Introducing our new recycling drop-off Service. Fast Drop!
We’re excited to announce our new drop off service that doesn’t require sorting —Fast Drop! The simplest way to get a full cash refund on your recycling.
Recycle without sorting. Full cash refunds.
We developed Fast Drop as response to a growing need for a contact-less recycling solution. It maximizes the safety of our customers and staff by minimizing the amount of time people spend in our depot. It’s also a super-easy way to get refunds on your empties!
4 easy Steps:
1) Let one of our staff members know you would like to arrange a FastDrop.
2) They’ll take your contact information and the number of bags being dropped off, and record it on a purchase order (PO).
3) Leave your unsorted containers with them and they’ll give you a copy of your PO.
4) We give you a FULL CASH REFUND 48-72 hours later!
We’ll inform you by phone or email when your drop has been processed and your cash is ready to collect from our touch-less ATM cash dispenser. Fast Drops will be processed by PO number to make sure they are sorted in the order in which they arrive into the depot.
Once contacted, please bring your ID and a copy of the Purchase Order to the depot that you started the drop to claim your ATM ticket. Unfortunately, we will not be able to generate the ticket without proof of your order, so bring them along when you come to pick up your cash!
No sort. Easy cash.
So, if you’ve collected a mountain of containers that need recycling but didn’t want to come into a depot to sort them, Fast Drop is the perfect opportunity to get easy cashback on your deposits. Just drop off your unsorted recycling at one of our participating depots and receive a full cash refund in 48-72 hours—simple!
Rest assured, the ongoing safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority. All our attendants will adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols throughout your Fast Drop experience, making sure you stay safe during your visit.
QUICK TIP: Bring more unsorted containers the next time you’ve been contacted to collect your cash, so you can keep earning money each time you visit!
Our average customers earn $15 with 2 bags of containers.
* All locations except Nanaimo depots are participating in the Fast Drop program. To ensure an optimal recycling experience, we recommend that you keep beer bottles & cans in their original case.
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I would like to just be able to hand over a bag of empties through my driver’s side window and leave. I care about recycling. I just hate handling those filthy carts or trays, sorting my containers, and walking through a grotty building just to collect a few coins! Just give us a drive up and drop it system! Not having to go through all that would be worth foregoing the refund for!
Hi there, Our teams work very hard to keep our depots clean and efficient, and since the introduction of our COVID-19 protocols in March all of the depot equipment is cleaned and sanitized between uses.
However, we understand that some folks would prefer to limit their contact and be able to drop and go. That’s exactly why we set up the Fast Drop system. You drop your containers with a team member and go. We sort and count. If you’d like to donate the funds, let the depot team member know that you’re dropping for donation and they will put into the donation bin for you. 🙂
?closest drop off for North Delta
Hi there, likely our closest for you is our Richmond location. 13300 Viking, just off the Knight street bridge by the Home Depot. Burnaby may also be close – 2876 Norland – Just off the #1 near Brentwood.
Is this in Victoria too?
Hi Sharon, We’re sorry, this program is available at all of our Mainland BC depots. Our depots on Vancouver Island are located in Nanaimo and are not participating in this program.
I would like to know what percentage the depot keeps for their “charge”.
Hi Genevieve – Regional Recycling provides full deposit refunds for beverage containers recycled at our facilities.
where is the closest fast drop near nanaimo?
Hi Keith, Thanks for checking on this. Our Nanaimo locations aren’t part of the Fastdrop program. The teams in our Nanaimo locations are speedy and efficient, working to help you move through the depot as quickly as possible. We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
A great idea for those that don’t need the funds right away and better yet for ones that have numerous appointments
Does Fast Drop replace Return-It Express? Will I be penalized if I accidentally have non-refundable containers in the bag?
Hi Lisa, The program does not replace the Return-It express program. It is a separate program run by Regional Recycling in our Mainland BC locations. (Vancouver, Whistler, Cloverdale, Richmond, Abbostford & Burnaby). You’ll not be charged for accidentally including a few non-refundable containers. You can check out our Can I Recycle This Container blog to learn more about which containers have refund value.
Does fastdrop replace return it express?
Hi Sean, this does not replace Return-It’s express program. This is a program within our Regional Recycling locations in the lower mainland. We look forward to seeing you at one of the depots.
I am confused.
Firstly, are we no longer able to redeem our bottles for a refund?
Secondly, how can we trust your staff to give us the correct refund? When we’re there we can count and question/challenger any discrepancies.
Thirdly, what is the purpose of this “drop off” unless you’re a business customer who regularly needs to “drop off” their bottles because your customers have to make a second trip to collect their deposit money.
Hi Sasha,
We’re sorry for any confusion. Yes, absolutely you are able to redeem your bottles for a full refund.
If you would prefer to sort and count yourself you are able to do that. The Fast Drop service does not replace that option.
We have provided this option as a service to those customers who would like to minimize contact, or who would like to be able to drop their containers and not be required to sort and count themselves.
We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
Maybe this is good for people who scavenge for empties, but I’d really like to just get rid of the bags filling up my back seat. I’m handicapped so I don’t want unnecessary trips or steps.
Hi Isabelle, If you’d like to donate the containers to our charity partner you can drop the bags off with us and we’ll take care of the rest for you!
I have lots of empties, don’t have a car, and would just rather donate to someone who needs it, would be nice if there was a driver to pick up, then money donated back to community or those in need. I know its a bit much to ask, but I’m sure there are others who would like to do the same, I don’t really need the refund, but I sure don’t want to throw in the garbage.
Thank you for your concern and wanting to donate your empties to one of the causes we support! Unfortunately we do not offer a pickup service. Perhaps you could partner with one or more of your neighbors who may bring their empties to a depot.
Loving the idea of Fastdrop, can you please clarify for the etransfers:
Do you require a bank account or is the etransfer sent to my email/text?
I’d like to sign up for the transfers but only if I do not need to provide my bank account.
Hi Tanya, for our Fast Drop system you do not need to provide your banking details. We look forward to seeing you!
Where are these programs located?
Hi there. All of our BC Mainland locations offer this service. (Abbotsford, Burnaby, Cloverdale, Richmond, Vancouver & Whistler) You can find each location’s address, hours and what else you can recycle at that location on the locations page> https://www.regionalrecycling.ca/locations-hours/
When will this service option be available in Nanaimo?
Our Nanaimo locations are not participating in the FAST DROP program.
Thanks for checking in on this.
Our Nanaimo locations understand customers wanting to be in and out of the depot quickly. For that reason, if your refund value is not important to you, they have charity bins at their depots, and close to 40 community bins supporting the local foodbank (Loaves & Fishes) that allow for unsorted container drop-off.
The team also works very hard to process customers very quickly should you want to earn cash for your orders.
Thanks for recycling with us. We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
Where is the nearest fast drop location. I live in Nanaimo.
Thanks
Hi Susan, Our Nanaimo locations are not participating in the FAST DROP program.
They understand customers wanting to be in and out of the depot quickly. For that reason, if your refund value is not important to you, they have charity bins at their depots, and close to 40 community bins supporting the local foodbank that allow for unsorted container drop-off.
The team also works very hard to process customers very quickly should you want to earn cash for your orders.
Thanks for recycling with us. We look forward to seeing you at the depot.
Do see anything on your charity bottle can drop off?
How to? And who gets it?
Hi Marc, thanks for asking! Our current charity partner in the lower mainland is Backpack Buddies.
You can learn more about them: https://www.regionalrecycling.ca/blog/backpack-buddies-working-to-reduce-food-insecurity/
To donate, you can drop your bagged containers with one of our attendants, letting them know that you would like to donate the refund to our Charity of the Month.
This process seems like an improvement, but it relies on technology from the 70s–an ATM. Why expect a customer to return to the site with a P.O. and use an ATM when you could just transfer the money electronically? More environmentally friendly. And I would think more likely to improve participation. Unless someone is due an amount of money that’s worth it to them–whatever that is–they won’t bother returning.
I must admit, though, that could be a good strategy to maximize profits–unclaimed refunds. Please advise me of your answer via my email.
Do the bags have to be clear or are black bags ok?
Hi John, while clear bags are best, we will accept containers in all types of bags.
Please let me know when there’s a computer terminal, and direct deposit or e-transfer, and I’m there!
Hi Mark, check this out! https://www.depozip.ca/
Hen will this program be available in Nanaimo?
Hi Geraldine, Thanks for checking on this. We currently do not have any plans to launch the program in Nanaimo. We look forward to seeing you at the depot!
glass bottles, what gives, I am hearing I can only fast drop 12 at a time and in a see through bag, Where am I supposed to get these see through bags I have looked at several places so far nothing available.
Hi Terry, thanks for checking with us on this. Glass bottles are not a problem…. You may have our Fast Drop (available at BC mainland Regional Recycling depots only) confused with Return-it Express. We don’t have a limit on glass bottles. Glass can preferably put into boxes for easier transport, etc.
Transparent bags, we prefer, yes. But if you don’t have them we will accept a black bag and give you a clear bag for next time you come in.
I can’t get your program to work. I created an account and it keeps saying i have to verify my email first.
Hi Steve, thank you for letting us know! We’ve fixed things on our end, so please try again.
Hi we are new to Nanaimo can we crush pop cans and bottles also are there any stores at the north end that take recycles with cash back as we do not drive
Hi Gill. Thanks for checking in on this. The cans cannot be crushed as we need to be able to identify their contents (alcohol vs non-alcohol) and their brand to ensure they are collected for the correct steward.
When will an automated sorter be available in Nanaimo? They are in Ontario, so I know they are out there.
Hi Mark, We don’t currently have any plans for any automation in our Nanaimo locations. They teams in those depots know that people appreciate speedy service and work hard to get everyone through as quickly as they can. We look forward to seeing you at one of the depots!
To all:
I used to enjoy sitting in the sun and sorting my bottles at the Terminal Avenue location.
Now,….I enjoy using the FAST DROP System even more.
This location has always been friendly , clean and safe.
The management and employees are wonderful.
I have never had to worry about the bottle count or payments.
In the past this location has sponsored two free BBQ events and at least one hair washing and free hair cuts each year for those customers less privileged.
Not sure how many other business have been this generous ,……and it is done by accepting your cans and bottles. ,…WELL DONE!
Thanks so much Rick! Really appreciate the kind comments. 🙂 Happy to report that we’ll be doing our Gift of Warmth again at our Vancouver location in December. We couldn’t last year due to gathering protocols, and we’re excited to do again.
Thank you again for recycling with us!
are special bags required ?..how about glass bottles ? do cans/containers require cleaning ? does alcohol containers have to be sorted for soda pop ?
Hi Al, Our Fast Drop program does not require special bags or sorting. All containers should be cleaned prior to recycling please.
What is 1 toter on my receipt
Hi Laureen,
Thanks for recycling with us and using our FastDrop service!
When you drop off multiple bags the staff will often put all the bags in a toter – a larger bin to keep all of your bags together.
Our team usually mentions this when it happens so that you’re aware of it on the receipt. Please accept our apologies for any confusion.
We look forward to seeing you at the depot again soon.
Hi there – do payments expire? Can I consolidate payments together to be paid out on one visit?
Hi Chris,
Payments do not expire at all and can be collected in one visit.
For cash payments, you will need the email confirmations for each pick up you are doing. The depot requires this for proof you’re the proper owner of the ticket.
For e-transfers, payments can be requested for as many or as few orders as you have. The only requirement is that the $25.00 minimum is met.
How do I know if I’m set up for Direct Deposit? I don’t receive an option to enter any bank info when I set up my account. Do I just request Direct Deposit when I receive email notification and it gets sent to my phone number when over $25? Thanks! Love this service!
Hi Katie,
Thanks for checking on this. You will need to have an order in the system, and once it processed, you can follow the instructions below:
To Set Up & Request Your First E-Transfer
1. Visit http://www.fastdrop.ca
2. Log in to the Portal
3. Click on Account Balance
4. Click on Request Payment
5. Click the Check Box beside the order(s) that you would like to receive payment for
6. Enter in your E-Transfer information
a. Enter the Email address you would like the e-transfer email to be sent to
b. Enter in your security question
c. Enter in your security answer
7. Click Submit Request
8. You have now requested payment, and entered in your e-transfer information