Recycle or Garbage? Can I Recycle This in the Lower Mainland, BC?
“Can I recycle this?” is one of the most searched waste-related questions in British Columbia—and for good reason. Recycling rules change by city, many items look recyclable but aren’t, and putting the wrong item in the wrong bin can cause entire loads to be rejected.
This guide helps residents across the Lower Mainland, BC quickly answer:
- Can I recycle this item?
- Does it go in recycling or the garbage?
- Which bin does this go in where I live?
- What should I do if it can’t be recycled?
Can I Recycle This? How to Tell What Goes Where
If you’re asking “can I recycle this?”, you’re already doing the right thing. The correct answer depends on material, cleanliness, and local rules.
Ask yourself:
- What is it made of? (single material vs mixed)
- Is it clean and dry?
- Does my city accept it curbside or only at a depot?
If the answer to any of these is unclear, it may belong in the garbage or require special disposal.
Recycling vs Garbage: Which Bin Does This Go In?
The biggest recycling mistake in the Lower Mainland
Putting almost recyclable items in recycling. This is known as wish-cycling, and it’s the #1 reason bins are rejected.
Garbage is better than contaminating recycling.
Can I Recycle This? Common Items People Google
Can I Recycle Plastic Bags?
❌ No curbside recycling. ✅ Depot drop-off only.
Can I Recycle Styrofoam?
❌ No curbside recycling. ✅ Clean foam accepted at depots.
Can I Recycle Pizza Boxes?
✅ Clean cardboard sections. ❌ Greasy or food-soiled parts go in garbage.
Can I Recycle Coffee Cups?
❌ Usually no (plastic lining). ⚠️ Lids may be recyclable separately.
Can I Recycle Electronics?
❌ Never curbside. ✅ Electronics recycling depot only.
Can I Recycle Batteries?
❌ Never in recycling or garbage bins. ✅ Approved battery recycling locations only.
Can I Recycle Light Bulbs?
- Incandescent: garbage
- CFL / fluorescent / LED: depot recycling
Can I Recycle Clothes?
❌ No curbside recycling. ✅ Donate usable clothing or use textile recycling programs.
Can I Recycle Mattresses?
❌ Not curbside. ✅ Special pickup or disposal programs required.
Can I Recycle This? Quick Lookup Chart
| Item | Recycle | Garbage | Depot Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic bags | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | Never curbside |
| Styrofoam | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | Must be clean |
| Pizza boxes | ✅ / ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Tear greasy parts |
| Coffee cups | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Lids may differ |
| Batteries | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Hazardous |
| Electronics | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | E-waste only |
| Clothing | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | Donate if usable |
| Mattresses | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Bulky item |
| Broken glass | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Safety risk |
Why Was My Recycling Not Picked Up?
- Plastic bags in the bin
- Food contamination
- Non-recyclable items mixed in
- Overfilled bins
- Incorrect sorting
Rejected recycling often ends up treated as garbage.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Recycle This?
- Garbage disposal (when allowed)
- Recycling depots
- Donation or reuse
- Professional junk removal for bulky or mixed items
Trying to recycle the wrong item often causes more environmental harm than disposing of it properly.
Can I Recycle This? Use Clutter to Cash Ltd.’s Recycle or Garbage Tool
To make recycling decisions easier, Clutter to Cash Ltd. created a simple public tool that tells you whether an item belongs in recycling, garbage, or a depot.