Introduction: A Wider Recycling Menu in Castlegar
Recycling just got easier in Castlegar. The city’s Return-It Depot, located at 1335 Columbia Ave, has expanded its list of accepted items, giving residents more convenient options to dispose of recyclable materials. Along with the depot’s existing services, the new inclusions align with growing recycling needs and help divert waste from landfills.
What’s New: Items Now Accepted
The Castlegar Return-It Depot now welcomes a broader range of materials, including:
- Plastic packaging foam
- Foam trays from meat or produce
- Flexible plastics (bags, wrap, food storage)
- Crinkly cellophane wrap (such as chip bags, etc.)
- Glass jars and bottles
These additions make it easier for residents to recycle common items that were previously harder to process locally. The depot continues to accept the full spectrum of materials from Castlegar’s curbside program, ensuring a one-stop option for sorting and dropping off recyclables.
Convenient Options: Depot vs. Curbside
Whether you prefer the flexibility of curbside pickup or the control of self-dropped recycling, Castlegar residents have choices. The Return-It Depot accepts all items included in the city’s curbside collection, such as paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and metal cans. If you missed a collection day, you can still bring these items to the depot for drop-off, helping to keep materials out of landfills and in the recycling stream.
Beyond Everyday Recycling: Beverages, Electronics, and Small Appliances
In addition to general recyclables, the depot maintains services for:
- Beverage containers with deposits
- Electronics
- Small appliances
Residents can rest assured that a wide range of waste streams is covered under one facility, making recycling more straightforward and accessible in the community.
Where to Go for More Information
For the latest details on accepted materials, operating hours, and any updates to services, visit the Return-It BC website at return-it.ca. Local residents can also stay informed through municipal notices or the depot’s postings to ensure compliance with any changes in accepted items or deposit policies.
Why This Matters for Castlegar
Expanding accepted items at the Castlegar Return-It Depot supports broader environmental goals by reducing waste, promoting responsible disposal of hard-to-recycle materials, and encouraging consistent recycling habits across the community. By providing more avenues to recycle glass, foam, and flexible plastics, Castlegar is taking tangible steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable city.
Community Impact and Practical Tips
- Rinse containers when possible to reduce contamination in the recycling stream.
- Keep foam separate from other plastics if your local program requires it, and check the depot’s guidelines for specific item acceptability.
- Combine items in a single trip to the depot or curbside to maximize efficiency and time savings.
By using the depot for expanded items and continuing to participate in curbside collection, Castlegar residents contribute to a more effective recycling system and a cleaner environment for everyone.
