Becoming a Zero Waste community means rethinking what we send to the landfill, and looking for alternative ways to reuse and recycle as much as possible.
Whether you’ve just cleaned out your closet or have a garage full of old, broken, or unwanted electronics, these items can likely be reused or recycled – instead of ending up in the landfill.
Vancouver Zero Waste Centre
Find information on managing large quantities of residential recyclables in Vancouver.
What’s accepted for drop-off
The following items are accepted at each Zero Waste Reuse and Recycling Drop-off event.
For reuse
Accessories (scarves, hats, gloves)
Bags and purses
Bath towels
Bedding and pillows
Clothing
Computers and monitors
Curtains
Fabric shower curtains
Kitchen tea towels
Tablecloths and cloth napkins
Shoes
For recycling
Clothing
Electronics
Home theatre components
Household batteries
Light bulbs
Light fixtures
Small household appliances
Phones
Portable audio and video equipment
Video game systems
Clothing and other textiles can be dropped off for both reuse and recycling as long as they are washed and dry. This includes items that can be worn again, as well as items that are torn, ripped, holey, stained, worn-out or faded, missing buttons, or with broken zippers.
Depending on the type of item and its condition, it will be reused, repurposed or recycled. Clothing or textiles that are wet, mildewed, contaminated or infested with moths or bed bugs will not be accepted.
Materials not accepted
The following items are currently not accepted at Zero Waste reuse and recycling drop-off events:
Bicycles
Construction materials, such as dryall and wood
Cushions and duvets
Furniture and large or bulky items
Hazardous waste
Lawnmowers
Mattresses and box springs
Paper and magazines
Plastic storage containers
Sinks, toilets, and bathtubs
Soft plastics
Styrofoam
Suitcases
Tires
Toys
Pharmaceutical products
Planter pots
Propane tanks
Used oil
Looking to repair instead of recycle?
Before items are brought to a Zero Waste drop-off event, consider if they can be repaired or repurposed.
The following non-profit organizations provide options:
