Express & GO launches in Tofino

Recycling just got more convenient in Tofino. Starting today, residents of the popular surfing and storm-watching community on Vancouver Island can drop off their refundable beverage containers at the province’s first Express & Go recycling station.

Located at 620 Industrial Way, next to the District of Tofino’s Public Works yard, the new facility revolutionizes the recycling experience by allowing residents to drop off their pre-bagged beverage containers without sorting them – building on Return-It’s mission to make recycling even more convenient for British Columbians.

“At Return-It, we have a long history of working with municipalities to address their local needs, and provide recycling solutions that encourage greater participation in our provincial program,” said Allen Langdon, President and CEO of Return-It. “We want to thank the District of Tofino and Mayor Josie Osborne, and the Tofino Co-op for their support and making this possible.”

We’re proud to provide a new service for Tofino as a direct response to its residents’ unique needs – previously, they had to transport refundable beverage containers nearly 40 minutes to a depot in Ucluelet, BC. Today, we’re in Tofino celebrating the launch of Express & GO – a new, small-format system that will play an increasingly essential role serving residents in busy, commercial locations throughout the province - with Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne.

Pictured above (left to right): Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne, Return-It CEO Allen Langdon, and Tofino Co-op's Michael Tomlin host the official launch of BC's fist Express & GO location in Tofino, BC

“Tofitians are dedicated recyclers, and losing the former Return-It recycling centre resulted in more time and costs for many residents and businesses,” said Josie Osborne, Tofino Mayor. “We’re very grateful to Return-It for their diligence and persistence in working with us to find a “made-for-Tofino” solution and we hope this pilot will result in better services for rural communities in other parts of B.C.”

Here’s how Express & GO works:

Create an online account by visiting express.return-it.ca. Once you have signed up for an account, use your phone number to print your bag labels at the nearby Tofino Co-op at 140 First Street.

Then simply bring your containers to the Express and Go System at 620 Industrial Way in a labelled, sealed and clear bag, enter the access code provided at the time of registration - and drop and go! We’ll do the sorting, so there’s no need to wait in line to have your containers counted. Your money will be automatically sent to your online account where funds can be redeemed by Interac e-Transfer or cheque.

More information can be found at return-it.ca/express/expressandgo.