Paper

Phone books are fully recyclable. All curbside recycling programs accept phone books as mixed waste paper.

Paperback and hardcover books are not included in the provincial recycling program as they are specifically excluded from Schedule 5 of the BC Recycling Regulation. Many of the curbside recycling programs in BC no longer include paperback books. Many charities do not want donations of encyclopedias and some textbooks since they are often outdated.

Visit RCBC’s Recyclepedia for drop-off options or contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline for all options available in your community.

Shredded paper is included in curbside recycling programs in BC. To ensure that smaller pieces do not make a mess in your bin, it is best to contain the shredded paper in a bag. Certain municipalities in BC require shredded paper to be in a firmly tied, clear plastic bag, while others require shredded paper to be contained in a paper bag instead. To find out the guidelines in your area, please contact your municipality or call the RCBC Recycling Hotline.

Single-use coffee cups for hot and cold beverages are included in a province-wide recycling program managed by Recycle BC. Once these containers are empty and rinsed, many municipalities accept them in the curbside recycling collection program as containers (not as paper).