Download our Recycling Guide
Download the 2024-2025 West Vancouver Recycling Guide. The Recycling Guide outlines how to sort your recycling, shows what is not accepted, and includes a collection calendar.
Flexible Plastics: Important Recycling Changes for West Vancouver Residents
When does curbside flexible plastic collection start in West Vancouver?
Monday, June 2, 2025, is the first day of the permanent curbside flexible plastic collection in the District of West Vancouver. All curbside homes will receive their first monthly flexible recycling collection by the end of June.
How does curbside flexible plastic recycling collection work?
A pink box will be delivered to your home. Use the pink box provided to set out your flexible plastics between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on the monthly designated flexible plastic collection days. Bundle your flexible plastics inside a reused clear plastic bag (like bread or produce bags) before placing them in the pink box to avoid them blowing away and getting stuck to the side of the box.
When will the pink box be delivered?
Starting May 5, 2025, Waste Control Services will begin delivering pink boxes on your regular recycling collection day throughout May. Along with your pink box, you will receive a post card with the flexible plastic recycling schedule for June 2025.
What is a flexible plastic?
Flexible plastics are lightweight, soft, and can be easily crumpled or folded. They 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)
How do I find the schedule for flexible plastic collection?
You can search your collection schedule using your address on the Recycle BC Website, Recycle BC app or WestVanCollect app. Keep an eye out for the new recycling guide being delivered in June, 2025.
Is my recycling schedule changing?
Your recycling schedule for paper (yellow bags), containers (blue boxes) and glass (grey boxes) is staying the same. Curbside flexible plastics collection will be added once per month on your regular collection day.
Are flexible plastics collected at the same time as my other recycling?
Flexible plastics are collected once per month on the same day of the week as your other recycling materials (paper, containers and glass), whereas your other recycling is collected weekly. Flexible plastics are picked up by a separate truck, so they may be collected at a different time during the day. Please wait until the end of the collection day before reporting any missed pick-ups.
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.
Can I use the pink bag I received from the flexible plastics pilot program to set out flexible plastics at the curb?
No, the pink bag is not accepted for curbside collection. If you don’t need it anymore, recycle it with your flexible plastics in the pink box.
Can I use the pink box I received from the flexible plastics pilot program to set out flexible plastics at the curb?
If you received a pink box as part of the flexible plastics pilot program you can use it to set out flexible plastics starting June 2, 2025.
Homes in my area received flexible plastic collection but my home did not?
Flexible plastics are collected on a rotating schedule within each recycling collection day zone. Each collection day (Monday to Thursday) is divided into four sections, with one section collected per week on a four-week cycle.
For example, if your regular recycling collection is on Monday, some homes will have flexible plastics collected on the first Monday of the month, while others may have it on the second, third or fourth Monday. This means not all homes in the same collection zone will receive flexible plastic collection on the same day of the month.
Who do I contact if my flexible plastics were not picked up on my scheduled day of the month?
You should contact the curbside recycling service provider Waste Control Services at recyclebc@wastecontrolservices.com or 778-589-3223.
Do I need to pay extra for curbside flexible plastic collection?
No. Flexible plastic collection is included in the standard residential recycling collection service and comes at no cost to residents. The Recycle BC program is funded by the businesses that supply packaging and paper to BC residents, shifting recycling costs away from taxpayers.
Why is foam not part of this new service?
Foam packaging, which was also part of the pilot program will not continue because it is a difficult material to collect at curbside as it’s bulky in the truck, breaks down easily during collection and could blow away at the curb. Foam packaging can be recycled at Recycle BC Depots or London Drugs. Find a location near you RecycleBC.ca/Depot.
General FAQs
Is my local government involved with this recycling program?
No, your local government no longer provides curbside collection of residential packaging and paper. Recycle BC is responsible for your recycling collection service and works with a collection provider to collect the material from your home. Recycle BC manages the program on behalf of businesses that supply packaging and paper to residents.
Does this recycling program impact garbage collection?
No. Recycle BC’s packaging and paper recycling program does not affect garbage collection.
Do I have to pay for a replacement box or bag? (Curbside only)
You may be eligible for complimentary replacement containers. Check with your recycling collection provider to see if you’re eligible.
Do I have to pay for curbside recycling collection?
No. Businesses, like retailers, manufacturers and restaurants that supply packaging and paper to BC residents fund Recycle BC’s program under the BC Recycling Regulation.
Why do I need to sort glass into a separate box?
Glass containers should be separated from other recyclables because they can break easily during collection. When broken glass mixes with paper and other containers, it’s harder to recycle these materials. Proper sorting reduces the health and safety risk for drivers and supports effective recycling of all materials. Please take deposit containers to a depot for a refund.
Is there a limit to how much recycling I can put out? What if I have more recycling than fits into my recycling boxes and bag?
No, there’s no limit. If it doesn’t all fit, try flattening bulky plastic jugs, cartons, and boxes. If you regularly have more recycling than your boxes can hold, contact your recycling collection provider (see contact information above) to order additional boxes or bags.
Place paper, container and glass recycling at curb between:
5:30am - 7:30am
Recycle BC's App
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.
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
Recycling Pro-Tips
Ensure more materials are recycled and kept out of landfill
Line it up
Put your yellow bag between your boxes and not on top of them. Keep 1m (3 ft) to allow room for garbage/green bin collection trucks.
Flatten and cut
If your cardboard is too large for your yellow bag, flatten and cut it down to smaller pieces. 30 inches by 30 inches (76cm x 76cm) or smaller. Loosely stack them between your boxes and yellow bag. Remember to keep plastic wrap out of your recycling!
Keep it clean
Empty and rinse containers to prevent contamination, ensure more material is recycled, and avoid attracting wildlife when material is set out for collection.
Avoid overfilling
Avoid overfilling your recycling boxes to ensure they are not spilled during collection. If you are unable to comfortably fit your material into your boxes, contact your collection partner to order an additional box, or use a similar, open box (e.g. laundry basket, storage box) to set out correctly sorted material.
Recycling collection questions?
Contact your provider
In West Vancouver, curbside recycling is collected by Waste Control Services. If you have questions about your recycling collection or need additional information, please contact Waste Control Services.
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