What would you like to Recycle?

Plastic Containers (non-refundable)

gardening pots, plant pots, nursery pots, take out cups

Glossary
Plastic Containers (non-refundable)
Residential plastic containers can be recycled for free through the provincial Recycle BC program. In the Capital Region this is available through the curbside blue box recycling program as well as some drop off locations.

Codes found on plastics refer to the type of plastic the material is made from, but this often doesn't help us find the right way to recycle it. If you want to know if your plastic container can be recycled at the curb in your blue box, please check out Recycle BC materials list 

Plastic containers that can be recycled includes plastic clamshell packaging for produce or baked goods, containers for soaps, detergents, condiments and food oils and food product containers such as yogurt and cheese. 

Refundable plastic bottles are managed through the beverage container return program. See the listing for Beverage Containers (refundable) for the location of collection facilities in the region.

Reduce | Reuse | Recycle | Facilities

How do I go green?

The best way to recycle plastic is by doing it without the help of a recycling truck. Commit to buying products from businesses that will allow you to refill your empty bottles rather than buying new ones.

Organize your office supplies, hardware or knick-knacks in reused containers. Save plastic gardening pots to plant your own seedlings next year.

Residential plastic containers are accepted in the curbside blue box recycling program and for free at Recycle BC Depots found here. 

Leave on labels, rinse and remove the caps. Plastic cold drink cups are also included, separate lids and rinse the cups. Straws cannot be included. Plastic nursery pots and trays can also be recycled at the curb as long as they are free of soil and under 25L size.

Contact facilities listed below regarding size limits and charges.

Facilities

  • Cascades Recovery (commercial only)

    2800 Bridge Street
    Victoria
    250.480.1274

  • CRD Curbside Blue Box Recycling Program



    236.470.0186

  • Darryl's and James's Digs

    103 East Point Road
    Saturna Island
    250.539.3385

  • Emterra Environmental (commercial only)

    304 John Street
    Victoria
    250.385.4399

  • Esquimalt Return-It

    935 Ellery
    Victoria
    250.381.1482

  • Galiano Recycling Depot

    220 Sturdies Bay Road
    Galiano Island
    250.539.5769

  • Grocery Stores



  • Gulf Island Recycling Service


    Salt Spring Island
    1.250.538.7206

  • H.L. Disposal & Lawn Services Ltd.

    334 Hillside Ave
    Victoria
    250.381.2020

  • Hartland Depot

    1 Hartland Avenue
    Victoria
    250.360.3030

  • Mayne Island Recycling Depot

    390 Campbell Bay Road
    Mayne Island
    250.539.3383

  • Oak Bay Public Works Yard (Oak Bay residents only)

    1771 Elgin Road
    Oak Bay
    250.598.4501

  • Pacific Mobile Depots (PMD)

    6215 Marilyn Rd
    Sooke
    250.893.3851

  • Pender Island Recycling Depot

    4400 Otter Bay Road
    Pender Island
    250.629.6962

  • Pender Island Waste Management Ltd


    Pender Island
    250.629.6690

  • Port Renfrew Garbage & Recycling Depot

    17055 Parkinson Road
    Port Renfrew
    1.800.663.4425

  • Salt Spring Island Recycling Depot

    349 Rainbow Road
    Salt Spring Island
    250.537.1200

  • Saturna Island Recycling Depot

    101 Harris Road
    Saturna Island
    250.539.8080

  • Sidney Return-It

    5-10025 Galaran Road
    Sidney
    778.351.2828

  • South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association Recycle

    1625 Bank Street
    Victoria
    250.595.2685

    • The Environmental Story

    Most plastics, chemically speaking, can be recycled. However, trouble arises in a few areas: different kinds of plastics often can’t be mixed for reprocessing without damage. Plastics recycling takes a great deal of energy and can significantly add to global warming. Additionally, most plastics can only be downcycled, meaning that a plastic bag can be made into plastic decking, but not another plastic bag. This means that eventually, all plastics end up at the end of the recycling food chain—in the landfill.