Recycling Program Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to sort my recycling? |
A majority of municipalities in the Metro Vancouver region, including the Township, utilize a multi-stream recycling program consisting of the blue box, yellow bag, and grey box. Pre-sorting material prior to pick up helps reduce contamination and ensures more of the material residents set out for recycling actually ends up being recycled. A multi-stream recycling program also enables us to collect glass bottles and jars at the curb, which are one of the most recyclable materials. |
What is Recycle BC? |
Recycle BC is an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program responsible for recycling packaging and paper products from residential properties. Funded by businesses such as manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants, Recycle BC manages residential recycling for the majority of the province. To learn more about the organization, visit Recycle BC. |
Why do I need to separate glass from other recyclables? |
The Recycle BC program requires separating glass from other recycled items. Tipping glass into the recycling truck can cause it to break and 'contaminate' other recycling with bits of broken glass. Separating glass from other recyclables will help increase the amount of glass, and other material, actually recycled. |
What is the difference between a grey box for glass and a cart for glass? Can I request a cart instead of a box? |
The type of recycling containers residents use depends on their property type. Residents who receive curbside collection (such as most single-family homes, townhomes, and row homes) use recycling boxes and bags, including a grey box for glass. Residents who live in multi-family complexes (such as apartments, condos, and other properties with centralized collection) use communal recycling carts, including a cart for glass. Residents who receive curbside pick up are unable to switch to a cart for their glass recyclables. Residents who receive centralized collection are unable to switch to curbside recycling boxes. |
I need an additional grey box for glass/I didn’t receive one. How can I get one? |
Recycling receptacles are available for pick up from Customer Service at the Township's Civic Facility. Free delivery is also available by submitting a request online or by calling Sierra Waste at 604-530-3939. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. |
Do I need to separate the lids from glass bottles and jars? |
Yes. Please remove lids and recycle them in your blue box or cart for containers. Your grey box is for glass bottles and jars only (labels can remain on). Other glass items or ceramics are not accepted. |
Can I still put refundable beverage containers in the recycling? |
Yes. While glass beverage containers go in the cart for glass, most others (such as plastic, aluminum, or gable-top juice containers) go in the cart for containers. Foil drink pouches, however, are not accepted in your municipal recycling but can be recycled at Return-It depots. But before placing your refundable, empty containers into the cart, consider taking them back to a Return-It depot. Your items will still be recycled, and you’ll collect the deposit you paid at point-of-purchase. After all, you paid the deposit… don’t miss the refund! |
What should I do with old blue bags previously used for newsprint? |
Old blue bags previously used for newsprint may continue to be used for your printed paper and paper packaging until they wear out. Old yellow bags and blue bags that have worn out can be recycled with your Flexible Plastics by dropping them off at a participating depot. If you are unable to drop them off for recycling, please dispose of them with your household garbage. |
What numbers for plastic containers are accepted in the recycling? |
The Recycle BC program accepts all rigid plastic packaging containers, even if they don’t have a number! Plastic items that are not packaging (such as toys) are not accepted in the program, even if they do have a recycling symbol or number. If you’re not sure about an item, search the What Goes Where? tool. |
Why do coffee cups go in the cart for containers now if they’re made of paper? |
When leftover liquids spill out of items like coffee cups, it can affect the recyclability of other paper and cardboard. Placing coffee cups with other containers will prevent this contamination. Since coffee cups have a lining made of both paper and plastic, sorting them with other containers also makes sense for processing at the recycling facility. |