Recycling

Recycling FAQs

• Are multi-family buildings required to have recycling?

  All multi-family buildings in Campbell River will be required to have recycling in place by December 31, 2016 and there are incentives in place for buildings starting new recycling programs.

  For more information on the program requirements click here.

• When is my recycling collected?

  Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as your regular garbage collection.

  Download the Campbell River Recycles App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to get reminders, view collection notices and schedule changes. 

  Don't want the app? You can download a printable calendar, register for email, text or telephone reminders about garbage, recycling and yard waste collection notices under Curbside Collection.

• What materials are accepted in the blue recycling bins?

  Please do not use plastic bags for extra recycling.

  Find out, 'What goes where', with the CR Recycles app, which can be downloaded at the Apple Store or Google Play Store or above using the search. 

  Paper products such as newspapers, flyers, pizza boxes, magazines, flattened boxboard and cardboard, paper egg cartons, and telephone books are accepted. Hard plastic materials such as containers are also collected (note: Polystyrene (eg. Styrofoam) is only collected at MMBC depots). Additionally, metal items such as cans, aluminum foil, Tetra-Pak drink boxes, hot and cold beverage cups, milk cartons, non-toxic aerosol cans, plastic garden plant pots and seedling trays are accepted.

• What about statutory holidays?

  Recycling is not collected on statutory holidays.

  Collection moves one day forward after each statutory holiday.

  If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday – there is NO change (for example – Christmas and New Years Day fall on a weekend in 2022; this does not change the collection schedule).

• What happens if curbside collection is cancelled for my area for one week?

  On occasion, the City must cancel curbside collection due to hazardous weather conditions or a number of other factors. In this case, any garbage not collected will be picked up on your next scheduled collection day. If the City cancels curbside collection in your area, residents may put out an additional 80-litre garbage container (maximum 20 kg/44 lbs) on their next scheduled collection day, for no additional fee.

  Due to the unexpected nature of hazardous weather, there is not enough time to inform residents of any schedule changes, which is why the schedule is not pushed back one day for all zones, as happens when anticipated on public holidays. We understand that this may be frustrating for the zone(s) affected, however, this is an important part of the continuity of service for the community, and we appreciate the patience of those affected.

• What time does my blue box have to be out?

  Please place your blue box at the curbside as close to 7:30 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Recycling may be placed at the curbside no earlier than midnight on the day of collection. After collection, bring your recycling containers back to your property by 8 p.m. to reduce attracting bears and other wildlife.

• Will paper blow away on a windy day?

  Place paper and cardboard on the bottom of the box with heavier items on top or on windy days, a rock or brick may be placed on top of loose papers. Shredded paper must be contained (i.e. in a cereal box). You may not use a plastic bag to hold shredded paper.

• Won’t papers and cardboard get soggy when it rains?

  Yes, however wet cardboard and papers are still recyclable.

• I have too much material to fit into one box!

  An unlimited amount of recycling can be left at the curb in a City supplied blue box. The use of other containers are permitted as long as they are not larger than 68 litres in volume (City’s standard size). Additional blue boxes may be purchased at City Hall.

  Please do not put extra recycling in plastic bags as they will not be collected.

  Visit www.cswm.ca for multi-bin locations.

  Find out, 'What goes where', with the CR Recycles app, which can be downloaded at the Apple Store or Google Play Store or go here: What goes where?

• What materials are accepted at the multi-bins sites?

  Recycling collection is no longer available at Strathcona Gardens and the Sportsplex locations.

  Find out more information at www.cswm.ca or call: 250-334-6016

  For more info visit www.cswm.ca/depots.

• What can I recycle at Multi-Material BC (MMBC) approved depots?

  Campbell River MMBC depots accept polystyrene, glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum, plastic bags and overwrap. 

  • Comox Strathcona Waste Management Centre— 6700 Argonaut Road
  • Island Return-It Centre—1580 Willow Street 

• What about Glass?

  Deposit glass containers should be delivered to depots for deposit refund. Non-deposit containers will be accepted for recycling by MMBC at participating depots. Glass will not be collected at the curbside as it can easily break during collection, which contaminates other recyclables and is a safety hazard.

• Why is my home not included in the recycling collection program?

  This program is for single-family, duplex homes and optional for triplexes and fourplexes. These homes pay an annual collection service fee. The following properties do NOT receive recycling collection from the City:

  • Multi-family or Strata Properties (apartments, townhouses, condos or anything larger than a fourplex);
  • trailer parks 

• Where can I find out more information about recycling options?

  Refer to your Yellow Pages EcoGuide or contact the Recycling Council of BC.

• Who do I contact for services inquires or to report a missed pickup?

  To report a singular missed pick-up, please contact Emterra at 250-286-0211 to arrange a new pickup or for other enquiries. Bring your recycling back to your property by 8 p.m. to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife.

• What about foam?

  Styrofoam is accepted at Return It:

  WHITE STYROFOAM / COLORED STYROFOAM

  They do not accept hot tub covers, insulation, packaging peanuts. These items are considered landfill. 

  ACCEPTED PRODUCTS:

  • Plastic foam containers and trays used for meat and produce
  • Styrofoam egg cartons
  • Styrofoam clamshells, cups and bowls for take-out food
  • Styrofoam packaging to protect electronics, small appliances, etc.