The Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD) is a busy place these days.
There are lots of people bringing in lots of different materials, some of which can be recycled and some of which cannot (at least not at BIRD.) However, there is good news for those who don’t know what to do with that old car seat or plastic deck chair.
Waste Control Services Inc. (WCS) is a privately owned North Shore waste management operation. The company offers a comprehensive recycling program called Red Bag Recycling. There is a $7 fee to drop off materials for recycling and there’s a self-sorting area for the materials brought into the depot. The company collects many of the items BIRD collects, such as cardboard, glass, electronics and soft and hard plastic. However, they also collect items that are not currently recyclable at BIRD.
WCS accepts textiles and shoes in all conditions, rewearable and non-rewearable. Like those at all recycling depots in North America right now, the textiles and shoes need to be clean. Do you have ceramic dishware, porcelain, or pottery plates, bowls, and cups that can’t be left at the Nook? WCS will recycle them. How about that car or booster seat your child has outgrown? Once the item is stripped down to the hard plastic WCS will accept it. Unfortunately, WCS will not accept the fabric and canvas coverings. Those you will need to put into the garbage. WCS accepts ridged household plastics including waste bins, garden chairs and children’s toys.
If you find yourself on the North Shore, you can also recycle many of these items and more at the North Shore Transfer Station.
Want to know more about these programs? Go to www.wastecontrolservices.com for their hours of operation and location. The North Shore Transfer Station’s recycling info can be found at www.metrovancouverrecycles.org.
