Castlegar’s Return-It Depot Expands What It Accepts
Residents of Castlegar have more recycling options thanks to an expanded list of accepted items at the Return-It Depot located at 1335 Columbia Ave. This move aims to simplify waste diversion in the city by widening the range of materials that can be recycled in a single, convenient location.
New Items Now Accepted
The depot has added several items to its accepted materials, broadening the scope of what can be responsibly discarded. These new items include:
- Plastic packaging foam
- Foam trays from meat or produce
- Flexible plastics such as bags, wraps, and food storage films
- Crinkly cellophane wrap found on chip bags and similar products
- Glass jars and bottles
These additions reflect evolving recycling options and align with broader community efforts to reduce landfill waste. If you’re unsure about a specific item, the depot staff can help determine if it’s compatible with their processing stream.
Multiple Drop-Off Options for Convenience
The Return-It Depot isn’t just a fixed drop-off point; it also supports Castlegar’s curbside collection program. Residents can:
- Empty their curbside bins on their own schedule by bringing recyclables to the depot
- Drop off items that were missed during a curbside pickup
This flexibility helps households stay on track with recycling goals and reduces missed collections, a common challenge for busy families and individuals. In addition to the new items, the depot continues to accept all materials included in Castlegar’s curbside program, such as paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and metal cans.
Ongoing Services: Beverage Containers, Electronics, and Small Appliances
Beyond general recyclables, the depot remains a hub for specialty recycling. People can continue to drop off:
- Beverage containers with deposits
- Electronics and small appliances
Recycling beverage containers supports local recycling incentives while electronics and small appliances recycling helps divert e-waste from landfills and ensures responsible material recovery.
Where to Get More Information
For more details on accepted items, depot hours, and any updates to what can be recycled, residents can visit return-it.ca. Staying informed ensures you maximize the recycling opportunities available in Castlegar and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community.
Why This Matters for Castlegar
Expanding accepted materials at the Return-It Depot reduces the complexity of recycling for residents and supports local environmental goals. By including hard-to-recycle items like foam and flexible plastics, Castlegar is making it easier to divert waste from landfills and create a circular economy within the region. Patrons who prefer curbside recycling still have the option to utilize the depot for convenient drop-offs, aligning individual habits with community waste reduction targets.
