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By using these options, a family of two can get their garbage down to less than one cup (!) per week. This frequently updated and expanded directory lists options for packaging that is recyclable in Kamloops. Of course, the most crucial step is to reduce packaging overall, so we’ll include tips for that too.

Batteries

• Drop off any and all batteries: Battery Direct 1400A Battle Street (374-8914).
• More drop-off locations for rechargeable (only) batteries, click here.
• For an article about this, click here.

Cell Phones (See also ‘Computers, Electronics’ below)

• Any working phone less than five years old: Any thrift shop.
• Older than five years old or broken, click here to recycle your phone while raising money for the Food Action Centre or here to recycle your phone while supporting Bert Edwards Elementary School or Habitat for Humanity (Kamloops Chapter).

Cloth Bags - Large

• Second-Hand Stores - Value Village usually has a wide variety in stock.
• Grocery Stores
• Farmer’s Market
  
• Amber Horne - Makes bags out of recycled material. Call 377-7450.
• Cherish or Perish Project (heavy duty cotton tote; water bottle bag; decals). Email ljwall1@telus.net

Cloth Bags - Small
For tips about transporting your bulk dry goods, such as rice, oats and beans, click here.

Composting
If you have a yard, a simple wire cylinder or a plastic container will do. If you have no yard, check out the indoor worm composting system available through Kamloops’ own All Things Organic.

Computers and Other Electronics (See also ‘Cell Phones’, above.)

• Any electronic less than five years old: Some thrift shops or charities (Food Bank; Boys & Girls Club, etc).
• Older than five years old, click here.
• For an inspiring article on this topic, click here.

Curbside Pick Up
The City of Kamloops’ curbside pick up program began March 17, 2008.

The City of Kamloops does not accept bags, even if labeled for recycling. Labeled bags can be return to stores. Any bags and un-numbered plastics can be saved up for a trip to Kelowna, which recycles all plastics except toothbrushes. To prevent use of plastic bags, scroll up to ‘Cloth Bags’.

Diapers
Click here.

Dishsoap
EcoVer (Plastic #2) at Nature’s Fare.

Drop Off
See the City of Kamloops Recycling Page for drop-off options.
See also “House & Household”.

Egg Cartons
Egg producers are often in need of egg cartons. The Bernardo family accepts clean egg cartons. It sets up its Farmers Market stall at the corner of 3rd & St Paul (north side, in front of the CFCD office) every Saturday.

House & Household
Sinks, doors, stoves, paint and more. With your donation or purchase, you are both saving money and supporting Habitat for Humanity. ReStore is located at #28 - 1425 Cariboo Place (just up Hillside Drive from the Home Depot).

Light Bulbs - Compact Fluorescents
Home Depot now accepts used CFLs. For details, click here.

Other Reusable Items

• Thrift shops recycle, support community agencies, and/or provide wages. For a list of locally-owned, not-for-profit thrift stores, click here. Most will pick up your items for free.
• For items that thrift shops won’t take, post to Freecycle, an online service whose entire purpose is to divert items from the landfill. Old wheelbarrow? Cracked paddling pool? Post ‘em! FMI click here.

Oil, Paint, Scrap Metal, Solvents, Tires, Toxic Waste
See “House & Household”, above, and the City of Kamloops Recycling Page for drop-off options.

Plastics, Bags & Unnumbered

The City of Kamloops does not accept bags, even if labeled for recycling. Labeled bags can be return to stores. Any bags and un-numbered plastics can be saved up for a trip to Kelowna, which recycles all plastics except toothbrushes. To prevent use of plastic bags, scroll up to ‘Cloth Bags’.

Pads & Tampons
The DivaCup, Keeper, and LunaPads are excellent reusuable menstrual supplies and are all sold at Nature’s Fare. They will last a very long time, saving your pocketbook as well as your planet!

Rice, Soy, Cow Milk Beverage Containers
As of January 2007, milk cartons, as well as dairy substitute cartons*, are accepted at the following locations in Kamloops for recycling (no associated deposit or refund).

1) Full Refund Bottle Depot
805 Notre Dame Drive

2) Lorne Street Bottle Depot
270 Halston Road

*This includes all empty milk, cream, and milk substitute (soy & rice) beverage containers (plastic, cartons and jugs). ‘Cartons’ include both polycoated and paper board containers like tetra packs or aseptics and gable top cartons. So your dairy and dairy substitute tetra paks are accepted for take back. or additional information on this program please visit Encorp Pacific’s website.

Yogurt
Option 1 : Make Your Own
Option 2 : Nancy’s Yogurt at Nature’s Fare (Plastic #2)

Directory compiled by One Hill Productions
Last updated April 16, 2008.