In British Columbia, we use a system called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). That’s a fancy way of saying that the companies who make and sell products and their packaging are also responsible for helping us recycle.
Instead of your tax dollars paying for everything, these producers step up to help manage the collection and recycling process. By doing this, we keep our communities cleaner and we reduce the material we disposal of garbage.
Why Do We Do This?
Many items, like old electronics, paint, or batteries, can be harmful if they just end up in the trash. These programs ensure that everything is handled safely and responsibly. Plus, when we recycle these materials, they can be turned into something new, which is a big win for our community and the planet!
Here’s a Quick Guide to Help
People often think everything goes in the curbside bin, but many items need a little extra care. Most of the things listed below can be brought directly to us at the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot. Your partners in building a cleaner community are here to help you sort it out.
Items we accept through stewardship programs:
- Beverage Containers: Everything from juice boxes to pop cans.
- Electronics & Media: TVs, computers, and even your old VHS tapes or floppy discs.
- Small Appliances & Power Tools: Toasters, drills, and vacuum cleaners.
- Light Bulbs & Fixtures: All types, including those old Christmas lights and long fluorescent tubes.
- Paint, Pesticides & Flammable Liquids: Keep these chemicals safe and out of the drain.
- Batteries: From the little ones in your remote to the ones in your power tools.
- Used Oil & Antifreeze: Essential for keeping our groundwater clean.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms: These contain materials that need special handling.
- Major Appliances: Fridges, stoves, and washers.
- Outdoor Power Equipment: Electric lawnmowers and hedge trimmers.
- Cell Phones: Don’t let them sit in a drawer; bring them in!
- Thermostats: Especially the older ones that contain mercury.
- Printed Paper & Packaging: Our partners at Recycle BC help us manage your residential recycling.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While we take almost everything at the depot, there are two common items we don’t collect on-site. However, there are still great local options for them:
- Medications: Please take these back to your local pharmacy.
- Tires: Your local tire shop is the best place for these.
We’re in This Together
Whether it’s an old 8-track tape or a leftover can of deck paint, every item you bring to us helps build a more inclusive and sustainable Maple Ridge. We’re proud to provide jobs and a welcoming space for all our neighbors, including people with developmental disabilities who help us “Recycle it Right” every day.