Preparing For Your First Visit

Ready to make your first return with Return-It Express? Not sure how to get started? Here’s everything you need to know before making your first return:

1. Creating a Return-It Express account

   • Sign up for a Return-It Express account at express.return-it.ca.
   • Anyone can create an account and once registered, you can use the Express system immediately! When signing up you’ll be asked to choose your account type from Personal, Group or Business.
   • We’ll ask you some questions and finally, you will need to verify your account phone number. You can verify your account by text message or an automated phone call. Once you’ve selected which option works best for you, simply click on the “Send Code” button and enter the 6-digit code you receive either by phone call or in a text message in the box on screen.
   • Finally, click “Verify” to complete your registration and you’re good to go!

2. Preparing your bag

   Fill up and seal your transparent Express bag(s) with the empty beverage containers that are part of the Return-It system and check to make sure that your bag meets the Express requirements!
   • Beverage containers that are part of the Return-It system includes soft drinks, juice, water, wine, coolers, spirits, etc. More information on all these containers can be found on our Container Types & Deposits page.
   • Don’t crush or flatten your beverage containers! The bar code and label information are used by depot staff or counting technology to confirm that the container is part of the deposit-refund system here in BC. Crushed or flattened containers can be difficult to read or scan the labels. If the depot is unable to verify that your containers are part of the system, they may not be able to issue a refund.
   • Express bags must be clear/transparent and be no larger than 90 litres in capacity. Bags are available for purchase at almost any grocery store, dollar store, drug store, or hardware store. Brands like Glad, Western Family, Life, Safeway, No Name, and HDX all work with the Express system.
   • To prevent breakage and for the safety of depot staff, we ask that you put a maximum of 12 glass bottles in each Express bag. Other lighter containers like aluminum cans or juice boxes can be used to fill the bags and cushion the glass. For larger glass bottles, it may be necessary to put in less than 12 bottles to prevent the bag from getting too heavy.

3. Dropping off at the depot

   • Find your closest Express site on our map.
     • You don’t always need to go to the same site. You can bring your returns to any of our Express sites across BC.
   • Bring a maximum of 6 unsorted clear/transparent Express bags to your closest Express Depot location.
     • You can print out up to 6 extra bag labels at an Express kiosk and take them home with you to tag your bags as they fill up. Doing this allows you to skip the kiosk and simply drop off your bags at your depot’s Express area! Using the phone number you used when signing up for an Express account, sign into the depot kiosk and print up to 6 Express bag labels for your account.
   • Stick your printed bags labels to your Express bags and leave your bags in the designated Express bag drop off area, we’ll do the rest!
     • After leaving your tagged bags at a Return-It Express location, your containers are counted by depot staff and a detailed record of your counted containers and refunds will be available on your online account within 10 business days.
   • To learn more about your return once you’ve left the depot, visit our “Your Recent Visit and Understanding your Return” section!