Recycling in Nanaimo is easier than many residents may think. However, confusion about what can and cannot be recycled continues to be the biggest obstacle to recycling more effectively. The Regional Recycling Nanaimo (RRN) depot processes a large volume of materials, yet many people still bring items that can’t be recycled at the RRN facility, at 2375 Hayes Rd.
At RRN, General Manager Paul Shorting says that the most popular item coming through the facility “is mostly beverage containers.” Still, residents feel a little uncertain when it comes to trying to do the right thing.
For Lee Knight, a Nanaimo resident for 45 years, recycling hasn’t always been second nature. “I didn’t really start until I was an adult,” she explains. “I don’t think my parents really recycled. When recycling first started, they weren’t really on board, but when I had my own house, I definitely did.”
Even now, Knight finds recycling confusing: “You don’t know what you can recycle and where you can recycle it. what can go in the blue bin and what you have to take to the recycling centre.”
This confusion shows up at the local depot as well. Alana, who has worked at the recycling depot for nearly 18 years, says people often bring in items they assume are recyclable, but aren’t, like coffee creamers. While not always a “mistake,” as Shorting notes, these items often fall outside of official recycling or stewardship programs and unfortunately are thrown out.
Jacob, another depot worker, says there can be a communication gap with residents which leads to some frustration. “Some people kind of assume what goes where and then they get frustrated when it’s not right. They put beer cans with pop cans, and then we find out and tell them not to.”
Understanding the recycling programs is key. Resources like the Regional District of Nanaimo’s waste guide, and Recycle BC’s directory can help clarify what goes into your blue bin and what you should take elsewhere.
Despite some of these challenges, there have been improvements to the recycling system. Alana said some materials, like milk bottles, are now accepted, noting that more residents are starting to bring them in to be recycled.
Knight says that she often questions what happens to the recycling after it leaves her house: “I just wonder if it’s a big joke, and it all goes to the garbage… It’s actually something I find very worrisome.”
According to the Government of Canada website, in 2022 Approximately 27% of total solid waste generated in Canada is diverted from landfills through recycling and composting,while only a small fraction—roughly 9% or less of plastic waste is actually recycled, with most materials going to landfills.
While some uncertainty remains, Shorting remarks that recycling is a lot more straightforward than most people would expect, and better access to information can help build confidence in the recycling system. Facilities like Regional Recycling Nanaimo Bottle Depot provide accessible drop-off points and guidance.
These are some of the items and materials that can be dropped off at the north Nanaimo depot (2375 Hayes Rd.) and south Nanaimo depot (839 Old Victoria Rd.):
- beverage containers (cans and plastic bottles)
- all glass containers
- batteries
- paint and pesticides
- a wide range of electronics
- home appliances
- exercise equipment
- smoke alarms
- light bulbs and other lighting equipment
Make sure you check if your items can be recycled before throwing them in the garbage. Overall, Jacob said the best approach to recycling is simple: “Just ask questions.”
