Blue Cart - Recyclable Materials

Accepted Blue Cart Materials

• Paper

  Accepted Materials:

  • Newspapers, inserts and flyers
  • Magazines and catalogues
  • Telephone books and other directories
  • Writing and home office paper, paper envelopes, and note pads
  • Paper gift wrap and greeting cards
  • Shredded paper
    • Recycle BC has updated how they will be accepting shredded paper via the curbside collection program. As of May 2023, shredded paper is to be placed in a paper bag or box (i.e., cereal box, shoe box, etc.) before placing in your blue cart. 

  
  

  Not Accepted in the Blue Recycling Cart:

  • Hardcover or paperback books (donate or sell)
  • Ribbons or bows
  • Musical greeting cards with batteries (contact the Recycling Council of BC for battery and e-waste recycling options)
  • Rubber bands
  • Plastic bags used to cover newspapers/flyers (recycle at a Recycle BC depot)

• Paper Packaging and Cardboard

  Accepted Materials:

  • Corrugated cardboard boxes used for shipping, grocery and liquor store boxes and pizza boxes
  • Cardboard and boxboard boxes used for cereal, shoes, tissues, pizza, frozen entrees, desserts, detergent, etc.
  • Cardboard packaging for cannabis product
  • Carrier trays for bulk bottled water, soft drinks, cans, food, etc.
  • Cores for paper towels and toilet tissue
  • Moulded boxboard packaging for egg cartons, take-out beverage trays, paper-based plant pots
  • Paper bags (also called kraft paper) and envelopes
  • Multi-layered paper bags for flour, sugar, etc.

  Not Accepted in the Blue Recycling Cart:

  • Cardboard boxes with wax coating, such as empty boxes, made available for residents to transport their groceries home
  • Paper bags with multiple layers that include a foil layer
  • Paper bags with a plastic layer
  • Paper towels, napkins (include with green waste, if applicable)
  • Tissues

• Plastic Containers

  Accepted Materials:

  • Plastic jugs with screw tops used for milk, cooking oil, laundry detergent and fabric softener, cleaning solutions, cleaning products, body care products, windshield washer fluid, etc.
  • Plastic bottles with screw caps, spray pump, or pull-up tops for food, dish soap, mouthwash, shampoos, conditioners and other personal care products, pills and vitamins, laundry products, etc.
  • Plastic jars with wide mouths and screw-top lids for peanut butter, jam, nuts, condiments, vitamins and supplements, personal care products, etc.
  • Plastic packaging for cannabis product
  • Plastic clamshells with hinged or click-closed tops for baked goods, fruit, produce, eggs, etc.
  • Plastic black-bottom trays and clear tops for deli chicken, single-serve meals, prepared foods, baked goods, housewares, and hardware such as screws or picture hangers, etc.
  • Plastic tubs and lids for food such as margarine and spreads, dairy products such as yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream, etc.
  • Plastic cold drink cups with lids for take-out beverages
  • Plastic garden pots and trays for bedding plants, seedlings, vegetable plants, etc.
  • Plastic pails less than 25L for laundry detergent, ice cream, pet food, etc.
  • Microwavable bowls and cups
  • Empty single-use coffee and tea pods; remove lids and do not include lids with recycling
  • Rigid plastic packaging for toys, toothbrushes, batteries, etc; remove paper backing and recycle separately

  Materials Not Accepted in the Blue Recycling Cart:

  • Containers for motor oil, vehicle lubricant or antifreeze products (call the RCBC Hotline 1-800-667-4321 or check Recyclepedia)
  • Packaging labelled biodegradable or compostable
  • Liquid-absorbing pads, e.g., in trays of meat, poultry, fish, etc.
  • Plastic wrap
  • Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills
  • Ceramic plant pots
  • Lawn edging, tarps, plastic furniture or toys
  • Garden hoses
  • Plastic string or rope
  • Plastic paint cans (call the RCBC Hotline 1-800-667-4321 or check Recyclepedia)
  • Pails larger than 25L
  • Pails for lubricants and oils (call the RCBC Hotline 1-800-667-4321 or check Recyclepedia)
  • Microwavable bowls with metal rims
  • Plastic or foil lids from coffee and tea pods
  • Beverage bottles or jugs for flavoured tea, juice, or other beverages can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in container recycling

• Cartons and Paper Cups

  Accepted Items:

  • Paper cups for hot and cold beverages
  • Cartons and boxes for milk, milk-type beverages, cream, substitute eggs, broth, sauces, etc.
  • Frozen dessert boxes for ice cream, frozen yogurt, etc.

  Not Accepted in the Blue Recycling Cart:

  • Straws
  • Juice cartons and boxes can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in container recycling

• Steel and Aluminum Containers

  Accepted Materials:

  • Steel containers for food including pet food; tins for cookies, tea, chocolates, etc.; includes metal lid
    • Empty and rinse cans. Labels are OK
    • Remove lids, drop into can and squeeze slightly
  • Aluminum cans and lids used for food
  • Aluminum foil wrap and foil take-out containers, including pie plates, food trays, etc.
  • Empty aluminum aerosol containers used for food, air fresheners, shaving cream, deodorant, hairspray, foam insulation, etc.

  Materials Not Accepted in the Blue Recycling Cart:

  • Spray paint cans (call the RCBC Hotline 1-800-667-4321 or check Recyclepedia)
  • Aerosol cans with any contents remaining
  • Propane cylinders (call the RCBC Hotline 1-800-667-4321 or check Recyclepedia)
  • Foil-lined cardboard take-out containers and lids
  • Aluminum beverage containers can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in container recycling
  • Steel paint cans
  • Coat hangers (return to dry cleaners)
  • Pots, pans and baking trays
  • Propane cylinders
  • Metal toys
  • Appliances
  • Metal hardware or other scrap metal
  • Wiring or metal cords, extension cords
  • Steel beverage cans can be returned for deposit refund or included in container recycling