Recycling refundable containers has never been considered FUN. But it just got easier. Residents a the Boundary’s Big White Ski resort has a new and easy way to turn those bottles into cash. No lines or messy sticky sorting.
Residents, skiers and snowboarders at the popular ski resort in B.C.’s southern interior can now drop off their refundable beverage containers at the region’s first Return-It Express & GO recycling station.
The Express & GO system supports the growing need for an innovative recycling infrastructure in less accessible locations, where traditional depot facilities may be less viable. Once you have pre-registered, returns are placed in a clear bag, tagged and dropped in the bin.
Vicki Gee, Director of Electoral Area E/West Boundary said, “Before we partnered with Return-It on this project, we were seeing returnable containers not going back for refunds, but recycled improperly or thrown out.” she continued, “This new recycling station is going to have a positive environmental impact by keeping recyclable materials out of landfills. Another plus is that residents can choose to direct deposit money to support their own Big White community groups if they wish. I’m grateful for the partnership with Return-It and their commitment to rural areas like ours.”
“The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s is focused on being both smart and sustainable in everything we do,” said Diane Langman, Chair of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Board of Directors. “We also want to be sure all our residents have ready access to the services they need and want. Return-It shares these values and our partnership makes complete sense for the region and for Big White.”
How it works:
Create an online account by visiting express.return-it.ca. Then, simply bring your containers to any Express & GO System in a sealed and clear bag. Once on-site, you can print your bag label, enter the pin code provided at the time of registration, and finally, drop and go! We’ll do the sorting, so there’s no need to wait in line to have your containers counted. Your money will be automatically sent to your online account where funds can be redeemed by Interac e-Transfer or cheque. More information can be found at https://www.return-it.ca/express/expressandgo/.
Did you know?
Return-It recycles approximately 1 billion beverage containers a year. Plus, every plastic container is responsibly recycled right here in B.C. and Alberta, where they’re cleaned and broken down into plastic pellets that can be used to make new plastic bottles.
About Return-It
Return-It is an industry owned, not-for-profit, product stewardship agency with beverage container management as its core business. Its mandate is to develop, manage and operate a cost-effective system for the responsible collection and recycling of beverage containers across British Columbia. In 2019, Return-It made a global commitment through the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to help eliminate plastic pollution at the source. As part of this commitment, Return-it has committed to eliminate single-use plastic film from its supply chain by 2025. Return-It has also partnered with Ocean Wise and Ocean Ambassadors Canada to educate students on how plastics affect the marine environment, and empower them become life-long ambassadors who can make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.