Vancouver residents can now recycle flexible plastics in curbside bins
Residents in apartments and condos are encouraged to use the new pink carts to properly dispose of any household flexible plastic waste
Recycle BC, the not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling throughout British Columbia, has officially created a new pathway for apartments and condos in the City of Vancouver to recycle flexible plastics. Residents can now use the bright pink flexible plastics carts located in the recycling area of communal buildings.
Residents living in apartment and condo buildings are encouraged to start putting out flexible plastics for collection by placing accepted materials into the pink cart located at their building. Collection takes place weekly, on the same day as other recycling services.
What to do:
- Place clean, dry flexible plastics into the pink flexible plastics cart
- Bundle loose items together inside a reused clear plastic bag (such as a bread or produce bag)
Check your address-specific collection schedule and contractor information before your next collection day.
What goes in the pink cart:
Flexible plastics are lightweight packaging that can be crumpled or folded, including:
- Plastic bags (for bread, produce, bulk foods, etc.)
- Overwrap (for toilet paper, paper towels, beverage flats, etc.)
- Stand-up and zipper-lock pouches (for granola, grains, dried fruit, etc.)
- Crinkly wrappers and bags (cereal box liners, chip bags, pasta bags, etc.)
- Packaging with plastic seals (for deli meats, sliced cheese, etc.)
- Plastic net bags (for oranges, lemons, avocados, rice, etc.)
- Bubble wrap and other squishy protective packaging, etc.
All other recycling materials remain unchanged. Residents should continue using existing carts for mixed containers, paper and cardboard, and glass bottles and jars.
"With flexible plastic collection now officially live across Vancouver's apartments and condos, residents can now recycle flexible plastics right at their building, making recycling easier and more convenient," said Sam Baker, executive director of Recycle BC. "By expanding flexible plastics collection to more communities, we're taking another step toward increasing collection and keeping more materials out of landfills and nature."
