Can I Recycle This Container?
Some Surprising Answers!
‘Can I recycle this container?’ is a question we often get asked. It seems that everyone knows you can recycle plastic bottles, pop cans and beer bottles in BC for a deposit refund. But did you know that most of the items shown below can be recycled for cash?
Juice Boxes Containers Of All Sizes
Juice boxes can all be recycled, and you receive a deposit refund. The refunds are 10 cents per container, so it can add up! If your family drinks a lot of juice, you could be throwing money out the window if you don’t recycle these! The juice category includes things like drink pouches, juice cups, larger juice cartons (gable tops) and convenience-sized juice containers.
Did you know that Drink Pouches only have a 25.5% recovery rate* in all of BC? That means that 74.5% of all drink pouches are not recycled. That’s nearly 5 million drink pouches each year that are thrown in the trash. If one person were to collect all those missing pouches, they would make close to $500,000 in one year!
Don’t care about the cashback? Donate your containers to a friend, local binner, or bring them on your next trip to the depot to drop them off at our Charity of the Month donation bins.
A helpful tip: You can squeeze these juice boxes into a smaller size. (As long as the container isn’t so crushed that it’s not recognizable, and the bar code is still visible, it’ll be refundable.) This makes it pretty easy to collect enough to make a trip to the recycle depot worth your while.
Juice Cans over 1 Liter
One-litre juice cartons and juice bottles are worth 10 cents a piece, so bring them in to double up on your refund. Like all recyclable containers, be sure to leave the labels on your juice containers so all of our equipment can properly record your refund. The smaller juice tins are also recyclable and are worth 10 cents a piece, so don’t forget to collect those as well. On a separate note, did you know that the glass Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee drinks are worth 10 cents each? Visit our bottle depot page to learn about the return values for each type of recyclable beverage container.
Wine Boxes / BAG-IN-BOX
Yes, that’s right. Wine in a box containers are recyclable too, and you get 10 cents each when you bring them in for recycling. It adds up when you and your friends have a bunch kicking around from a lazy beach day!
Like all liquor containers you purchase in BC – beer bottles, wine bottles and liquor bottles – you pay a recycling fee when you buy them from a liquor store. So, that means you get that money back when you return the containers for recycling, just like you do with plastic and glass bottles and non-alcoholic drink containers. The good news is that at Regional Recycling, we pay the full refund for all beverage containers – including beer bottles & cans when you bring them into one of our depots. Did you know that Bag-In-Box containers only have a 49.1% recovery rate* in the entire province? That means over 2 million non-alcoholic bag-in-boxes are not recycled each year. Let’s help change that by recovering this valuable resource, diverting it from landfills, and earning some extra cash along the way.
Dairy & Plant-Based Milk Containers
As of February 1, 2023, plant-based and dairy milk containers have been added to the Universal Recycling Program. That means that milk cartons and boxes are now worth 10 cents when recycled.
This includes milk cartons, jugs, small plastic bottles, and single-serve gable tops. However, drinkable yogurts and infant formula are not included. To learn more about recycling milk containers in BC, visit this blog about how to earn with your milk containers.
Were you adding things up in your head as you read this info? Unfortunately, some families toss away $25-50 a month into the curbside blue bins. That amount certainly adds up and can help with things like groceries and paying bills.
While throwing these containers in the blue bins is not ideal – as community groups, charities, and friends lose out on the opportunity to use those funds – many people don’t know that these containers are recyclable and end up throwing them in the garbage!
Next time you ask yourself, “Can I recycle this container?” remember to save this link and share it with your family & friends so they can learn some recycling tips to earn more cash the next time they visit a Regional Recycling depot.
The question keeps coming up with coffee containers. Many people will still throw them in the waisting containers. Will all that change?
Hi Kelly, great question! While ultimately the goal is that every beverage container is part of the refund program, currently there are some containers that are not. The hope would be that in the future they are. You can recycle coffee cups at locations that offer the Recycle BC program.
What about 1. Tiny yogurt plastic Drink containers by danone and activia. 2. Non dairy milk substitute drink containers, some are gable top or juice box style but seem excluded even though not dairy. 3. Coffee foil bag in box such as starbucks.
Hi Sue – Thanks for checking on this. Tiny yogurt and non-dairy milk are addressed in the Milk and Milk Subsitiutes section of the article. The large foil in a box containers can be brought in when you recycle your refundable containers with us, but they have no refund value.
Hello, I find the information posted is still unclear re: milk substitutes. For example, milk is *not one of the ingredients in oat milk. (The first ingredient is “oat base.”) Can this gable-top container be recycled, or no?
Hi Cassie, Yes. Milk substitute containers like oat milk and nut milks can be recycled. This includes the gable-top type of containers.
Why are broth and juice tetra packs and small milk cartons not recyclable for refund?
Hi Gloria, the deposit/refund program applies to beverage containers only. As broth is not considered by the program to be a beverage, it is not a part of the provincial system. Juice tetra packs and small milk cartons, as long as they are purchased in BC, should generally be returnable for deposit. If the ‘milk’ carton is for anything other than milk – like a creamer – they are not part of the program as they are considered additives, not beverages. Can be confusing I know… but this is the system as defined by the BC Government.
Do you recycle old bed pillows?
Thank you for checking in with us about your recycling!
Unfortunately we do not take your item for recycling. You can check with the RCBC Recycling Hotline to find a location where you can recycle: https://www.rcbc.ca/services/recycling-hotline
You can also call them at: 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
What about things like Ensure or Boost bottles? Glucerna or Carnation bottles? Are these returnable for a refund?
Hi Leora, you can see the Brand Registry (what brands you have paid deposit on when you purchased the product) here: https://www.return-it.ca/registeredbrands/ If a brand is registered on the returnit site, all depots accept them.
I’d like to be able to add my glass jars to the express recycle as my area doesn’t take them in the blue bins. Express drop off is very convenient during this time
Hi Kate, All of our lower mainland locations offer a fast drop solution – we’ll sort and count for you and let you know when your refund is ready for pickup. Our Nanaimo locations are the only locations that accept household glass jars. The RCBC Recycling Hotline will be able to point you in the right direction to recycle them in other areas of the province. https://www.rcbc.ca/
Is everything 10 cents, or are some things more than 10 cents? Your descriptions include “at least” several times, so please clarify.
Also, do we still need to sort by plastic vs juice box vs can vs. bottle, or just count all items for the total? Again, this is extremely unclear.
Does boxed wine require both the box and pouch, or should we Blue bin the box and bring the bag for (10 cts or more) refund?
Too much PR language and not enough clarity on what categories you now have. Clear bullet point lists -with details for exceptions- are better than paragraphs if you want good compliance. Thanks.
Hi Laura, all beverage containers that are within the deposit/refund system are 10 cents.
All container types need to be sorted if you are returning at the depot not using the Fast Drop program. (if using the Fast Drop solution our team does this sorting for you.)
You can return the wine box and bag together. They do not need to broken down or separated.
Can we return w/o refund imported American beer bottles and cans??
Hi Linda, You can bring those items in with your other beverage containers. No refund will be paid, but they will be recycled. 🙂
Does oat milk count as milk? I believe it has no content that is dairy milk?
Hi Artemesia, Milk substitutes are currently categorized with milk. While the containers can all be recycled, you don’t pay a deposit on them and they are not eligible for a refund.
When returning WINE BOXES / BAG-IN-BOX, are they to be kept as is or bags separated and boxes flattened?
Hi Blair, Thanks for checking. You can bring those in as they are. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Yogurt and laundry and dish soap containers???
Hi, Yogurt containers can be recycled at all of our depots. We don’t recycle laundry and dish soap containers. You can check with the RCBC Recycling Hotline for where to recycle those items. 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
How do I sort the bottles which goes in which bags and can the lids stay on
Hi Al,
You can leave the caps on please and sort alcohol from non-alcohol. We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
I live in Nanaimo and I’m confused on where to take my empty spray paint cans. Can you help?
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for checking on this. Our Nanaimo depots will take your empty spray paint cans. We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
If you want to get rid of glass jam jars or the like you can take them to thrif store drop offs as they usually have customers looking for them.
That’s a great way to reuse those!
Should the WINE BOXES / BAG-IN-BOX be separated and flattened, or just kept fully intact?
You can bring those in to us as they are, thank you for checking.
What about vegetable or chicken/beef broth cartons?
Great question Laura. While made of the same material and we can recycle them for you, they are not a part of the deposit system so cannot be returned for a deposit refund. Bring them in when you are recycling your refundable beverage containers with us!
Do you recycle propane tanks?
Hi Diana, Unfortunately we do not take propane tanks for recycling. You can check with the RCBC Recycling Hotline to find a location where you can recycle: https://www.rcbc.ca/services/recycling-hotline
You can also call them at: 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
Where and how do I recycle those aluminum pull tabs from pop cans? Does it go by weight? Thank you.
Hi Susan, if you have a sufficient quantity you can recycle them at any of our depots as scrap metal. Abbotsford, Burnaby, Cloverdale and Richmond all purchase scrap metal. Our other depots accept scrap metal for recycling, but do not purchase. We look forward to seeing you.
How about the new green takeout containers that more businesses seem to be using rather than styrofoam (I thought the change was because BC started banning styrofoam containers and requiring take-out containers be recyclable). The containers look like a cross between styrofoam and pressed paper and often have an imprint of leaves on them to signify that they are a green product but they also have a #5 in the recycle triangle which means they can’t be recycled in BC without specific sorting. I’m seeing these more and more and it seems like it’s no improvement over styrofoam.
Hi Scooter, thanks for checking on this. We don’t take food containers in our mainland locations. Recycle BC is responsible for this type of packaging – perhaps they can help you locate an answer to this.
What a great service this email provides! My husband forwarded it to me as I did not receive one. I hope that you will send me updates at the email address below. Thanks again, our family is really keen on recycling!
Kathryn Heyes
Hi Kathryn. Thank you SO much!! We’re so grateful you took time out to let us know that you found some valuable information. We’ll add you to our email 🙂 And, thank you for your dedication to recycling! Have a great weekend.
Hello! I was wondering where I can recycle 2 Litre Pop carriers?
Hi Travis. Is this the carrier that holds 8 of the 2L pop bottles? If yes, try checking with where you got it or the product maker, as we can’t recycle at our facilities.
I live in Surrey and frequently use the express return-it system since I have finally found an honest depot.
But I keep getting flagged and am becoming paranoid about what I can include in my bags.
I have been told I will be banned if I get one more flag.
I now know I cannot include oat milk and that sort of thing.
I’m sitting here staring at a smoothie bottle.
Top 3 ingredients:
Protein base
Cane sugar
Coconut cream
Do I get banned for returning this? Clearly no dairy but I have been fooled repeatedly
Maybe there is a number on the barcode I can look at?
Thankyou.
Hi Justin, our FAST DROP solution is not a part of the Return-it Express program, but is a separate program that works a little differently. We pay you full deposit for your containers, do not charge penalties and provide funds through our contact-free ATM when your refund is ready for pickup. The best way to know if a container is allowed in the system (has a deposit) is to check the Return-It Brand locator page: https://www.return-it.ca/registeredbrands/ This will tell you if a container has a refund value. We look forward to seeing you at one of our depots.
We use the depots in Nanaimo. I’m confused by the soft plastic recycling, bags and wraps. I know we’re supposed to separate them now but am not clear how. Can you elaborate?
Hi Lisa, Our Nanaimo locations do take residential soft plastic for recycling. (Our other locations do not) For more information on what can be recycled and how, please go to RecycleBC’s website; https://recyclebc.ca/what-can-i-recycle/
We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
I note that Starbucks glass containers can be returned, when will you accept Tim’s juice containers?
Hi Peter, thanks for recycling!
The containers that are accepted are determined by the producer (in this case Tim’s) and the Steward for that product (Encorp is the Steward for beverage containers). Tim’s is part of the recycling program. You can see the specific containers that can be recycled and instructions on the Encorp Brand Registry pages: https://www.return-it.ca/registeredbrands?Se=38&Rn=2101&St=T#results
We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
Where can I recycle my blue water jugs?
Hi Rick, Unfortunately we do not take your item for recycling. You can check with the RCBC Recycling Hotline to find a location where you can recycle: https://www.rcbc.ca/services/recycling-hotline
You can also call them at: 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
Can cider cans be put in the beer cans
Are pop cans separated from the beer cans?
Hi Cindy, thanks for checking in on this. Alcohol and non-alcohol are separated from each other. Alcohol containers can be grouped together.
I just got back from Lee’s Bottle Depot and was told that my 5 over 1L bottles of milk tea (from Kirin and Mine Shine) cannot be returned. However, T&T charged me $0.20 deposit for each of them. Although it is only $1 but I feel robbed. I cannot wait for the new regulations on milk containers.
Hi Jennifer. While we cannot comment about Lee’s Bottle Depot as they are not one of our depots, we can share the Encorp Brand Directory that lists all of the brands that are accepted in the bottle refund program. You can look up each of your container types by brand name to determine if they are eligible for a refund prior to your taking the containers into the depot.
will you recycle the cereal inserts bags? Potato chip or coffee bean foil/plastic bags? City of Nanaimo curbside pickup doesn’t take them.
Hi Laura,
Yes, our Nanaimo locations are part of Recycle BC and are able to take those for recycling. None of our other depots do take these for recycling.
Look forward to seeing you at the Nanaimo depot!
Can alcohol cans and pop cans be put together in the big clear bags? Or do they need to be separated when using the bagging system? Thnx!
Hi there. Thanks for checking in on this. Cans of the same size can be in the same bag regardless whether the contents were alcoholic or not. Cans of different sizes do need to be separated.
Do you take VHS tapes and do they need to have the cardboard container removed?
Thanks
Hi George,
Thanks for checking in on this. Yes, we will take VHS tapes. You don’t need to remove the cases. We look forward to seeing you at the depot!
It is my understanding that pop cans and beer cans need to placed in different bags (they are all the same size). Is this so? Also, plastic bottles, can they all be placed in the same clear bag regardless of size?
Hi LeeAnn, that’s correct – pop cans and beer cans need to be separated before we can pay their deposit back. Beer cans and domestic beer bottles are sent to Brewers Distributed Limited to be processed for recycling, while non alcoholic containers like pop cans are sent to Encorp Pacific. Plastic bottles can be placed in the same clear bag regardless of size as long as they are counted prior to payment.
What about .5 beer cans. do they go with beer or pop?
Hi there, Thanks for recycling with us! Beer cans go with beer/alcohol please. Alcohol containers are handled by a different Steward than non-alcohol and go to a different place.
When can we expect a refund on the 4 litre plastic milk containers brought to the depot?
Hi Pam,
Thanks for checking on this. Milk containers are not a part of the refundable program. While these containers can be recycled, you do not pay a deposit on purchase, and do not receive a refund. You can read more in this article: https://www.regionalrecycling.ca/blog/can-i-recycle-this-container/
Hello, I’m glad you are working hard on communication. I have a question about empty prescription containers (with name blotted out). Do you take them? And what happens to them?? Thank you.
Thanks Deborah, Unfortunately we do not take empty prescription bottles. You can check with the RCBC Recycling Hotline to find a location where you can recycle: https://www.rcbc.ca/services/recycling-hotline
You can also call them at: 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
What about plastic water bottles?? I see no one asked about!
Hi there. Plastic water bottles are included in the beverage container program. In BC they have a 10 cent deposit/refund value.
Do you take 10L water jugs?
Hi Yonny, I am sorry – no, we do not. You can check the RecycleBC website to see where to recycle. https://recyclebc.ca/what-can-i-recycle/
Can I flattened cans and plastic bottles for recycling?
Hi Ellen, We can take flattened bottles and cans, but not compressed or compacted. The labels and UPC need to be visible. Should returns appear to be compacted it is up to the discretion of our depots. If clients are unsure, they are welcome to email us pictures at info@regionalrecycling.ca.
I have a number of 222ml pop cans. Do they need to be separated from regular size pop cans?
Also, do you accept aluminum cans that contained CBD drinks?
Hi Paul, Thanks for checking in on this. All containers, regardless of size, can be put in the same bag. To determine if we take an item for recycling, see the link below to ENCORP’s searchable database of acceptable ready-to-drink beverages that can be returned at any of our Regional Recycling Depots. This list is updated regularly. https://www.return-it.ca/registeredbrands/
I have a question about the new Express Return-It Bottle Deport procedure. I have never used it before. I, however, have a couple hundred plastic beverage bottles & a few glass bottles to return/recycle.
I did not know the labels have to be intact on the bottles. Unfortunately, I took it upon myself to remove all plastic labels that are easily removable (ie: Gatorade, Powerade, some soda bottles, etc.) and recycled them with my soft plastics!! I thought I was doing the environment a favor by doing that.
Can I still return the bottles with no labels? If so, how would I go about doing that when I now know the bagging & tagging system will not accept them.
Thank you.
Hi Vivian, We are not part of the Encorp Express program. Unfortunately recyclers need the labels to be able to identify where products have been purchased and if a deposit was paid on those containers. Without labels we cannot tell, so cannot include them in our product lines. They can be recycled through your Blue Bin system (if you have access to one) or through your local municipality waste transfer station.
Where can I recycle glass jars.
Hi Vivian, glass jars are handled by the RecycleBC program. You can find a location near you here: https://recyclebc.ca/where-to-recycle/how-to-recycle-glass/ We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
Can the boxed wine containers be returned flattened? They are easier to store and transport this way.
Hi Marni, yes, the boxes can be flattened and the plastic liner needs to be included.
How about Ensure protein supplement cans?
Hi Cliff, thanks for checking in on this. You can see all of the brands accepted by the refundable system on the encorp site : https://www.return-it.ca/beverage/recycling/registeredbrands-pdf/ This will allow you to easily see what containers are accepted.
Where can you recycle large 4 litre plastic bottles? Is there a deposit on them?
Hi Donna, While we do not recycle these at our depots, if they’re from Costco they have a 10 cent deposit/refund at Costco. If not from Costco you can check with the RCBC Recycling Hotline to find a location where you can recycle: 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
where can I recycle old propane tanks
Hi Wendy, thanks for checking in on this. Unfortunately we do not take your item for recycling. You can check with the RCBC Recycling Hotline to find a location where you can recycle: https://www.rcbc.ca/services/recycling-hotline
You can also call them at: 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
Are the Kirkland Vodka glass bottles 1.75 liters recyclable?
Hi John, yes. The Kirkland Vodka glass bottles are recyclable.
Do you accept 15L water jugs from
Water coolers?
Thank you for checking in with us about your recycling!
Unfortunately we do not take your item for recycling. You can check with the RCBC Recycling Hotline to find a location where you can recycle: https://www.rcbc.ca/services/recycling-hotline
You can also call them at: 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
Do you accept LP records
If you do, do you want the carboard covers removed?
Thank you
Do we still need to sort beer and pop cans different. I can’t find this anywhere on the website. Something u may want to update.. is this the time saving it says but you don’t explain why?
Thanks
Hi Scott, alcohol and non-alcohol containers are handled by 2 different stewards (organizations that collect from recyclers and handle a specific type of product). These container types must be separated prior to our tabulating your refund to ensure that you are paid by the correct steward and to ensure that the materials returned to the steward match the refund amounts paid.
Hi, I live in Nanaimo, I have a number of Liquor bottles purchased in the US, can they be recycled here in Nanaimo at the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange.
Thanks, Tom
Hi Tom, Thanks for checking in on this. They can be recycled with us, but there is no deposit refund as no deposit was paid. We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
I drink protein drinks in 325 ml tetra packs . Costco does not charge a deposit, so I know there is no refund. I still want to know if you accept them for recycling.
Hi Dorte, officially we don’t take these for recycling, but if you have a couple of them with you when you bring in the rest of your recycling we will take them for you. We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
why are cream cartons not on the return list
Hi Sydney, Thanks for checking with us about your recycling. The containers included in the beverage container deposit/refund system are determined by the BC Government. When they decided to change the system to include milk containers (yay) they did not include any containers for milk products that are not beverages on their own. Because cream is added to something, not consumed on its own, they have excluded it from the refund system. The containers can still be recycled, they just have no deposit/refund value.