The Nanaimo Recycling Exchange accepts a huge variety of materials for recycling. We are constantly striving to help Nanaimo achieve its goal of Zero Waste. Most materials are free to drop off, or a small fee applies if the cost of shipping to market is high.
Why is recycling so confusing?
The materials we collect are shipped to facilities where the items can be cleaned and processed so they are ready to be made into new items. Where we ship our materials can change due to market fluctuations and new opportunities. Recycling is still a relatively young industry and is constantly changing, improving, and sometimes experiencing challenges. Accessibility to markets can be an issue on Vancouver Island – the amount we can get for a load of recyclable material sometimes doesn’t pay for its ferry trip, so we look for local alternatives. We are fortunate to have better access to markets than people in northern BC, or the Prairie Provinces, for example.
Please WASH & SQUASH your recyclables whenever possible. Our staff and volunteers, who sort materials by hand, appreciate clean recycling that is sorted properly.
Unused/Expired Medications: Don’t Throw Them Out!
Medications may be returned to pharmacies in your area to prevent unsafe disposal and accidental ingestion of expired medication!
A new web version of British Columbia’s Recycling handbook for 2011 has been created! Click here for more information.