I’ve heard my computer has heavy metals in it. Is that true?

Empty refillable and non-refillable propane tanks are accepted at most landfills and transfer stations for recycling as scrap metal.

For recycling metal coat hangers, one option may be to go through a local dry cleaner or thrift store.

Empty aerosol spray cans, including those for food, air fresheners, shaving cream, hairspray and textile sprays, are included in a provincial recycling program, managed by Recycle BC. To ensure that any excess residue is eliminated, hold down the can’s nozzle and spray out the contents into an old rag until you do not hear any sound, not even air. Once the aerosol can is empty, many municipalities accept these items in the curbside recycling bin. For residents who do not have this option, these cans can be recycled free of charge at a number of recycling depots across the province. For more information on this program, visit the Recycle BC website, or contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline.

Charitable organizations may accept electronics in good working order for resale or reuse. Since electronics become obsolete relatively quickly, most organizations can only accept electronics purchased in the last few years. Select organizations may be able to accept older electronics for reuse whenever possible. An individual in your community might also be interested in your working electronics. Contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline for reuse options in your area.

Charitable organizations may accept computer equipment in good working order for schools and other causes. Non-working or obsolete computers can be taken to a Return-It electronics recycling depot.

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

BC’s Return-It Electronics is a province-wide, end-of-life electronics recycling program available to all consumers and businesses in British Columbia. For a full list of accepted materials visit the Return-It website. For information on your closest depot, or for recycling options on materials not covered under this program, visit RCBC’s Recyclepedia for drop-off options or contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline for all options available in your community.

Return-It Electronics accepts cell phones as part of the province-wide electronics recycling program. You can drop off any of the regulated products at designated collection sites and be assured they will be recycled responsibly.

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

Environmental Handling Fees (EHFs) reflect the cost of recycling the item you are purchasing. The collection of EHFs funds the recycling program, including depot operation, shipping and storage of collected electronics, and public education. For a complete list of the different Environmental Handling Fees charged on electronics, visit the Return-It website.

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

End-of-life electronics, including audio and video systems, can be taken to a Return-It electronics recycling depot for recycling. To find the nearest drop off depot, call the RCBC Recycling Hotline or visit the RCBC Recyclepedia or Return-It website.

End-of-life electronics, including non-mobile phones, cordless landline phones, and answering machines, can be taken to a Return-It electronics recycling depot for recycling.

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

Storage media that are not outdated can sometimes be donated to a local school, charity, or thrift store. There is also the option of listing these items on the Surrey Reuses website, or contacting the RCBC Recycling Hotline for possible reuse options in your area. If these items are ready for recycling, they can be taken to a Return-It electronics recycling depot.

Electric outdoor power equipment is included in a provincial recycling program, managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute of Canada (OPEIC). Included in this program are electric lawn mowers, trimmers, tillers, chain saws, and other equipment. For a complete list of accepted items, visit the OPEIC website. These items are accepted free of charge at a number of recycling depots across the province. To find your nearest drop off facility, visit the OPEIC Depot Locator, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, or check the RCBC Recyclepedia.

The Automotive Recyclers’ Environmental Association (AREA) has developed a province-wide vehicle retirement program to ensure waste products from end-of-life vehicles are managed in accordance with all provincial and federal laws.

If your vehicle has been insured for the last 6 months, you may qualify for the BC SCRAP-IT program. This program offers a long list of incentives for trading in your old car, including: transit passes, bicycles, car-sharing memberships, or cash. Need more information?

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