The producer responsibility organization in British Columbia reported a 45% plastic recovery rate in 2024. | Photo courtesy Recycle BC
Producer responsibility organization Recycle BC upped its plastic recovery rate in Canada’s southwestern province last year, and it managed nearly all of the collected plastic domestically.
Recycle BC, a nonprofit stewardship group that manages recycling services through British Columbia’s printed paper and packaging EPR program, recently published its annual report covering 2024, highlighting a number of key plastic management metrics.
The organization reported a 45% plastic recovery rate, up from 43% in 2023. By plastic category, it notched a 55% recovery rate on rigid plastics (down from 56% in 2023) and a 24% recovery rate on flexible plastics (up from 20% in 2023). Recycle BC has goals to reach a 50% recovery rate for the broader plastics category and a 73% rate for rigid plastics by 2025.
The report also emphasizes that local processing is a key feature of the program’s plastics management strategy, reflecting a goal shared by both Recycle BC and GFL, its contracted MRF operator. More than 99% of plastic that is recycled through the system is processed within British Columbia, with 80% of all materials sent to North American recycling end markets, according to the report. The report shows domestic end markets have grown over the past decade in Canada and the U.S.
Recycle BC also in 2024 expanded its flexible plastics collection efforts, according to the report. The organization launched permanent flexible plastic collection in multi-family buildings in West Vancouver, following an earlier pilot in 2021. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all curbside and multi-family collection partners across the province will have the opportunity to add segregated flexible plastics collection. Additional efforts included school-based pilots and expanded drop-off opportunities at depots and community events.
The report also outlined Recycle BC’s efforts to ensure materials are being handled responsibly once they enter the system. The organization helped develop the Canadian Standards Association’s plastics recycling standard, which outlines consistent reporting and verification practices nationwide. Recycle BC also helped launch a working group with other producer responsibility organizations aimed at harmonizing end-market verification and ensuring compliance with EPR regulations and mandates.
Recycle BC in 2024 marked 10 years in operation, and the report also highlighted overall achievements during that time. It noted Recycle BC has provided recycling access to 99% of British Columbia households, collected 1.98 million metric tons of material, and moved 98% of collected plastics to recycling markets.