Return-It Brings New Convenient and Contactless Recycling Solutions to Penticton

Recycling just got a whole lot more convenient in Penticton. Residents can now drop off refundable beverage containers at a new Return-It Express & GO recycling station at Wholesale Club Penticton.

The new Express & GO station, located beside the Wholesale Club at 200 Carmi Avenue, hosted special guests including Penticton MLA Dan Ashton and a team of Return-It Ambassadors, during its official launch. Mr. Ashton was on site on August 17 to get introduced to the new system and see the fully self-contained recycling station in action.

“Return-It is a critical partner in making B.C. an environmental leader once again, helping reduce waste, and provide jobs for people across the province,” said Penticton MLA Dan Ashton. “The new Express & GO station will support a dynamic change in how we recycle materials into new resources in our communities and create strong jobs for Penticton.”

This Express & GO station revolutionizes the recycling experience by allowing people to conveniently drop off their unsorted, pre-bagged beverage containers and receive their deposit refunds via Interac e-Transfer or cheque. Each station builds on Return-It’s mission to improve recovery rates by making recycling accessible and even more convenient for British Columbians.

Among Return-It’s more than 170 collection sites operating province wide, there are now 11 Express & GO locations in B.C., with an additional station opened on Monday August 22nd at Buy-Low Foods in Keremeos, located at 701 7th Avenue, Keremeos.

"Our collective awareness of the importance of recycling has never been higher. British Columbians, in particular, continue to show an exceptional level of commitment to diverting materials away from landfills, and making responsible recycling their priority,” said Cindy Coutts, President and CEO of Return-It. “I’m proud to have become a member of the Return-It team, and look forward to applying my skills and experience in the Canadian recycling industry to continue to support and extend this province’s leadership in the area.”

The Express & GO model supports a growing need for innovative recycling infrastructure. Powered by solar energy, the station is housed within a brightly coloured and easy to access 20-foot repurposed shipping container. More details on the new station in Penticton, including location hours, can be found at https://www.return-it.ca/express/penticton/.

Consumers also have the option to support their local community and donate their beverage container refunds to a charitable organization of their choice. A wide range of organizations have been using the Express system to support their fundraising efforts, especially during the pandemic. Once a fundraising organization has created its free online Express account, users can donate their deposit funds to specific charity and organization accounts when they drop off their empty containers at the Express & GO station. For more information on how charitable organizations can create an account and fundraise using Express, visit Return-It Express.