Recycle Milk Containers

Milk & Plant-Based Beverages Transition into the Deposit System

Now, you can recycle milk containers for 10¢ each!

By:

Nadine |

February 1, 2022
Have you heard? As of February 1st, you can now recycle your milk containers in British Columbia. Recycling milk containers means that we can all cut down the waste that goes into landfills, put more money in your pockets, and it can all be done from the comfort of your home.

Recycling milk containers is part of the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan that the Government of BC launched in 2019. This program will save millions of plastic materials from landfills. By adding these containers to BC Recycling programs, local businesses, schools, and restaurants will be able to include milk containers in with their other empty containers.

Let’s start with which milk containers can be recycled. We are happy to report that we can take a wide range of dairy milk and plant-based milk containers such as glass milk containers, plastic milk jugs, and cardboard milk containers. Use this chart as a guideline.

Accepted Milk Containers 10¢

Best before date after Feb 1, 2022

  • Plastic dairy milk jugs
  • Glass dairy milk containers
  • Cardboard dairy milk boxes
  • Plastic nut milk jugs
  • Glass nut milk containers
  • Cardboard nut milk boxes
  • Plastic soy milk jugs
  • Glass soy milk containers
  • Cardboard soy milk boxes

Non-Refundable Milk Containers

Any milk product from above with an expiry date before Feb 1, 2022

  • Drinkable Yogurts 
  • Infant Formula 
  • Meal Replacements 
  • Diet Supplements
  • Beverage concentrates (condensed milk) 
  • Coffee creamers, whipped cream, & similar. 

Are milk cartons refundable in bc?

Now that you know which milk containers you can recycle let’s talk about how you can put more money in your pocket. Milk containers provide a 10C return. They are a part of the universal return rate; all containers recycled in BC are worth a 10¢ return.

You can earn simpler and faster than ever with our two convenient services.

Milk Deposit System
Milk Deposit System

FastDrop

Drop of your unsorted containers to any of our eight depot locations. You can be in and out of the depot in minutes. We’ll sort your empties, and you’ll have the option of picking up your return in cash or withdrawing it from your FastDrop account after we finish processing your return. Yes, you can put your milk containers in with your other empties!

Regional Recycling Fast Drop Depozip Christmas Recycling
Regional-Recycling-Fast-Drop-Depozip-Christmas-Recycling

Depozip

You can also recycle your milk containers from home. With Depozip, you can schedule a free pick-up of your unsorted empties. Set up a free account, schedule a convenient pickup time, and put your unsorted empties on the curb. We’ll process your recycling and send a return to your account.

This new recycling program, implemented by the Government of BC, launches on February 1st, 2022. Please keep in mind that we can only accept milk containers with a best-before-date that falls on or after Feb 1st.

10 cent deposit on you milk containers
10 cent deposit on you milk containers

Making an A-moo-zing Impact

In 2017/2018, BC dairy farmers produced 808 Million gallons of milk. With this new recycling program, including dairy milk, nuts milk, soy milk, and other milk substitutes, the impact of recycling milk containers will be immense. To ensure we can recycle all the containers we collect, please give your milk containers a good rinse. This will mean we can give them a new life. Thank you for being a part of this great community and helping us keep containers out of landfills!

For more information about this exciting new recycling program, follow this link or reach out to the Regional Recycling team.

79 Comments

  1. Elisabeth Elsinga

    Can we at least flatten one gallon
    Milk containers?

    Reply
    • burnabybottle

      Hi Elizabeth, thanks for checking on this. We ask that containers not be crushed due to our need to see the brand and purchase information. This allows us to determine if and when a deposit was paid on the container, and to process an accurate refund value. We look forward to seeing you at the depot.

      Reply
  2. Kevin Chahal

    One empty full size beer keg return amount? Thanks

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Kevin, thanks for checking in with us about this. We do not provide refunds for full sized kegs. Your best option would be to return it where you purchased it to receive your deposit refund.

      Reply
    • Matthew Burger

      hello, I have boxes of liquid floor stripper that I need to dispose of from my job site. Is this something you can help me with?

      Reply
      • Betty

        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.

        Reply
  3. Julie Niessen

    Can we recyle a small upright freezer to the Abbotsford location?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Julie. Yes, our Abbotsford location accepts all types of residential appliances. Look forward to seeing you there.

      Reply
  4. Jared

    Do you accept toilets ? 🙂

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Jared. 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.

      Reply
      • Kevin

        Hi when sorting gable milk containers can they be mixed with juice gable containers or all milk has to be in one

        Reply
        • Betty

          HI Kevin. Thanks for asking! All gable tops can go together as long as they are not alcohol containers. See you at the depot!

          Reply
  5. Terri

    Hi. Do you take old sewing machines? If not, any suggestions as to where I can take them?. Thanks

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Terri, we sure do! Look forward to seeing you at the depot.

      Reply
      • Dawn Riede

        do you accept air conditioners

        Reply
        • Betty

          Hi Dawn, we do take residential air conditioners at all of our Regional Recycling locations.

          Reply
  6. Hm

    Do you accept gas lawn mowers?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi HM – we sure do. please make sure the gas and oil are drained before transporting to the depot. We look forward to seeing you there.

      Reply
  7. Gordon Neale

    Good day do you take old bbqs?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Gordon, we do take old BBQs. Please make sure the fuel source is disconnected and that the unit(s) are free of food waste before transporting to the depot.

      Reply
    • Bhaya

      I got lot of nails and rusty screws and small metal fittings etc can they be put in recycled bin or else?

      Reply
      • Betty

        We have a bin for loose metal fittings at each of the depots where you can deposit your scrap metal bits.

        Reply
        • Stuart

          Do you take collapsible metal bed frames at the Evans St location?

          Reply
          • Betty

            Hi Stuart, if the frames are 100% metal we can take them for recycling. We look forward to seeing you there.

  8. Lisa

    Hi, do u take window air conditioners?
    Thx

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Lisa, we sure do. Look forward to seeing you at the depot!

      Reply
  9. JWK

    Do you take Styrofoam package material

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi JWK, While our Nanaimo locations do take household styrofoam packaging, our mainland locations do not take your item it for recycling. you can call the recycling hotline to find a location that recycles near you: 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)

      We look forward to seeing you at the depot.

      Reply
  10. JANE CHEUNG

    I have some dismantle dinning chairs. Can I drop it off to Vulcan? Are there charges?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Jane, 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.

      Reply
  11. eden parales

    Hi do you accept broken glass large amt.

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Eden. 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.

      Reply
  12. Tom Nicholls

    Hello – do you take old magazines?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Tom,

      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.

      Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Tom,
      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.

      Reply
  13. Christine

    Hello. Do you take styrofoam?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Christine, While our Nanaimo depots do take household Styrofoam, we do not take it for recycling at any of our lower mainland locations. 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.

      Reply
    • Anne

      Hello. Do you accept hard case luggages?

      Reply
      • Betty

        Unfortunately we do not take hard luggage cases (or any luggage) 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)

        Reply
  14. Michelle Elliott

    Hello, can you tell me where I can take old child booster car seats to get recycled? They are not the full child car seats, just the booster. Do your recycling depots take them?
    Thank you,

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Michelle,

      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.

      Reply
  15. Victor

    Can i bring stand fan and full car seats?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Victor, We can recycle your stand fan, but not your car seats. An auto wrecker that resells may take those.

      Reply
  16. Carol

    Do you take clothes washing machines and dryers

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Carol, We do take residential clothes washers and dryers at all of our depots EXCEPT Burnaby. Look forward to seeing you then.

      Reply
  17. Karen A Bailey

    Does the Cloverdale location accept mini fridges?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Karen, It sure does. We look forward to seeing you there.

      Reply
  18. UD

    Doest the cloverdale location take bar fridges?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi there. Yes, the Cloverdale location will recycle all types of residential appliances, including fridges.

      Reply
  19. Josh

    Do you take small amounts of cooking oil?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Josh, unfortunately no. We do not recycle cooking oil.

      Reply
  20. Joy

    Good morning, do you take empty plastic cd cases?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Joy, absolutely. Happy to recycle those for you!

      Reply
  21. E. Chantelois

    Hi,
    How about damaged suitcases?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi there. Unfortunately we do not take suitcases for recycling. If they could be repaired perhaps a donation center may be interested, otherwise they would be trash.

      Reply
  22. Riley

    How about old locks and keys? Do you pay cash for them? Are they considered scrap metal?

    Reply
  23. Kerry Wilson

    Do you accept Christmas string lights

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Kerry, yes. We’re happy to recycle Christmas string lights and all other types of lights.

      Reply
  24. Dan

    Do you take microwave, desk lamps, small heater, computer monitor and ink toner?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Dan. Thanks for checking in on this. We can take all except the ink toner, which you can recycle at a Staples location. Look forward to seeing you at the depot.

      Reply
  25. Marlene

    Do you take Boost containers and Glucerna contaners

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Marlene, We accept all refundable containers listed in the Encorp Brand registry: https://www.return-it.ca/registeredbrands/ Unfortunately Glucerna and Boost are not included in the program.We look forward to seeing you at the depot.

      Reply
  26. Angela

    Can I drop off the old chest freezer without making an appointment?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Angela, thanks for checking in on this. You can drop your freezer off without an appointment. We look forward to seeing you at the depot.

      Reply
  27. Kobe Doi

    Can I recycle plastic coolers here?

    Reply
    • Betty

      HI Kobe – Thanks for checking on this, but we cannot take those for recycling. You can check with the Recycle BC hotline to see if they can point you in the right direction: 604- recycle (604-732-9253)

      Reply
  28. Joe

    Do you take old gasoline?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Joe, we do take gas – Only in approved ULC Container that you will leave at the depot.

      Reply
  29. Jane MacPhail

    Our plastic goat milk containers were refused at your Burnaby location. These were from a Canadian goat dairy farm so why can they not be recycled??

    Photo also shows a yogurt container but these were also refused.

    Please explain why.

    Reply
    • Betty

      HI Jane, You don’t mention the brand so we can’t look it up for you, but you can check the Encorp brand registry. If a product is listed there we will accept it at the depots. https://www.return-it.ca/registeredbrands/

      Reply
  30. Larry

    Hi, are you accepting old paints and use oil cooking . Thanks !

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Larry,

      Thank you for checking in with us about your recycling!

      We can take old paints if they are in the original container and the lid tightly fits.

      Unfortunately we do not take your used cooking oil 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.

      Reply
  31. Kurt

    Do you take paint cans that still have a little paint in them?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Kurt, we do take your paint cans with paint in them. Please make sure the lid is tightly fastened to ensure safe cartage and storage at our facility. We look forward to seeing you there.

      Reply
  32. Launa

    Does the Cloverdale location accept plastic shelves?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Launa, 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.

      Reply
  33. Dale Shackleford

    Do you take car batteries?
    Do you take car oil?

    Reply
    • Betty

      Hi Dale, We do take car batteries. Unfortunately we no longer accept motor oil or motor oil products. To find a location where you can recycle near you, please visit the BC Used Motor Oil Management website: https://bcusedoil.com/recycling-centres/

      Reply

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