How do I Prepare Recycling before Dropping it off at the Centre?

To ensure a smooth and efficient visit to the Vancouver Zero Waste Centre, you should prepare your items by following these specific guidelines:

• Clean and rinse items: All recyclables must be clean and free of food residue. Rinse out plastics, glass containers, and food cans. Metal scrap and cans should also be free of wet or greasy residue.
• Sort materials: Pre-sort your items into distinct categories (such as electronics, scrap metal, and soft plastics) before leaving home. Sorting beforehand allows you to move through the facility bays faster.
• Cardboard and paper: Flatten all cardboard boxes completely. You must remove non-paper attachments such as packing tape, plastic wrap, and metal staples.
• Electronics and appliances: Remove batteries from electronics before dropping them off. Small appliances are accepted, but sensitive items like hard drives should be kept separate for secure processing.
• Hazardous materials: Ensure items like paint are in their original containers. Note that while some hazardous items are accepted, materials like chemicals or solvents may need to go to specific hazardous-waste depots.
• Drywall: If you are disposing of drywall, it must be bagged or bundled according to facility rules. Unstamped drywall often requires asbestos testing before it can be accepted.

• Vancouver Zero Waste Centre: Complete Resource Hub