Diwali magic is in the air, with diyas glowing at doorsteps, boxes of mithai making their way between friends and neighbours, and loved ones coming together to share a meal. In homes across British Columbia, families celebrating Diwali are busy with preparations, kitchens are filled with the aromas of family favourites and communities are gathering to celebrate and reconnect.

With all the celebrations come some familiar things: a bag of basmati rice, an empty ghee container, a tin of mithai or the wrapping from a packet of namkeen. Once we have enjoyed what is inside, putting the recyclable packaging in the designated bin or taking it to a depot marks the beginning of a whole new journey, one that continues well beyond our homes.

Recyclable materials collected from homes or depots are taken to facilities where workers and specialized equipment sort paper, plastics, metals and glass. From there, the materials are sent to processing facilities, to be made into something new. A gulli used to hold bangles, for example, can be recycled into new paper products, while plastic packaging can be processed into tiny pellets used to make new packaging and other everyday products, like nursery plant pots, garbage cans, pails and lids. These are some of the ways materials we use at home can find their way back into the products we buy.

Turning used packaging and paper into something new takes a collective effort involving residents, collection workers and recycling facilities. When people make recycling part of their everyday routines, individual actions contribute to a much larger result. In 2025, more than 210,000 tonnes of residential packaging and paper were collected through Recycle BC’s program. Each household that participates plays a role in making this possible, and that shared effort is worth celebrating.

Whether you are new to recycling or have been recycling for years, there are resources to help you along the way. Recycling options can vary depending on where you live, so knowing what goes where is a good place to start. Visit RecycleBC.ca for simple instructions and information specific to your community or give us a call at 1-855-875-3596. We are happy to answer your questions and help you get started.

Thank you for making recycling a shared part of everyday life in communities across British Columbia.

Wishing everyone celebrating a very happy Diwali.