Shipping containers appear to be the go-to sustainable method for housing and storing recyclables across the Tri-Cities.
And a second one has been placed in Coquitlam's new $77.6-million waste facility earmarked for oil and antifreeze materials.
Metro Vancouver recently received a grant from the BC Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA) to add a 20-foot modified sea container to the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre (995 United Blvd.), which officially opened to the public on March 14.
As well, the BCUOMA is giving two 1,000-litre intermediate bulk containers for the facility's use.
Residents can use the station for free and are encouraged to bring any of the following:
- Used lubricating oil
- Used oil filters,
- Used oil containers
- Used antifreeze
- Other antifreeze containers
"The new United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre is three times larger than the previous facility, and it is the perfect central location for a used oil recycling centre," said BCUOMA CEO David Lawes in a news release today (April 5).
"This new full-service recycling and waste centre in Coquitlam, with a dedicated used oil recycling facility, is a great example of organizations working together to create cleaner and environmentally safer communities."
It's the second used oil and antifreeze recycling pop-up in the Tri-Cities.
The first was installed in September 2021 at Mr. Lube in Coquitlam — located at Unit E-2773 Barnet Hwy. — where area residents can also drop of accepted materials free of charge.
BCUOMA says used oil is a valuable resource and can be refined for manufacturing or energy products.
"Additionally, used oil filters contain metal, which is recycled into metal products like rebar, nails and wire," the non-profit adds.
"Used oil and antifreeze containers are recycled and used to manufacture new oil containers, drainage tiles and parking curbs. Used antifreeze is refined and reused as new automotive antifreeze."
Last month, Return-It received a shipping container of their own to open an Express & GO station at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre.
The organization said it runs on solar energy and is three times bigger than its predecessor in providing more convenient options for deposit refunds and donations.
"Metro Vancouver is a North American leader in waste reduction and recycling, and we have an ambitious target to divert 80 per cent of our waste," said Jack Froese, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Committee.
"Ensuring that residents can easily and properly dispose of used oil, antifreeze, and related materials provides us with an important advantage in reaching this target."
Residents can drop off their used oil and antifreeze materials at the United Boulevard facility during the following operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- (Extended hours during summer months until 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday)
