Recycling FAQ
Placing materials not accepted by Recycle BC in your recycling tote
Placing hazardous material, including batteries, propane or butane cylinders, needles, and lighters, in your tote
Recycling containers with contents (e.g. food or liquid) inside
Tying or bundling materials in a plastic bag
How does curbside recycling work?
The residential blue curbside recycling tote is intended for paper packaging and cardboard, plastic containers, cartons and paper cups, aluminum containers and steel containers. Several items that fall into these categories might surprise you. Find a full material list here along with commonly used items that can go in the recycling tote.
Why are there limitations to what is accepted in the curbside recycling tote?
The residential curbside recycling in Squamish is managed by Recycle BC. Recycle BC is responsible for recycling packaging and paper products from residential properties across the province. Recycle BC determines which materials are accepted in the curbside program and at Recycle BC depots based on end-market potential. Watch these videos to find out more about what happens to material after collection here and here.
What's a centralized waste room?
Residents who live in a multi-family home with a centralized waste room may be able to recycle additional materials that are not accepted in the curbside collection program such as glass and flexible plastics. Please check the signage in your waste room for a list of accepted items.
Tell me about the recycling drop-off locations
Many items that are not accepted in the curbside recycling tote can still be recycled at a recycling depot or drop-off location. Common examples include glass, flexible plastics, large amounts of cardboard, refundable beverage containers, batteries, and Styrofoam. Check out the What Goes Where Guide for a comprehensive list of materials and drop-off locations.
Recycling Basics
Squamish residents either receive curbside recycling collection service or have access to a waste management room in their multi-family dwelling. In addition, there are several drop-off locations for specific materials that are not accepted in the curbside recycling tote.
There are three options for recycling: curbside recycling, centralized waste rooms, and recycling drop-off locations.
What is recycling contamination?
Recycling contamination occurs when material that is not accepted for curbside recycling is placed in the curbside recycling tote. The District currently experiences an average recycling contamination rate of 7.84 per cent. We are working to reduce our community recycling contamination to achieve a rate of 3 per cent. District of Squamish staff have developed a Recycling Contamination Reduction Plan (CRP) to reduce the amount of residential curbside collection contamination and avoid financial penalties that have the potential to impact all residents.
There are many ways recycling can become contaminated. This includes:
Some examples of the most common contaminants in Squamish are hard and softcover books, glass, textiles and clothing, electronics, scrap metals, organics, and personal hygiene products.
For more information on recycling in Squamish, go here!