Recycle BC officially launches flexible plastics recycling for Vancouver apartments and condos
Vancouver, B.C. (February 17, 2026) — Recycle BC, the not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling throughout British Columbia, announced that flexible plastics recycling is now officially underway for apartments and condos in the City of Vancouver. Residents can now begin using the new pink flexible plastics carts in their buildings’ recycling areas.
“With flexible plastic collection now officially live across Vancouver’s apartments and condos, residents can now recycle flexible plastics right at their building, making recycling easier and more convenient,” said Sam Baker, Executive Director of Recycle BC. “By expanding flexible plastics collection to more communities, we’re taking another step toward increasing collection and keeping more materials out of landfills and nature.”
Residents living in apartment and condo buildings are encouraged to start putting out flexible plastics for collection by placing accepted materials into the pink cart located at their building. Collection takes place weekly, on the same day as other recycling services.
What to do
Place clean, dry flexible plastics into the pink flexible plastics cart
Bundle loose items together inside a reused clear plastic bag (such as a bread or produce bag)
Check your address-specific collection schedule and contractor information before your next collection day
What goes in the pink cart
Flexible plastics are lightweight packaging that can be crumpled or folded, including:
Plastic bags (for bread, produce, bulk foods, etc.)
Overwrap (for toilet paper, paper towels, beverage flats, etc.)
Stand‑up and zipper‑lock pouches (for granola, grains, dried fruit, etc.)
Crinkly wrappers and bags (cereal box liners, chip bags, pasta bags, etc.)
Packaging with plastic seals (for deli meats, sliced cheese, etc.)
Plastic net bags (for oranges, lemons, avocados, rice, etc.)
Bubble wrap and other squishy protective packaging, etc.
All other recycling materials remain unchanged. Residents should continue using existing carts for mixed containers, paper and cardboard, and glass bottles and jars.
New Contractors
The launch of flexible plastics collection coincides with Recycle BC’s transition to new recycling collection contractors for Vancouver apartments and condos. As of February 16, 2026, Recycling Alternative will service downtown Vancouver and False Creek, and Emterra Environmental will service all other areas of Vancouver.
As part of this transition, recycling collection schedules may have changed for some buildings. Building managers are encouraged to confirm collection days, contractor details and service alerts using the Recycle BC app or by visiting RecycleBC.ca/Vancouver.
For many buildings, to deliver pink carts and ensure reliable weekly recycling collection, building access is required. If your building is part of the Recycle BC program and does not yet have a pink cart for flexible plastics, please contact your building manager. They should then reach out to Recycle BC at info@recyclebc.ca.
If residents are unsure about their property type, wish to discuss joining Recycle BC’s program, or have questions about pick-ups, replacement carts, or service changes, they should contact their local collection contractor or Recycle BC resident support at info@recyclebc.ca.