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Accepted Container Types

Not sure which containers are part of the Return-It system? Here’s everything you need to know about refundable beverages and non-refundable containers.

Return-It Express is a fast and easy way to return your refundable beverage containers. Learn here which beverage containers you can recycle with Return-It Express and which containers might trigger an Express Bag Notification and flag your account. For more information on bag notifications, visit Bag Notifications.

Which Beverage Containers You Can Return with Express

  • Express will accept any refundable beverage container type
  • Beverage containers that are part of the Return-It system include water, milk and milk alternatives, soft drinks, juice, wine, coolers, spirits, etc. More information on all these beverage containers can be found on our Container Types & Deposits page.
  • If you are unsure if any particular brand is part of the Return-It system, we have compiled a helpful searchable database of acceptable ready-to-drink beverages that can be returned at any Return-It location for a full deposit refund. Visit the Registered Brands database to learn more.

Which Containers Are NOT Part of the Return-It System

Non-refundable or non-conformant containers are not part of the Return-It system and are not eligible for refund or returnable through Express. Non-refundable containers include but are not limited to the following:

  • Non-deposit Dairy/Plant-Based Containers

    Containers NOT included in the program are those not meant primarily as “ready-to-drink,” such as infant formula, meal replacement or dietary supplements, coffee cream and other coffee additives, whipping cream, buttermilk, drinkable yogurt and kefir.

    How to Recycle: Can be recycled in your curbside blue bin/building recycling bins as these containers are part of the Recycle BC program or brought separately to Return-It depots that also accept packaging and paper.

    Learn more at return-it.ca/milk.

  • Packaging Containers

    Plastic packaging such as wrap, plastic rings for 6-pack, clam shell etc. Any plastic, paper and/or cardboard packaging that should be recycled under the Recycle BC program.

    How to Recycle: All packaging should be placed in the blue bin or brought to a depot which collects these types of paper/cardboard separately.

  • Food Containers

    Examples include soup and broth containers, cooking oils, etc.

    How to Recycle: All food containers should be placed in the blue bin/building recycling bins or brought separately to Return-It depots that also accept packaging.

How to Recycle Items Outside of the Return-It System

If you have an item that's outside of the Return-It System, visit bcrecycles.ca to search for a location near you that could accept your item. BC Recycles is made up of the Stewardship Agencies of British Columbia (SABC), a coalition of industry-led BC recycling programs.

Looking for more Express Tips?

Visit Return-It Express Tips for some great tips and tricks for using Express and how to reap the maximum benefits of the program.

Still have questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.