Grandview Return-It Opens New State-of-the-Art Recycling Centre, Bringing Modern Convenience to East Vancouver
A new chapter in Vancouver’s recycling story begins with the grand opening of the brand-new Return-It depot at 2890 Grandview Highway, marking the return of convenient recycling access to East Vancouver residents. The area had been underserved since the closure of a nearby depot in 2021, leaving locals without a simple way to return their used beverage containers. The opening of this new facility represents a major step forward in restoring accessibility, improving recycling rates, and promoting environmental stewardship in the community.
“We know most people want to do the right thing, but unfortunately, sometimes beverage containers end up in the trash—especially when return options are not convenient,” said Cindy Coutts, President and CEO of Return-It. “By opening this new modern location in an area that’s been underserved for years, we’re ensuring millions of beverage containers are diverted from landfills, put back into the circular economy, and that deposit refunds are conveniently returned to residents making the right choice.”
A Modern Recycling Experience for Everyone
Designed around convenience, cleanliness, and innovation, the new Grandview Return-It is far from the traditional recycling depots of the past. Instead of requiring customers to manually sort containers, the facility offers two easy and efficient ways to return beverage containers:
- Return-It Express Bag Drop Program – Customers simply drop off pre-labeled bags of containers with no need to sort or wait in line. Deposits are refunded directly to their online accounts.
- Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) – For those who prefer an on-the-spot transaction, new RVMs accept containers and issue cash refunds instantly.
This dual-option system caters to both tech-savvy recyclers and those who prefer a more traditional approach. The entire space has been designed with a modern, welcoming aesthetic, encouraging more people to participate in recycling.
Cleanliness and community integration are also central to the depot’s operation. Regular cleaning and maintenance—both inside and outside—will ensure the facility remains a safe, pleasant, and environmentally responsible neighbor.
A Step Toward a Greener, Smarter Vancouver
The launch of this new location aligns closely with Vancouver’s broader sustainability goals.
“We want to make recycling easier and more accessible for Vancouverites,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “By partnering with organizations like Return-It, we’re bringing modern and convenient recycling options to neighborhoods that don’t yet have dedicated locations for returning beverage containers.”
This partnership between the city and Return-It reflects a shared commitment to environmental innovation, supporting the city’s waste reduction and climate action targets.
Leading the Way in Extended Producer Responsibility
Return-It stands as one of Canada’s most successful examples of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—a model that shifts the responsibility for recycling and material recovery from taxpayers to producers and consumers. This approach ensures that manufacturers of beverages take full responsibility for the end-of-life management of their containers, fostering accountability and innovation within the recycling system.
The BC deposit return system, managed by Return-It, has long been recognized globally as a model for efficiency and sustainability. Guided by the Ministry of Environment and Parks’ results-based framework, the system continuously evolves to maximize material recovery while maintaining environmental and economic effectiveness.
“This new location not only brings much-needed accessibility to the area but will also act as a testing and innovation site,” said Coutts. “We’ll be piloting new technologies, processes, and services to make the customer experience even better while reducing costs.”
Pioneering Technology and Innovation
Among the innovations debuting at the Grandview Return-It are compact reverse vending machines (RVMs)—the first of their kind in North America. These small-footprint RVMs are designed to operate efficiently in urban environments where space is limited.
Return-It also plans to pilot artificial intelligence (AI) counting technology, which will automate container identification and sorting with greater accuracy. This pilot aims to enhance efficiency, lower operational costs, and further streamline the customer experience.
Additionally, the Grandview depot will host a joint pilot project between Encorp (Return-It’s parent organization) and the Brewers’ Recycled Container Collection Council (BRCCC), which oversees the recycling of aluminum cans and refillable glass bottles for alcoholic beverages in British Columbia.
The project will test new recycling technologies and data-sharing systems that could help both organizations optimize their operations and improve recycling outcomes.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Return-It on this pilot project to test new technologies that may improve the efficiencies of both beverage container programs,” said Evan Southern, Vice President of Government Relations, Western Canada at Beer Canada. “The brewing industry is keen to find ways to improve operational efficiencies and consumer convenience while maintaining BRCCC’s high performance. BRCCC and Encorp share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer service.”
A Legacy of Environmental Leadership
Since its founding in 1994, Encorp Pacific (Canada)—better known as Return-It—has worked toward a vision of a world where nothing is waste. Through its province-wide deposit return program, Return-It has successfully diverted more than 25 billion beverage containers from landfills, oceans, and waterways.
The organization’s achievements go beyond numbers; its system has inspired recycling programs across North America and beyond. By combining industry collaboration, public education, and technological advancement, Return-It continues to set the standard for circular economy practices.
With the opening of the Grandview It, the organization reaffirms its long-standing mission: to make recycling not only easier and more accessible, but also a smarter and more rewarding experience for everyone.
It is more than just a recycling depot—it’s a symbol of progress in Vancouver’s journey toward sustainability. Through innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, Return-It is demonstrating how the future of recycling can be both efficient and enjoyable.
As Vancouver residents embrace this new, modernized system, the city takes another step closer to achieving its environmental goals—diverting millions more containers from landfills, conserving resources, and strengthening the circular economy that benefits both people and the planet.
With its new Grandview Highway location, Return-It is redefining what recycling means in the 21st century—convenient, clean, connected, and community-focused.