Waste Reduction Week: Simple Ways to Give Everyday Items a Second Life
Every October, Waste Reduction Week invites Canadians to rethink the everyday items we might be putting in the trash and what happens when we choose to recycle instead.
Recycling not only keeps materials out of landfill, it conserves energy, protects natural resources, and supports the circular economy that turns old products into something new.
This year, we’re highlighting three everyday categories where recycling makes a big impact: beverage containers, electronics, and large appliances.
Beverage Containers: Remember Not to Put Them in Garbage
Every time you return an empty beverage container, you’re helping recover valuable materials such as aluminum, plastic and glass that can be transformed into new beverage containers and products.
For example, recycled aluminum cans are turned back into sheet stock for new cans, while recycled plastic beverage containers are turned into new containers and strapping material. If you’re curious about what happens to your returned containers, check out our Container Recycling End Fate Report in the Return-It 2024 Annual Report. It dives into exactly how your empties are processed and repurposed.
Looking for a faster, simpler way to recycle your empties? Try Return-It Express. With Express, there’s no sorting and no counting needed. Just:
- Put your empty beverage containers in clear recycling bags (up to 90L in size)
- Bring them to an Express location
- We will count your containers for you and deposit your refund into your Express account within 10 business days
Download the Return-It App to locate drop-off sites, track your Express account, and plan your next recycling run right from your phone.
Electronics: Keep Valuable Materials out of Landfills
Old phones, printers, laptops and small appliances contain metals that don’t belong in the garbage. When recycled properly, those materials are safely handled and can be recovered and reused in new products.
Instead of letting unused electronics pile up in drawers, drop them at a Return-It Electronics Collection Site. It’s a small step with a big environmental benefit.
Large Appliances: They Can be Recycled
Dealing with large appliances like fridges, freezers, washers, and dryers can be challenging, but there are recycling options available. The Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) is a stewardship agency in British Columbia that manages the collection and recycling of end-of-life major household appliances.
When large appliances are recycled, metals, plastics and refrigerants are properly recovered, keeping harmful substances out of the environment and putting resources back into circulation. Visit largeappliancerecycling.ca to learn more and find a location near you.
Take the Next Step This Waste Reduction Week
Whether it’s a bag of empties, an old laptop, or a retired fridge, recycling makes a real difference. Find a convenient drop-off location near you for empty beverage containers, electronics, or large appliances at return-it.ca/locations.