VICTORIA, BC — Starting on Saturday, May 24, a new drop-off program will make it easier for residents to recycle items like flexible plastic, foam packaging and small electronics that aren't collected directly from homes.
“Many residents in our community want to recycle these common materials but face barriers getting to existing facilities,” said Melanie Tromp Hoover, Lead, Solid Waste Reduction. “Beyond the Curb creates more options, closer to home.”
A weekend recycling hub at 1234 Yates Street will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May through December. Residents can also drop off materials at collection tents at the Moss Street, James Bay and Oaklands Sunset Markets throughout their respective seasons.
Drop-off is free, and staff will be on-site at each location to guide residents on what’s accepted and how to participate. Accepted materials include:
- Flexible plastics (e.g., chip bags, cereal bags, produce netting, zipper lock bags and wrappers)
- Foam packaging (e.g., meat trays and protective packaging)
- Small electronics (e.g., laptops, phones, keyboards, remote controls or anything with a cord that can be carried under one arm)
This pilot program responds to feedback from residents—64 per cent of whom report challenges recycling these hard-to-collect materials—and supports Zero Waste Victoria’s goal of cutting landfill waste by 50 per cent by 2040. It also aligns with the Capital Regional District’s Solid Waste Management Plan.
Recycle BC, a not-for-profit organization that is responsible for recycling residential packaging and paper products in the province, is supporting this service pilot as part of its ongoing research into the feasibility of various collection options for flexible plastic and foam packaging materials.
For more information, visit victoria.ca/BeyondTheCurb.
Media Contact:
Colleen Mycroft
Manager, Intergovernmental and Media Relations
250.896.5325 | cmycroft@victoria.ca