First things first, your blue bin is not meant for ALL recycling
How many times have you been unsure about an item, but still thrown it into the blue bin anyway? Recycling in Vancouver is meant for printed-paper and packaging, including containers, paper, and glass. Foam packaging (Styrofoam) and plastic bags and overwrap can also be recycled, but at a recycling depot. Improper recycling leads to contamination, an ongoing concern in the world of recycling. It affects the recyclability of the materials, disrupts machinery, can cause hazards to workers, and can affect its second life use.
Fortunately, there is a very easy way to fix these mistakes
Recycle BC’s recycling app tells you everything you need to know about recycling packaging and printed paper, including what recyclable material goes where. In addition to this, the app can send you reminders for when your recycling needs to be taken out and provide you information on recycling depots near you. You can download the app for free HERE.
Below you’ll find links and information on what items can and can’t be recycled into your curbside recycling. If you’re as tired of sorting through links and information as you are old newspapers, then we suggest downloaded the new Recycle BC app. Click the links for information on exactly what can and can’t be recycled.
For your yellow bag or paper bin:
Printed-paper – Newspapers, flyers, magazines, office paper, shredded paper (contained in a paper bag or box), etc.
Recycled into: new paper products, boxboard, the paper cover for drywall, moulded paper egg cartons and insulation.
Paper packaging for dry goods – Carboard boxes, carrier trays for bulk food and drinks, cores for paper towels and toilet tissue, etc.
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.
For your blue box or container bin:
Cartons and paper cups – Paper cups, milk cartons, frozen dessert boxes.
Recycled into: into paper towels, tissues, toilet paper and office paper.
Plastic containers – Plastic jugs, plastic bottles, plastic jars, plastic tubs, plastic garden pots, etc.
Recycled into: new packaging, fleece clothing, broadloom, rope, brush bristles, car bumpers, household furnishings, decking, picnic tables, deck chairs and gardening supplies.
Aluminum and steel containers – Aluminum cans and lids, foil wrap, empty aluminum aerosol containers, pet and food tins.
Recycled into: new aluminum containers, road signs and window frames.
For your grey box or glass bin:
Glass containers – Non-deposit glass bottles and jars.
Recycled into: new glass containers, sand blast media and construction aggregate.
For the depot:
Plastic bags and overwrap – Plastic bags, paper towels, bags for garden products, overwrap on furniture and equipment.
Recycled into: new grocery bags, plastic pallets, containers, crates, pipes, decking and park benches.
Foam Packaging – Plastic foam containers and trays, egg cartons, take-out containers, foam cushion packaging, etc.
Recycled into: picture frames, construction trim, and moulding.
Recycling is easy to do and we’re pretty sure you can handle it!
