Milk and plant-based beverage containers can now be recycled

Return-it is now accepting milk and plant-based beverage containers as a part of its deposit system.

As of Tuesday, there will be a 10-cent deposit charged on “ready-to-drink” milk and plant-based beverages such as oat, soy, and almond. The 10-cent deposit will be refunded when the empty containers are returned for recycling at Return-It sites across the province.

Return-it asks that before residents return their empty milk and plant-based beverage containers, they ensure that containers are rinsed to avoid mold and smells, put the caps on the containers and push straws in.

Containers can then be brought to the recycling depot along with other empties.

Milk and plant-based beverages with an expiration date before February 1st will be exempt from the deposit system.

The recycling regulation has some exemptions, including infant formula, meal replacements, concentrates, and products like whipping cream and drinkable yogurt. Containers exempt from the regulation won’t carry a deposit.