B.C. Recycling System Battles to Recover Plastic Waste

As of September 2025, British Columbia's recycling system is facing a challenge in recovering plastic waste. According to Recycle B.C., the organization behind the province's recycling program, only 45% of the plastic packaging used by residents is currently being recovered for recycling.

Recycle B.C.'s executive director, Sam Baker, acknowledges that there has been "a lot of hesitancy around recycling" but believes their system can responsibly manage and recycle these plastics. In 2024, the program recovered 98% of the 31,362 tonnes of plastic packaging collected, including items like Ziploc bags and yogurt containers.

However, the recovery rate for flexible plastics, such as bags and wrappers, trails far behind that of rigid plastic containers. Recycle B.C. aims to raise the overall plastic recovery rate to at least 50% by 2024. To help achieve this, the organization has launched a new "pink box" program, which is currently being offered in West Vancouver and Maple Ridge, with plans to expand to more municipalities next year.

The pink box allows residents to easily recycle flexible plastics, which previously had to be taken to special depots. West Vancouver resident Aubrey Smethurst, who works in marketing, describes the pink box as a "game changer," as it has made it much easier for her family to recycle these materials.