Some of new items added to Recycle BC's system (Image credit: Recycle BC)

By Pete McIntyre

More single-use items

Province adds more items to B.C.’s recycling system

Jan 6, 2023 | 9:50 AM

British Columbia residents can now recycle a wider array of single-use plastic items and packaging products in their residential blue box or at participating recycling depots.

These items include products that are generally disposed of after a single or one-time use, such as plastic sandwich bags or throw-away party cups, bowls and plates.

Some of new items added to Recycle BC’s system (Image credit: Recycle BC)

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These regulations are separate from the federal ban on the manufacturing and importing of single-use plastics, which came into effect on Dec. 20, 2022. B.C.’s recycling regulatory changes cover a broader category of single-use products and further ensures that exemptions to the ban are recycled.

“Our government is working to ensure that people in B.C. can help to keep their communities and the environment healthy. By expanding our nation-leading recycling system to include more products, we are keeping more plastic out of our waterways and landfills,” said Aman Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment.

Newly accepted blue-box items include:

* plastic plates, bowls and cups;

* plastic cutlery and straws;

* plastic food storage containers;

* plastic hangers (that come with clothing);

* paper plates, bowls and cups (with thin plastic lining);

* aluminum foil;

* aluminum-foil baking dishes and pie plates; and

* metal storage tins (thin gauge).

Examples of flexible plastics now accepted at depots only:

* plastic sandwich and freezer bags;

* plastic shrink wrap;

* flexible plastic drop sheets and covering;

* flexible plastic bubble wrap (no bubble wrap-lined paper);

* flexible plastic recycling bags (blue, clear bags, or yellow or blue bags used for curb-side collection); and

* flexible plastic carry-out shopping bags (reusable).

“This expanded materials list will allow more material to be recycled, keep it out of landfills and stop it from littering the environment,” Tamara Burns, executive director, Recycle BC, said. “Residents play a key role in recycling this material by enabling it to be collected – by putting it into their bins or taking materials to a depot.”

These changes are effective immediately and are part of the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan, which aims to change how plastic is designed and used – from temporary and disposable to durable and reusable.

During the next four years, B.C. will expand extended producer responsibility programs to include mattresses, electric-vehicle batteries and medical sharps (e.g., syringes, lancets), as well as more moderately hazardous products, such as compressed-fuel canisters.

To find a detailed list of products now accepted in the blue box program or at recycling depots, visit Recycle BC.