Recycle BC FAQ

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Recycle BC FAQ

• What changes can I expect to see?

  There will be no changes to what residents can put in the blue recycling totes or bring to the Carney’s or Landfill Recycling Depots. The District has been working to align its residential recycling program to ensure there will be no changes to residents. 

• Who will be picking up my recycling?

  Curbside recycling will continue to be picked up by Carney’s Waste Systems. Residents will not see any changes to their curbside collection pick up and schedule. 

• Will I need a new tote?

  No.

• What is contamination?

  Contamination in residential recycling refers to material that is not accepted in the curbside recycling program.  Contamination reduces the ability to effectively recycle material. If we recycle only materials that are accepted in our recycling program, we can keep contamination levels low. 

• Where does my recycling go?

  Once your materials are collected through the curbside collection program, they are transported to a material recovery facility (MRF). Once they arrive, the materials are unloaded in bulk and put onto a conveyor belt where the sorting process begins. After non-recyclable materials are manually removed, the recyclables are separated, quality controlled and baled together with like materials for shipping. Once a full truckload of sorted and baled material is ready, the bales are shipped off to end markets and processed into new raw materials. Many materials are recycled back to their original purpose, such as plastic bottles and paper products, while others are transformed into something completely new.

• Who is Recycle BC and what is its mandate?

  Recycle BC is a non-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and printed paper recycling throughout British Columbia, servicing over 1.8 million households or over 98% of B.C. The recycling program is funded by businesses, such as retailers, manufacturers and restaurants, that supply packaging and printed paper to B.C. residents, thus shifting to the materials producers. Recycle BC strives for recycling leadership, offering equitable, effective and efficient residential recycling services. 

• What are the benefits to partnering with Recycle BC?

  Recycle BC offers considerable financial benefits to the community which can be put towards our efforts of becoming a zero waste community. The anticipated annual cost savings as a result of joining the Recycle BC program is approximately $271,000.

• Why aren’t Solid Waste Utility Fees decreasing?

  The financial incentives provided by Recycle BC will help to offset future solid waste projects, including the two-phased vertical landfill expansion project. 

• Will the Carney’s Recycle Depot and Squamish Landfill Recycle Depot continue to accept recyclables?

  Yes. Items such as glass, plastic bags, overwrap and Styrofoam that are not accepted in the curbside recycling program will continue to be recycled through the Recycle Depots. Carney’s Recycle Depot is part of the Recycle BC program. 

• Will I be able to recycle glass through the curbside collection under the Recycle BC program?

  No. Glass is not accepted through the curbside collection program because it can break easily and therefore contaminate the other recycled materials collected. Glass will continue to be recycled at Carney’s Recycle Centre or at the Landfill. Refundable bottles can be returned to the Encorp Bottle Depot for a refund.

• Where can I find a list of what goes where?

  For more information about local recycling programs including a list of what goes where please visit the Waste Diversion page.