Coquitlam's newest recycling station is in a solar-powered shipping container

Powered by the sun, fuelled by a sustaining purpose.

The latest recycling stop for Tri-City residents is no ordinary building you walk through to return beverage cans, cartons and bottles while noticing a large warehouse in the back.

Instead, Return-It decided to get innovative and make use of a 40-foot shipping container — and other renewable materials — to create a solar-powered Express & GO station.

It is located in the recently upgraded United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre (995 United Blvd.), which officially opened to the public on March 14.

According to a news release, the piece of infrastructure is three times bigger than the previous recycling station set up in the old facility and is set to provide more convenient options for deposit refunds and donations.

"Bringing convenient solutions that encourage recycling is what we do at Return-It, and our Express & GO stations reflect that commitment," said interim president and CEO John Nixon.

"We are pleased to be opening our first location in the Tri-Cities and bringing innovative solutions to area residents. We want to thank Metro Vancouver and the team at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre for all their support. By expanding our collection network and addressing accessibility, we can all work together to divert material from our natural environment."

A pair of Tri-City provincial politicians recently got the chance to see and experience the unique recycling stop first-hand.

Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Fin Donnelly and Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Rick Glumac say they were impressed with its simplicity as a solar-powered site.

They add it's "even easier" for people to return empty containers as the region looks to reduce as much waste as possible.

"Return-It shows exactly what British Columbians can accomplish when great ideas and enthusiasm are put into action," said Donnelly.

"Not only will these changes help protect the environment and reduce our carbon footprint, they will also make recycling in our community more convenient and accessible for people."

In the same area of the $77.6-million site, there's a recycling area for residents to deposit other items like glass, used motor oil, batteries, CO and smoke detectors, light bulbs and used cooking oil.

The Return-It Express & GO stop is set to operate during the same hours as the United Boulevard waste facility.

It's set to be open every day except Christmas (Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

HOW DOES EXPRESS & GO WORK?

Return-It's Express & GO method is said to be more convenient for local residents by allowing them to drop off their recyclable items without sorting them.

This option asks customers to bring their pre-bagged empty containers to the station and later receive their refunds via an Interac e-Transfer or by a cheque in the mail.

Interested participants are asked to create a free account beforehand.

Then, they must print off a label at a designated kiosk and place it on a transparent recycling bag for drop-off at the Express & GO.

You can click here for more information.

Additionally, residents also have the option to donate the refunds from their bag(s) of recyclables to a charity of their choice as Return-It explains several organizations use the Express & GO method to support fundraising efforts.

"Once a fundraising organization has created its free online Express account, users can donate their deposit funds to the specific charity and organization accounts when they drop off their empty containers at the Express & GO station.