Facts and Stats History Locations What can be Recycled What happens to the Recyclables Local Statistics

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Materials collected from the bins and depots in the Peace River Regional District are transported to the Eco Depot in Fort St. John.

Newsprint and Magazines

Most of the material collected through the Regional Recycling Program is newspapers, flyers and TV guides.

This paper is baled and shipped to the Catalyst mill in Coquitlam B.C. Depending on the pulp mill, up to 15% recycled content is used in "new" newsprint. Some newsprint is sent to Edmonton where it is made into insulation that can be blown into homes.

Plastics

All plastics are hand-sorted at the Eco-Depot into bags, milk containers and hard plastics (according to their number). During this process, the materials are also closely screened for contaminants.

These plastics are sent to Merlin Plastic processing plant in Vancouver. Merlin collects and process #1-#7 plasticst, including lumber wrap, plastic film (bags) and rigid containers. Merlin can grind, wash, pelletize and package recycled plastics, including bulk rail handling. Recycled plastic products are marketed to regional, national and international customers.

Recycled Number 1 plastic can be found in carpets, upholstery and even fleece clothing.

Recycled Number 2 plastic has many uses including non-food use pails and truck and box liners

Other Plastics

Plastic "film" Plastic grocery bags, made from #4 plastic (low density polyethylene - LDPE) are used to make other plastic bags and plastic containers.

Tin "steel" cans

Steel cans are shipped to Vancouver where it is melted down to make more steel. Just imagine the possibilities. The next tin can you recycle may be part of the rebar in the next bridge you drive across.

Office Grade paper

Like newsprint, office paper goes through the pulping process. It is turned back into office paper for use in printers, photocopiers, etc. Office paper is also used as recycled content in toilet and tissue paper.

Cardboard/boxboard

Old Corrugated Cardboard is immediately baled and shipped to plants in either Vancouver or Tacoma. These shimpents are brokered by Blue Water, which coordinates truck shipments to ensure the most environmentally friendly shipment possible.

Recycled cardboard makes more cardboard.

Boxboard, a lower grade material used in cereal, pop and tissue boxes, is the most common type of cardboard used.

Aluminum

Eventually recycled aluminum ends up at the Alcan smelter in Kitimat where it is made into new pop cans and other household aluminum products.

Glass

Glass is used locally. It is ground on site at the Eco-Depot, and is used as a base for driveways. Delivery of this material is provided free of charge.