As part of the Recycle BC Printed Paper and Packaging (PPP) recycling program, the City provides information about what plastic materials are accepted in the curbside recycling program and at local Recycle BC Depots.
To help explain how plastics can be recycle, Recycle BC provides the following information:
Most hard plastic packaging can be added to curbside recycling bins. Included are plastic take-out cups, bowls and lids; microwavable bowls and cups; plastic bottles, jugs, jars, tubs and trays; hard plastic clamshells for baked goods, fruit, eggs, etc.; plastic garden pots and seedling trays; and plastic pails less than 25 litres. Hard plastic packaging inside corrugated cardboard or boxboard is also accepted within curbside recycling. Learn more!
Plastic bags and overwrap are part of the "single use" family of plastics that can be recycled at Recycle BC locations. Details are available here. Plastic bags are not accepted in curbside bins. Replacing single-use plastic bags with re-usable shopping bags is one of the easiest actions individuals can take to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills.
Other Flexible Plastic Packaging includes stand-up and zipper lock pouches, crinkly wrappers and bags, flexible packaging with seal, woven and net plastic bags, and non-food protective packaging. It is accepted at all Recycle BC depots as of January 1, 2019. More information on plastics within this category is found here.
Durable plastic products such as reusable water bottles, plastic cutlery, plastic storage containers, toys, housewares, furniture, and other plastic products are not accepted in curbside bins as part of the Recycle BC program. If these items are in good condition they can be donated to thrift or second hand stores. Search the item in our Waste Wise app to confirm how and where to recycle. If the item is broken, place it in your garbage bin.
Learn how and where to recycle plastics and other items by downloading the Waste Wise App. Or use the Waste Wise Wizard any time from your computer.
