Dear Editor,
[RE: Too much bureaucracy in recycling effort, March 2, The News]
A recent letter to the editor described recycling in Maple Ridge as “too much bureaucracy.”
While we understand that changes to collection systems can sometimes be frustrating, there are a few important facts about how residential recycling works in the community that may help clarify things.
Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential recycling of packaging and paper products across British Columbia.
We operate under an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model. This means the companies that supply packaging and paper to residents in B.C. are responsible for their end-of-life management and fund the recycling system.
Recycle BC is responsible for recycling collection in Maple Ridge and works with a contractor to collect accepted packaging and paper from homes as of January 2025. As a result, recycling collection in Maple Ridge is not paid for through property taxes.
The designated collection containers (i.e., blue, pink, or red boxes and yellow bag) help both residents and collection contractors keep materials properly separated.
We find that colour-coding makes it easier for people to recognize the right box, learn what goes where, and sort materials more confidently over time.
Collection crews service hundreds of homes each day. Clear visual cues — blue for mixed containers, yellow for paper and cardboard, grey for glass, and red or pink for flexible plastics — allow drivers to quickly identify each material stream and reduce contamination.
Proper separation matters.
When materials are mixed incorrectly, it increases processing challenges and can reduce the amount that can ultimately be recycled. Colour coding supports efficiency on collection routes and improves recycling outcomes overall.
For residents in Maple Ridge, the set-out guidelines are as follows:
• Flexible plastics in a red or pink box (collected every two weeks)
• Mixed containers (metal cans, cartons, coffee cups and lids, rigid plastic containers, etc.) in the blue box
• Paper and flattened cardboard (no larger than approximately 30 x 30 inches) in the yellow bag
• Glass bottles and jars in the grey box
If a resident is missing any of these collection containers, they can contact the collection contractor, Remple Disposal, to request delivery.
Some residents may still have a red box from before Recycle BC began directly managing recycling services in the community. That red box remains acceptable for use for flexible plastics. However, if someone prefers to receive the newer pink box designated for flexible plastics, they can contact Remple and request one.
We recognize that adapting to changes takes time. However, the current system is designed to make recycling efficient, reduce contamination and ensure that materials collected can be recycled.
Recycle BC manages residential recycling for more than two million households — over 99 per cent of B.C. — and we remain committed to making the program clear, accessible, and effective.
If residents have questions, we encourage them to reach out directly at info@recyclebc.ca. We are always happy to help.
Ann Goulding, manager of stakeholder relations for Recycle BC