Recycling Program Frequently Asked Questions
| Why did the recycling program change in 2018? |
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In July 2018, the Township joined Recycle BC, a not-for-profit recycling organization operating in most municipalities throughout British Columbia. The Recycle BC program differs, slightly, from what was previously in place at the Township. Adjusting the Township’s processes ensures they align with Recycle BC’s requirements. |
| 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 new 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. |
| Did anything else change in the recycling program in 2018? |
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Yes, there are some new items that can now be recycled, and some items that are now recycled in a different container or cart. For details, see the Recycle at Home guide. Additionally, you no longer need to separate your newsprint into a separate bag or cart. Newspaper and flyers can now go in the yellow bag or cart for paper with other paper products. |
| What is the difference between a grey box for glass and a cart for glass? Can I request a cart instead of a box? |
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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 received one. How can I get one? |
| Call Sierra Waste for delivery at 604-530-3939. |
| 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. The new grey box, or cart for glass, is for glass bottles and jars only (though you can leave on paper labels). |
| Can I still put refundable beverage containers in the recycling? |
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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 my old yellow and blue bags? |
| While the blue bag is no longer needed with the Recycle BC program, you're encouraged to reduce waste and reuse your existing yellow or blue bag for all paper products until they wear out. When it is time to dispose of the bags, place them in your household garbage. |
| What numbers for plastic containers are accepted in the recycling? |
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The new program accepts any packaged-product container in the recycling, including most of your household containers for food, soap, cleaning products, and so on. This means no more searching the package for numbers! Despite being plastic, some items not considered packaging (such as toys) are not accepted in the program. 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. |