Bringing convenient & contactless recycling solutions to the Village of McBride

Recycling just got more convenient in the heart of McBride. Starting today, locals can drop off their unsorted and bagged empty refundable beverage containers at Northern B.C.’s first Return-It Express & GO recycling station, located at 600 NW Frontage Road. More information can be found here.

The cashless, contactless, and solar-powered recycling station is housed in a 20-foot repurposed shipping container and is one of the ways Return-It is addressing accessibility, and innovating recycling in B.C.

“Bringing convenient solutions that encourage recycling is what we do at Return-It, and we are committed to working with communities to address their specific needs,” said Allen Langdon, President and CEO of Return-It. “We are pleased to be bringing McBride residents a new recycling option, and we want to thank the Village of McBride for all their support.”

This new Express & GO recycling station is a direct response to the unique needs of the residents of McBride, who previously transported their empty beverage containers one-to-two hours, to depots in Valemount or Prince George, for a deposit refund.

“We want to thank Return-It for working with us to increase our community’s access to recycling solutions,” said Gene Runtz, Mayor of McBride. “This new recycling station has a positive environmental impact as it encourages residents of our village to keep recyclable materials out of landfills – without having to travel to a neighbouring town to responsibly recycle their beverage container for a deposit refund.”

Through the Express system, users will receive their deposit refunds through their free online account which can be redeemed by Interac e-transfer or cheque. Residents also have the option of donating their refunds directly to a local charity or community group.

“The installation of the new Express & GO recycling station directly supports the Village of McBride’s first Strategic Priority, which is to strive towards long term economic resiliency and sustainability; as well as bolstering community vibrancy and well-being’,” said Chris Tupy, Chief Administrative Officer of the Village of McBride. “We are pleased to partner with Return-It, who understands these priorities. Another benefit is that through the Express system, residents also have the option and ability to support our local community by donating their deposit refunds to a local charity.

Now expanded to seven Express & GO locations across B.C., this convenient model supports a growing need for contactless, innovative recycling infrastructure in a wide range of communities – from large urban centres where commercial space is at a premium, to less accessible, rural locations where traditional depot facilities may be less viable.