Central Okanagan Recycling Transition FAQs
What are the changes to curbside recycling collection service (effective May 1, 2026)?
- Starting May 1, 2026, Recycle BC will assume responsibility for curbside recycling collection in the Central Okanagan.
- Residents with curbside collection will receive additional new collection boxes. A pink one to recycle flexible plastics and a grey one to recycle non-deposit glass bottles and jars at the curb.
- Boxes will be placed next to existing recycling carts on your regular collection day.
- Customer service contact details will change.
What is staying the same after May 1, 2026?
- E360s will remain the curbside recycling collection service provider.
- Paper, cardboard, plastic containers from food/products, single-use items (e.g. coffee cups and lids), tin cans and foil wrap/products will continue to be collected in your recycling carts.
- Garbage and yard waste will continue to be managed by the Regional District of Central Okanagan and local municipalities.
- Recycling depots in Central Okanagan that are part of Recycle BC’s program, continue to collect foam packaging, glass, flexible plastics, paper, cardboard and containers.
Who is Recycle BC?
Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling throughout British Columbia, servicing over two million households or over 99% of BC through curbside, multi-family and/or depot services. Recycle BC ensures packaging and paper products are collected from residential households and recycling depots, to be sorted and are responsibly managed and recycled.
Recycle BC provides recycling services either directly to communities or by working in partnership with local governments, First Nations, private companies, and other not-for-profit organizations. The Recycle BC program is funded by businesses like retailers, manufacturers, and restaurants that supply packaging and paper products to BC residents, shifting recycling costs away from homeowners.
What are flexible plastics?
Flexible plastics are lightweight, soft, and can be easily crumpled or folded. Examples include:
- Plastic bags (used for bread, produce, or bulk foods)
- Overwrap (used to wrap toilet paper, paper towels and soft drinks)
- Stand-up and zipper lock pouches (used for granola, grains or dried fruit)
- Crinkly wrappers and bags (used for cereal, chips, pasta)
- Packaging with a plastic seal (used for sandwich meats and sliced cheese)
- Plastic net bags (for produce and rice)
- Plastic protective packaging (bubble wrap)
What is glass packaging?
Examples of accepted materials include:
- Clear and coloured glass bottles and jars from condiments, pickles etc.
Not accepted in grey box:
- Drinking glasses and dishes
- Whole or broken window glass and mirrors
- Ceramic dishware
- Light bulbs and light fixtures
How will flexible plastics and glass be collected starting May 1, 2026?
Households will receive new collection boxes – pink box for flexible plastics and grey box for glass bottles and jars.
How do I set out my recycling starting May 1, 2026?
- Place the grey glass box on top of the pink flexible plastics box at the curb. Recycle BC encourages residents to set out each container on every collection day, even if your bins are only partially full.
- Bundle your flexible plastics inside reused clear plastic bags (like a bread or produce bag) before placing them in the pink box. This prevents fly-aways and helps compact the flexible plastics before collection.
Why are glass and flexible plastics being collected in separate boxes?
Flexible plastics and glass need to be collected separately from other recyclables such as paper and rigid plastic containers because they behave very differently during the recycling process. At material recovery facilities, materials are sorted using automated equipment. Flexible plastics can get tangled in machinery and glass can break and contaminate other recyclables. Keeping these materials separate ensures the highest recycling rates possible.
How can I prevent my flexible plastics from “blowing away”?
Loose flexible plastics are light and flimsy. Bundling them keeps them from blowing away. To keep your flexible plastics secure, we recommend using the “bag-in-bag” method. Simply gather your clean flexible plastics inside a reused clear plastic bag (like bread or produce bags) before putting them in the pink box. No need to buy garbage bags, liner bags or other single use products for the purpose of setting out your flexible plastics.
Place your recycling containers at curb by:
7:00am
Coming Soon: The Central Okanagan Recycling Guide
The Central Okanagan Recycling Guide outlines how to sort your recycling, shows what is not accepted, and includes a collection calendar.
Recycle BC's App
Stay informed about recycling in BC
Download Recycle BC’s recycling app to find out what recyclable material goes where and find your nearest depot location. Check your collection day and receive notifications about your recycling pick-up and services.
A network of depots across British Columbia
Recycle BC has a network of depots across BC where residents can drop off packaging and paper free of charge. Most depots accept all our materials including paper, packaging, cardboard boxes, plastic containers, metal containers, cartons and paper cups, non-deposit glass bottles and jars, foam packaging, and flexible plastics. Please see the map below for depot locations.
Flexible plastics, foam packaging (e.g. Styrofoam) and non-deposit glass (in communities without separated curbside glass collection) can only be returned to a depot for recycling.
See your Recycling Guide for information on what to bring in.
Depot Locator
See the map below for drop off locations
Material List
See our full material list
Accepted
Paper
Recycle at depots, in Paper Bins, Reusable Yellow Bags, or Curbside/Multi-Family Carts- 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
- Single-use paper party décor (e.g., paper pennants, paper globes and ornaments, etc.)
- Shredded paper (set shredded paper out for collection in a paper bag or small box and place in your paper collection container)
Paper Packaging And Cardboard
Recycle at depots, in Paper Bins, Reusable Yellow Bags, or Curbside/Multi-Family Carts- Corrugated cardboard boxes used for shipping, grocery and liquor store boxes, pizza boxes, moving boxes and Banker’s boxes
- Cardboard and boxboard boxes used for cereal, shoes, tissues, pizza, frozen entrees, desserts, detergent, etc.
- Cardboard packaging for cannabis product
- Carrier trays for bulk bottled water, soft drinks, cans, food, etc.
- Cores for paper towels and toilet tissue
- Molded boxboard packaging for egg cartons, take-out beverage trays, paper-based plant pots
- Paper gift bags and boxes
- Paper bags (also called Kraft paper) and envelopes
- Multi-layered paper bags for flour, sugar, etc.
- Compressed paper hangers included with clothing
Plastic Containers
Recycle at Depots, Container Bins or Curbside/Multi-Family Carts- Plastic jugs with screw tops used for 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 packaging for cannabis product
- Plastic clamshells with hinged or click-closed tops for baked goods, fruit, produce, eggs, etc.
- Plastic black-bottom trays and clear tops for deli chicken, single-serve meals, prepared foods, baked goods
- 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
- Plastic straws
- Plastic stir sticks
- Plastic utensils
- Plastic plates, cups, and bowls
- Non-durable plastic food containers
- Rigid plastic gift bags or boxes
- Disposable plastic hangers included with clothing
- Plastic tape dispensers
- Plastic dental floss containers
Cartons And Paper Cups
Recycle at Depots, Container Bins or Curbside/Multi-Family Carts- Paper cups for hot and cold beverages
- Cartons and boxes for dairy, cream, substitute eggs, broth, sauces, etc.
- Frozen dessert boxes for ice cream, frozen yogurt, etc.
- Coated paper plates and bowls
Aluminum Containers
Recycle at Depots, Container Bins or Curbside/Multi-Family Carts- Aluminum cans and lids used for food
- Aluminum foil
- Aluminum foil pie plates and baking trays
- Aluminum take-out containers
- Empty aluminum spray containers
Steel Containers
Recycle at Depots, Container Bins or Curbside/Multi-Family Carts- Cans and lids for food, pet food, etc.
- Metal spray containers
- Thin-gauge metal tins (e.g. cookie tins)
Glass Bottles And Jars
Recycle at Depot or in Glass Only Bin (if applicable)- Clear or coloured non-deposit glass bottles and jars. Check with your recycling collector for instructions.
- Please recycle lids with plastic, metal, and carton containers.
Flexible Plastics
Recycle at Depot or in Flexible Plastic Only Bin (if applicable)- Plastic shopping bags
- Plastic bags for bread, produce, dry cleaning, newspapers/flyers
- Bags for water softener, salt, garden products, etc.
- Plastic overwrap on diapers, paper towel, feminine hygiene products, flats of canned beverages
- Plastic overwrap on mattresses and electronics
- Plastic food storage, sandwich, freezer, and vacuum seal bags
- Plastic shrink wrap
- Flexible plastic gift bags and boxes
- Transparent single-use recycling bags
- Reusable plastic curbside recycling bags (e.g. yellow bags for Paper)
- Reusable plastic-only carry-out bags (provided with purchase or purchased)
- Plastic drop sheet or covering
- Squishy cushion packaging (polyethylene foam)
- Plastic bubble wrap
- Zipper lock pouches for frozen foods (e.g. berries, vegetables, prawns)
- Zipper lock and tear-open pouches for cannabis product
- Stand-up pouches for dried fruit and nuts, quinoa, grated cheese, etc.
- Potato chip bags
- Crinkly plastic bags for candy, cereal
- Plastic wrappers for candy, cheese slices, granola bars, etc.
- Crinkly plastic packaging for dry pasta, pre-packaged deli meats, etc.
- Flexible plastic packaging with plastic seal (e.g. deli and cheese packaging)
- Plastic net bags for fruit, onions, avocados, etc.
- Woven plastic bags for rice
- Non-food protective packaging (e.g. all-plastic shipping envelopes, air packets, etc.)
Foam Packaging
Recycle at Depot Only- Plastic foam containers and trays used for meat and produce
- Foam egg cartons
- Foam clamshells, cups and bowls for take-out food
- Firm foam cushion packaging to protect electronics, small appliances, etc.
Not Accepted
Paper
- Hardcover or paperback books (donate or sell)
- Paper towels, napkins, tissues
- Non-paper gift wrap and foil gift wrap
- Padded envelopes
- Ribbons or bows
- Musical greeting cards with batteries (contact the Recycling Council of BC for battery and e-waste recycling options)
- Rubber bands
- Plastic bags used to cover newspapers/flyers (recycle at a Recycle BC depot)
Paper Packaging And Cardboard
- Cardboard boxes with wax coating, such as empty boxes, made available for residents to transport their groceries home
- Paper bags with multiple layers that include a foil layer
- Paper bags with a plastic layer
- Paper towels, napkins (include with green waste, if applicable)
- Tissues
- Padded envelopes with plastic or bubble layer
Plastic Containers
- Containers for motor oil, vehicle lubricant or antifreeze products (Contact the Recycling Council of BC who can answer questions specific to your community through the Recyclepedia search, phone, text, chat, or email)
- Packaging labelled biodegradable or compostable, or oxo-degradable
- Items that are not packaging like
- Long-term storage containers such as heavy-duty plastic boxes or totes
- Durable hangers: wire, sturdy plastic, metal, wood
- Tool boxes or power tool cases
- Liquid-absorbing pads, e.g., in trays of meat, poultry, fish, etc.
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills
- Ceramic plant pots
- Lawn edging, tarps, plastic furniture or toys
- Garden hoses
- Plastic string or rope
- Plastic paint cans (Contact the Recycling Council of BC who can answer questions specific to your community through the Recyclepedia search, phone, text, chat, or email)
- Pails larger than 25L
- Pails for lubricants and oils (Contact the Recycling Council of BC who can answer questions specific to your community through the Recyclepedia search, phone, text, chat, or email)
- Microwavable bowls with metal rims
- Plastic or foil lids from coffee and tea pods
Cartons And Paper Cups
- Paper straws or stir sticks
- Cartons and boxes with a deposit can be returned to depot in BC’s deposit program for a refund or included in container recycling
Aluminum Containers
- Spray paint cans (Contact the Recycling Council of BC who can answer questions specific to your community through the Recyclepedia search, phone, text, chat, or email)
- Propane cylinders (Contact the Recycling Council of BC who can answer questions specific to your community through the Recyclepedia search, phone, text, chat, or email)
- Aerosol cans with any contents remaining
- Foil-lined cardboard take-out containers and lids
- Aluminum beverage containers can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in container recycling
- Electronics and appliances
- Pots, pans, and other scrap metal
- Durable storage containers (e.g., metal food storage containers)
Steel Containers
- Steel paint cans
- Durable hangers: wire, sturdy plastic, metal, wood
- Pots, pans and other scrap metal
- Propane cylinders
- Metal toys
- Appliances and electronics
- Long term, heavy-duty metal storage
- Metal hardware or other scrap metal
- Wiring or metal cords, extension cords
- Steel beverage cans can be returned for deposit refund or included in container recycling
Glass Bottles And Jars
- Drinking glasses or dishes, cookware
- Whole or broken window glass or mirrors
- Ceramic products
- Dishes and cookware
- Light bulbs and light fixtures
- Deposit glass can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in segregated glass recycling
Flexible Plastics
- Items that are not packaging like
- Long term heavy-duty storage containers like plastic totes
- Plastic bags with cloth, rope, or ribbon handles (plastic bags are recyclable when cloth, rope or ribbon handles are removed)
- Carry-out bags with PVC/vinyl
- Packaging labelled biodegradable, compostable, or oxo-degradable
- Lumber or construction wrap
- Items designed for disposal (e.g., garbage bags, compost/leaf bags)
- Flexible 6-pack rings
- Plastic squeeze tubes
- plastic-lined paper and paper-lined plastic
- Crinkly cellophane wrap for floral arrangements, etc.
- Rigid plastic containers
Foam Packaging
- Liquid-absorbing pads used in trays for meat, poultry, fish, etc.
- Labels, tape, paper and cardboard on foam packaging
- Foam peanuts and packing chips
- Blue or pink foam board insulation
- Napkins, cutlery
- Protective and squishy cushion packaging
- Foam noodles
- Furniture cushions