Kamloops and Okanagan residents hoping to find a return-it centre for their COVID-19 induced pile of cans and bottles may be in luck, depending on where they live.

The returnable container industry is in a state of disruption over the COVID-19 pandemic, with some depots closed and others still operating.

Return-It (operated by Encorp Pacific) spokesperson Baljit Lalli says the corporation is working closely with B.C.’s independently owned and operated returnable container centres to ensure precautionary measures are put in place to protect themselves and the community.

“Half the province’s Return-It depots have decided to close, including locations in Vernon, Penticton and some in Kamloops,” Lalli said in an email sent today, March 26. “Others have reduced their hours while some depots are utilizing the Return-It express service which supports social distancing and limits customer interaction."

There aren’t many options open to those residents who aren’t close to those return it centres still open, as most regional districts’ advice is to hang onto the containers until things get back to normal.

But for some residents, Return-It bottle depots in Kamloops, and Kelowna are still operating in a few locations.

For Young Nam, operator of Boucherie Self Storage & Bottle Depot in West Kelowna, it's a day by day operation.

“We’re monitoring, and in constant contact with authorities, but for now it’s business as usual,” he says.

The following is a list of the present status of Return-It centres in Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton:

Kamloops

General Grant’s Recyling, closed
Lorne Street Bottle Depot, open
General Grant’s Recycling Centres, Sahali, open
General Grant’s Recycling Centres, North Shore, closed
General Grant’s Recycling Centres, South Shore, closed

Vernon

Interior Freight & Bottle Depot, closed
Chasers Bottle Depot, closed

Kelowna

Columbia Bottle Depot on Kent Road, open
Columbia Bottle Depot, Dease Road, open
Columbia Bottle Depot, St. Paul Street, open
Boucherie Self Storage & Bottle Depot- open
Winfield Return-It Centre, closed

Penticton’s Return-It centre closed on March 23 until further notice.

The status of Return-It centres in smaller communities can be found at this Return-It website.

None of the local governments responsible for recycling have any plans to address the issue and advise residents to just hang onto their returnable recycling until operations return to normal. You could also consider donating them to local charities.

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