Hidden Gems · 3 min read
Burnaby Has Collected Another Title: Top 2025 Collector Award Winner for Public Recycling
By Francesca Bonifacio · August 5, 2026
Burnaby residents are proud of many things; our dedication to green open spaces, our diversity and being the hometown of Michael Bublé, Michael J. Fox and Christine Sinclair. Another title we can add is being crowned second in the 2025 Top Collector Award Winners for public recycling and first for 2025 Top Local Government Facility. We interviewed Jenn Robson, the director of operations at Interchange Recycling. Interchange Recycling is a non-profit organization that collects and recycles products. They recycle more than 50 million litres of used oil in the province each year, about 6 million units of oil filters, 3 million litres of antifreeze, and about 1.7 million kilograms of empty automotive containers are recycled each year in the province. They are also the ones responsible for naming the top 30 public recycling centres each year.
Burnaby has been placed at the top of the list for many years. We asked Jenn, why Burnaby? She described Burnaby as being an engaged community who has a strong dedication to keep hazardous products out of the local ecosystem. In addition, the Burnaby Eco-System accepts a variety of recyclable items which make it easy for anyone to drop off their used materials. Jenn also expressed her appreciation to the Burnaby Eco-Center and their staff, stating: “Their dedication is not just to our program, but all of the recycling programs that they participate with. Their dedicated staff and the education that we're able to get across to residents, we're seeing the results in the volume that we're picking up and we're recycling.”
For many of us, we simply drop off the materials at the depot and go on about our day. However, the process of recycling is actually quite fascinating. Jenn walked us through the process and importance of where these materials go. She described it as having a circular life. The recycled oil and antifreeze are sent to a local refinery, recycled into automotive oil and antifreeze, then lives another life to be sold again. Similar processes happen to metal pieces and plastics where they are pelletized and created into new material. She also spoke about the impacts on a daily basis, for example, if you are getting your oil changed at an automotive repair shop, their stores are involved in the program and use recycled oil as well. As Jenn stated: “we’re keeping it out of landfill, we're keeping it out of the waterways, and we're putting it back”.
On April 23, 2026, Interchange Recycling announced that they are accepting 11 additional automotive container categories across British Columbia. The expanded list now includes Automotive Adhesives, Automotive Aerosols, Brake Fluid, Conditioners, Degreasers, Fuel System Cleaners, Lubricants, Automotive Sealers, Solvents, and Stabilizer containers. They advise that if you are returning these containers, to use them as much as you can as they can only accept empty automotive containers, as well as putting the lid back on to reduce leaks. The protocol for returning these items is to look for a depot attendant and place the container in the correct location to reduce potential harm to the eco-system. The acceptance of these new materials mean a greater need for more space to collect. The collection facilities have received an infrastructure grant that can be used to cover an infrastructure of their choosing up to $8000. The other option is Interchange will provide the center with a sea container that can be modified for either ventilation, spill containment, flooring, etc. to the depot’s needs.
It is quite beautiful that Burnaby has won this title. It shows how our community truly cares about the environment and where we live. There is a large amount of concerning issues to our eco-system and it is vital that we continue doing our part. If you want to learn more, you can visit their website: interchangerecycling.com. All of the information is available, including a collection site finder where you can put in your postal code and find your nearest location!