Here’s why pink recycling bins are coming to Vancouver condo, apartment buildings

Recycle B.C. provided this photo of new, pink bins for recycling flexible plastics.

Pastel pink bins are being provided to Vancouver’s apartment and condo buildings to help increase recycling of things like Ziplocs, chip bags and bubble wrap.

While so-called flexible plastics have long been accepted for drop-off, the non-profit responsible for residential recycling said providing at-home pick up will simplify efforts to keep these things out of landfills.

“Flexible plastics are a common part of everyday packaging and making them easier to recycle is an important step toward improving recovery,” said Sam Baker, executive director of Recycle B.C., in a statement.

“By introducing a dedicated flexible plastic cart in apartment and condo buildings, we’re removing barriers for residents, while ensuring these materials are collected, sorted and properly managed and recycled here in Metro Vancouver.”

The first scheduled pick-up for the new pink bins has been set for Feb. 16.

The non-profit provided a list of some flexible plastics that can be put in the bins, which includes:

• Plastic bags (for bread, produce, bulk foods)
• Overwrap (for toilet paper, paper towels, beverage flats)
• Stand‑up and zipper‑lock pouches (for granola, grains, dried fruit)
• Crinkly wrappers and bags (cereal box liners, chip bags, pasta bags)
• Packaging with plastic seals (for deli meats, sliced cheese)
• Plastic net bags (for oranges, lemons, avocados, rice)
• Bubble wrap and other protective packaging

A full list is available online.

Single-family homes will not be receiving pink bins, but Recycle B.C. said expanding pick-up to apartments and condos in Vancouver will help meet the “ambitious” goal of seeing 50 per cent of these products recovered by 2027.