One Billion Beverage Containers: How Return-It Express is Changing Recycling

Imagine dropping off a bag of unsorted refundable beverage containers in under a minute – no sorting, no lineups, no hassle – and deposit refunds redeemed electronically with a single click.

That simple experience has now led to a major milestone: one billion beverage containers recycled through Return-It’s Express program.

Offering a quick and easy drop-off process, the Express program was developed to make recycling as convenient as possible for consumers in BC. The Express program modernizes the customer experience by removing traditional barriers such as sorting and lineups which might have prevented consumers in the past from making the effort to return their used beverage containers.

“Surpassing one billion containers returned through Express reflects the ease and convenience of the program for customers”, said Cindy Coutts, President and CEO of Return-It. “At Return-It, our goal is to make recycling as simple as possible and we look forward to further expanding the Express program, to ensure all BC residents have access to this quick and easy way to return beverage containers.”

Proof that convenience changes behaviour

Since the launch of the program in 2013, the response from users shows just how much Express has changed recycling habits in BC. In Return-It’s annual survey of Express users:

• 90% rated their Express experience as "very satisfactory" or "satisfactory”

• 78% said they would recommend Express to a friend

• 45% said Express encouraged them to return more containers

• 25% said they throw fewer containers in the garbage

When recycling is easier, more people do it – and they do it more often.

Expanding access across BC

The Express service is currently offered at 96 out of the 163 Return-It depots. While each independently owned and operated depot has the option to offer the Express service, it’s been shown that depots offering the service to their customers are seeing more beverage containers returned at their depots. With over 400,000 registered customers and growing, Return-It is committed to seeing the program becoming more accessible to all corners of the province.

Return-It is expanding accessibility through innovative solutions such as its 22 Express & GO stations, which are repurposed shipping container drop-off locations that offer extended hours and contactless service. Return-It has also started to focus on Express-only drop-off locations in high density retail and commercial areas in the Lower Mainland, again trying to provide more convenience to consumers as they are already out and about running errands.

How Express works (it’s simple)

Using Express takes just a few steps:

1. Create a free account at app.return-it.ca/

2. Place unsorted containers into a sealed, clear bag

3. Print a label at the Express location and attach it to your bag

4. Drop the bag off in the designated area

Return-It sorts and counts the containers and refunds the deposit to your Express account within 10 business days. Funds can be redeemed anytime via e-Transfer or cheque – or donated to local charities and fundraising groups.

One billion is just the beginning

This milestone isn’t just a big number. It’s proof that when recycling is made easier and more convenient, people respond. As Express continues to expand across BC, more residents are discovering that returning beverage containers doesn’t have to be a chore – it can be fast, simple and part of everyday life.

Learn more about Express by visiting: return-it.ca/express/about/

Find your closest Express location: return-it.ca/locations/

Express FAQs: return-it.ca/express/faqs/