New Items Accepted at Castlegar Return-It Depot
The Castlegar Return-It Depot, located at 1335 Columbia Ave, has expanded its list of accepted items, making it easier for residents to recycle and divert waste from landfills. In addition to the depot’s existing services, glass jars and bottles are now accepted, alongside a range of new materials that previously required alternative disposal options.
What’s New: A Broader Range of Materials
Households can now bring in several additional categories of items, including:
- Plastic packaging foam
- Foam trays from meat or produce
- Flexible plastics (bags, wrap, food storage)
- Crinkly cellophane wrap (such as that found on chip bags)
- Glass jars and bottles
These additions help residents sort waste more accurately and reduce contamination in recycling streams. The depot has aligned its intake with Castlegar’s broader recycling goals, encouraging reuse and proper disposal of common household packaging materials.
Options for Residents: Depot vs. Ootischenia Landfill
The Return-It Depot remains a convenient option for residents who want to drop off materials on their own schedule. It accepts all items that are part of Castlegar’s curbside collection—including paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and metal cans—so you can empty your bins when it’s most convenient. If you missed a curbside pickup, you can still bring your eligible recyclables to the depot for processing.
For items not accepted at the depot, or if you’re unsure about specific materials, the Ootischenia Landfill remains another disposal option. The availability of multiple locations helps ensure that residents have flexible, local choices for managing waste responsibly.
Ongoing Services: Beverages, Electronics, and More
Beyond the new item categories, the depot continues to offer its core services. Beverage containers with deposits are still accepted, providing a straightforward way to return container deposits. The facility also continues to accept electronics and small appliances, supporting safe recycling of used electronics and reducing e-waste in the community.
Why This Matters for Castlegar
Expanding accepted items at the Castlegar Return-It Depot aligns with local reuse and recycling efforts, helping residents reduce landfill waste and improve the city’s environmental footprint. Flexible drop-off options, combined with curbside recycling, give households practical choices to manage waste more efficiently. Encouraging the recycling of packaging foam, plastic film, and crinkly wrap can also reduce litter and contamination in recycling streams when sorted correctly.
Getting More Information
For more details on accepted items, schedules, and any updates to the program, visit return-it.ca. The site provides up-to-date guidance on what materials are acceptable and where to drop them off, ensuring residents can navigate the recycling options with confidence.
