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Empty refillable and non-refillable propane tanks are accepted at most landfills and transfer stations for recycling as scrap metal. Some scrap metal dealers will accept them as well but may require that they are proven empty by removing the valves or drilling a hole in them. Never place a pressurized container in your garbage as they can cause explosions when compacted in collection trucks.
Visit RCBC’s Recyclepedia for drop-off options or contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline for all options available in your community.
More questions? Find answers to more commonly asked questions here.
Most often food packaging belongs in your recycling bin rather than your organics bin. There are some cases, however, where paper packaging gets too soiled to go in with clean paper for recycling. If you get curbside collection for food scraps, some soiled paper products can go into your curbside organics bin. If you are not sure if your community has a food scraps collection program, please contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline.
Learn MoreSolvents like paint thinner are subject to different regulations than paint. They are more dangerous than most paints and require different storage and handling facilities.
Learn MoreFor recycling metal coat hangers, one option may be to go through a local dry cleaner or thrift store.
Learn MoreEmpty 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.
Learn MoreMany municipalities provide blue boxes or bags to their residents, provided that the recycling pick-up service is provided by your city. Many multi-family complexes receive pick-up from a private contractor due to different property tax structures.
Learn MorePhone books are fully recyclable. All curbside recycling programs accept phone books as mixed waste paper.
Learn MoreResidential polystyrene foam packaging is included in a provincial recycling program managed by Recycle BC. This includes foam polystyrene packaging (styrofoam) to protect appliances as well as foam take out and meat containers. For a complete list of accepted products, visit the Recycle BC website.
Visit RCBC’s Recyclepedia for drop-off options or contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline for all options available in your community.
Learn MoreCrinkly wrappers and bags are included in a province wide recycling program for packaging and printed paper under a category called “Other Flexible Plastic Packaging.” This program is managed by an organization called Recycle BC. This category would include wrappers for candy and cookies, cereal bags, potato chip bags, and other products. For a complete list of included items, please visit the Recycle BC website. These plastics are not included in the curbside recycling program, but can be dropped off at a participating depot free of charge. Visit RCBC’s Recyclepedia for drop-off options or contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline for all options available in your community.
Learn MoreEnvironmental 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.
Learn MoreWhile it’s best to ensure glass isn’t broken when including in your recycling, broken glass bottle and jars can be recycled.
Learn MoreElectric 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.
Learn MoreThe 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.
Learn MoreMany electronic items contain components that can cause environmental damage when thrown in the landfill. The ever-increasing amount of obsolete electronic equipment poses a real problem for solid waste management.
Need to recycle your old electronics? Visit RCBC’s Recyclepedia for drop-off options or contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline for all options available in your community.
Learn MoreWe’re BC’s trusted source of information on local curbside recycling services, province-wide Extended Producer Responsibility and stewardship programs, share, reuse and repair options, as well as best practices from around the world.
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