Milk and Plant-based: Plastic
Blow molded plastic milk bottles have been in use since the 1960s
| Size | CRF Fee | Deposit/Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 1L | 4¢ | 10¢ |
| Over 1L | 5¢ | 10¢ |
How to Recycle Milk and Plant-based Plastic Bottles
When recycling your milk and plant-based plastic bottles, ensure that they are fully empty, and do not crush or flatten them. Put the caps back on when returning your milk and plant-based plastic bottles, as they can be recycled alongside the bottles. Also remember to keep the labels on. Bring your milk and plant-based plastic bottles along with your other ready-to-drink beverage containers to a Return-It depot to get your refund.
Milk and plant-based plastic bottles can be recycled at all depots, including Express, Express & GO, and Express Plus locations.
To find a depot near you to recycle your milk and plant-based plastic bottles, visit return-it.ca/locations.
Milk and Plant-Based Plastic Bottle Deposit Refund
In BC, a deposit is charged for each ready-to-drink beverage container that is purchased. This deposit is returned in full when you bring back the empty container for recycling. Milk and plant-based plastic bottles are issued a 10-cent refund along with the other accepted beverage containers part of the Return-It system.
For a full listing of all containers that can be returned to a Return-It Depot visit https://www.return-it.ca/beverage/products/.
How to Obtain Your Refund
If you sign up for Express, you can put all your empty containers inside clear, transparent bags (no larger than 90L in capacity). Simply bring the bag(s) to an Express location near you, label them, and drop them off. The funds will be issued to your Express account within 10 business days. To redeem the funds, you will need to log in to your Express account.
If you are using over-the-counter depots to return your containers, you will receive your refund in cash at the time of return.
What Happens to Recycled Milk and Plant-based: Plastics
Over 75% of the plastic bottles sold are returned. The bottles are power-washed, then shredded, then power-washed again. From there, the shredded material is sold to companies who pull, stretch and meld the shreds into fibre for new bottles and buckets. Recycling plastics uses about 1/3 less energy than manufacturing new plastic.