Two Return-It centres in Richmond are moving forward with a new recycling program to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Return-It’s new six-month pilot program aims to reduce physical interaction while improving convenience by offering introducing a single-stream recycling system.
This system allows patrons to return alcohol and non-alcohol aluminum beverage cans together for without having to sort them.
Patrons would then receive one deposit amount for their refunds to their online account that can be redeemed through e-Transfer without cash handling.
The program was launched on Tuesday at the OK Bottle depot at Unit 145-5751 Cedarbridge Way, and at the Richmond Return-it at Unit 135 – 8171 Westminster Hwy.
Meanwhile, the organization will be implementing more initiatives for a “greener future” starting this fall that includes:
- Expanding the number of Return-It Express Plus and solar-powered Express & GO contactless return stations around the province, including Vancouver Island, with new stations located in partnership with major retailers and shopping centres
- Implementing a 10-cent unified deposit for all beverage containers – starting this fall – to simplify the overall system and make it even easier for consumers to recycle all their beverage containers – regardless of the size
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of a hybrid compaction truck that will reduce the number of vehicles used to transport containers for processing
- Partnering with the Salvation Army to expand Return-It’s popular textiles collection program to safely drop off used clothing for recycling
- Introducing new automated sorting technologies and reverse-vending machines inside select Return-It depots to limit touch points in order to improve safety for depot employees and support the recycling experience
