Where can I take my small appliances for recycling?

Many local landfills and transfer stations are equipped to recycle fridges and freezers. The units can also be picked up by private disposal companies for a fee, and a few municipalities in B.C. offer free pick-up of fridges and freezers.

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

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 Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA) manages a province-wide recycling program for small electrical appliances called ElectroRecycle, which includes countertop microwaves. Built-in or over-the-range microwaves, however, are not included in this program and are part of the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) program instead.

Visit the ElectroRecycle website for a list of drop off locations for countertop microwaves, or visit RCBC’s Recyclepedia or contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline for microwaves of all types.

Some municipalities offer bulky item pick-up services or spring clean-up programs for residents. Large appliances, such as washers, dryers and dishwashers, are usually included in these programs and can be picked up for free. Private recycling or disposal companies can also be hired to haul away the appliances for you. The BC Hydro “Fridge Buy-Back Program” has been permanently discontinued.

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