What is Recycle B.C.'s 'pink box' program?

The pink box program is Recycle B.C.'s initiative to collect flexible plastics, like plastic bags and wrappers, from residential buildings.

When does the flexible plastic recycling start in Vancouver apartments?

Collection of flexible plastics in pink carts for Vancouver apartments and condos began on February 16.

What is Recycle B.C.'s goal for flexible plastic recovery?

Recycle B.C. aims to increase the recovery rate of flexible plastic packaging from the current 24% to 50% by 2027.

Home / Environment / BC Expands Pink Box Recycling for Apartment Plastics

BC Expands Pink Box Recycling for Apartment Plastics

15 Jan

•

Summary

Flexible plastic recycling program expands to Vancouver apartments.
Pink boxes for collecting plastic bags and wrappers are being delivered.
Recycle BC aims to recover 50% of flexible plastic by 2027.

BC Expands Pink Box Recycling for Apartment Plastics

Recycle B.C. is launching its pink box recycling program for flexible plastics in Vancouver apartments and condos. This expansion aims to divert more plastic waste from landfills, addressing the issue where plastics make up a substantial portion of residential waste. The program allows for the collection of items such as plastic bags and wrappers directly from multi-unit buildings.

The initiative is crucial as flexible plastics currently represent nearly 20% of Metro Vancouver's waste, second only to organics. While some municipalities already have pink boxes, this expansion targets a significant portion of Vancouver's population residing in apartments. The collected materials will be processed alongside other recyclables, simplifying the recycling process for residents.

With a current recovery rate of only 24% for flexible plastics, Recycle B.C. has set an ambitious goal of achieving 50% recovery by 2027. For residents without access to pink bins, the organization encourages using one of the 240 recycling depots or 51 London Drugs stores across British Columbia for flexible plastic drop-off.