Bag-in-a-Box

Large "bags" of water in a cardboard carton, usually with a spigot for in-fridge use.

Bag-in-box Water
Size CRF Fee Deposit / Refund
Over 1L 20¢ 10¢

How to Recycle Bags-in-a-Box

When recycling your bags-in-a-box, ensure that they are fully empty, and do not crush or flatten them. Keep the bag in the box, as it can be recycled alongside the box. Bring your bags-in-a-box along with your other ready-to-drink beverage containers to a Return-It depot to get your refund. 

Bags-in-a-box containing non-alcoholic beverages can be recycled at all depots, including ExpressExpress & GO, and Express Plus locations.  

To find a depot near you to recycle your bags-in-a-box, visit return-it.ca/locations

Bag-in-a-Box 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. Bags-in-a-box are issued a 10-cent refund along with the other accepted beverage containers part of the Return-It system. 

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 to Obtain Your 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. 

What Happens to Recycled Bag-in-a-Boxes

The plastic in these containers is separated out and can be mixed with other types of plastic to make park benches, bins and other sturdy products.