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Don’t Trash It, Return-It

Water bottles, sports drinks, energy drinks, and more are recyclable. Don’t trash them. Recycle them on-the-go, at home or at a Return-It Location.

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Drink Containers Don't Belong In The Trash

In B.C., every time you buy a beverage, you pay a 10-cent deposit. The good news? You can get that money back by returning your empty containers to a Return-It location.

Not interested in the refund? That's okay - just make sure your containers go in your building's recycling system or a blue bin. Whatever you do, don't throw them in the trash - that's not where they belong.

When you recycle your beverage containers, you're helping them become something new - including new drink containers. It's a simple habit that makes a big impact.

Recycle Your Empties

Does Recycling Actually Get Recycled?

Yes! Over 1.375 billion containers are recycled every year right here in North America.

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Recycling Makes a Difference

Every beverage container you recycle makes a difference! Not only does it keep our cities clean but it also makes for a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone.

How Do Beverage Containers Get Recycled?

When you recycle your beverage containers, like plastic bottles or aluminum cans, they go through an efficient process where they get sorted, cleaned and transformed into new materials.

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How to Recycle Your Beverage Containers

  1. Recycle with Return-It
    Bring your empty beverage containers to a Return-It Depot near you and get you 10c deposit refund back.
  2. On-the-Go
    Hold on to your empty containers until you can recycle them.
  3. Recycle at Home
    Don’t put your recyclables in the trash! Use a designated recycling bin for pick-up.

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What Beverage Containers Are Recyclable?

Learn about which containers can be returned and the refund you can expect when you Return-It. Container Recycling Fees effective as of February 1, 2024.

Return-It Express

The faster, easier way to return your drink containers.
No sorting, no line-ups, no handling cash

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I recycle my empty drink containers?

When recycling your empty drink containers, ensure that they are fully empty, and do not crush or flatten them. Put the caps back on plastic bottles and push the straws into drink cartons, as they can be recycled alongside the containers. Also remember to keep the label on so that we can confirm the type of container. Bring your empty ready-to-drink beverage containers to a Return-It depot to get your refund.

Where can I recycle my empty drink containers? 

Empty ready-to-drink beverage containers can be recycled at all depots, including Express, Express & GO, and Express Plus locations.

To find a nearby location to recycle your containers, visit return-it.ca/locations.

How are containers recycled? 

You can read about how each container type is recycled here: https://www.return-it.ca/beverage/products/.

What is a deposit refund? 

In BC, a deposit is charged for each ready-to-drink beverage container that is purchased. This deposit is returned in full when you bring back the empty container for recycling.

For a full listing of all containers that can be returned to a Return-It Depot visit https://www.return-it.ca/beverage/products/.

How do I get my refund? 

If you sign up for Express, you can put all your empty containers inside clear, transparent bags (no larger than 90L in capacity). Simply bring the bag(s) to an Express location near you, label them, and drop them off. The funds will be issued to your Express account within 10 business days. To redeem the funds, you will need to log in to your Express account.

If you are using over-the-counter depots to return your containers, you will receive your refund in cash at the time of return.