, car bumpers, household furnishings, decking, picnic tables, deck chairs and gardening supplies.

Download a full list of materials in English, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean.

 Accepted Materials

• Plastic jugs with screw tops used for milk, cooking oil, laundry detergent and fabric softener, cleaning solutions, cleaning products, body care products, windshield washer fluid, etc.

• Plastic bottles with screw caps, spray pump, or pull-up tops for food, dish soap, mouthwash, shampoos, conditioners and other personal care products, pills and vitamins, laundry products, etc.

• Plastic jars with wide mouths and screw-top lids for peanut butter, jam, nuts, condiments, vitamins and supplements, personal care products, etc.

• Plastic clamshells with hinged or click-closed tops for baked goods, fruit, produce, eggs, etc.

• Plastic back-bottom trays and clear tops for deli chicken, single-serve meals, prepared foods, baked goods, housewares, and hardware such as screws or picture hangers, etc.

• Plastic tubs and lids for food such as margarine and spreads, dairy products such as yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream, etc.

• Plastic cold drink cups with lids for take-out beverages

• Plastic garden pots and trays for bedding plants, seedlings, vegetable plants, etc.

• Plastic pails less than 25L for laundry detergent, ice cream, pet food, etc.

• Microwavable bowls and cups

• Empty single-use coffee and tea pods; remove lids and do not include lids with recycling

• Rigid plastic packaging for toys, toothbrushes, batteries, etc; remove paper backing and recycle separately

WHERE ACCEPTED

• Curbside collection
• Multi-family collection
• Recycle BC depots

Aluminum Containers

Aluminum is recycled into new aluminum containers, road signs and window frames.

Download a full list of materials in English, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean.

• Aluminum cans and lids used for food, lubricating oil, etc.

• Aluminum foil wrap and foil take-out containers, including pie plates, food trays, etc.

• Empty aluminum aerosol containers used for food, air fresheners, shaving cream, deodorant, hairspray, foam insulation, etc.

 Where Accepted

• Curbside collection
• Multi-family collection
• Recycle BC depots

Steel Containers

Download a full list of materials in English, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean.

• For food including pet food; tins for cookies, tea, chocolates, etc.; includes metal lid

• Empty and rinse cans. Labels are OK

• Remove lids, drop into can and squeeze slightly

 Where Accepted

• Curbside collection
• Multi-family collection
• Recycle BC depots

Glass Containers

Glass bottles and jars are recycled into new glass containers, fiberglass insulation, paint for reflective signs, sand blast media and construction aggregate.

Download a full list of materials in English, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean.

• Clear or coloured non-deposit glass bottles and jars. Check with your recycling collector for instructions.

 Where Accepted

• Separately in curbside collection – confirm with your recycling collector

• Separately in multi-family collection – confirm with your recycling collector

• Recycle BC depots

Plastic Bags and Overwrap

Plastic bags are recycled into new grocery bags, plastic pallets, containers, crates, pipes, decking and park benches.

Download a full list of materials in English, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean.

• Bags for groceries or dry cleaning, bread, newspapers and flyers

• Bags for produce, dry bulk foods and frozen vegetables

• Outer bags and wrap for diapers, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, tissues and soft drink can flats

• Bags for water softener salt and garden products

• Overwrap on mattresses, furniture and electronic equipment

 Where Accepted

• Recycle BC depots

Foam Packaging

White and Coloured

Plastic foam packaging is recycled into picture frames, construction trim, moulding, park benches and fence posts.

Download a full list of materials in English, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean.

• Plastic foam containers and trays used for meat and produce

• Foam egg cartons

• Foam clamshells, cups and bowls for take-out food

• Foam cushion packaging to protect electronics, small appliances, etc.

 Where Accepted

• Recycle BC depots

Other Flexible Plastic Packaging

Other Flexible Plastic Packaging includes stand-up and zipper lock pouches, crinkly wrappers and bags, flexible packaging with seal, woven and net plastic bags, and non-food protective packaging.

Download a full list of materials in English, Chinese, Punjabi or Korean.

• Zipper lock pouches for frozen foods like prawns, berries, vegetables; fresh foods like fruit. deli meat, etc.

• Stand-up pouches for dried fruit and nuts, quinoa, grated cheese, dish detergent pods, etc.

• Bags for potato chips, wrappers for cheese slices and candy bars, cereal bags, cellophane for gift baskets and flowers

• Packaging for dry pasta, pre-packaged deli meats
• Net bags for avocados, onions, citrus fruit
• Padded protective plastic like plastic shipping envelopes, bubble wrap, plastic air packets

Click here for a list of photo examples

 Where Accepted

• Other Flexible Plastic Packaging is now being collected by some depots as a new collection category as part of a pilot project. Click here for a list of participating depots.