Recycling · Transfer station
Recycling on Salt Spring Island
Bring your recyclables to our transfer station at 360 Blackburn Rd. We take care of sorting and processing, so these materials are reborn as new products in industries like manufacturing and construction.
What can I recycle?
- Metal: from cans to scrap metal, we handle all sorts of metal for recycling. See scrap metal recycling.
- Appliances: small appliances like toasters and microwaves, as well as larger items: washers, dryers, stoves, fridges, freezers and air conditioners.
- Electronics: TVs, computers and phones.
- Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
- Cardboard: please flatten all boxes to help us process them efficiently.
- Paper: all types of paper, from newspapers to office paper.
- Clean wood and lumber: wood that's free from paint, chemicals or other contaminants. Treated or painted wood goes at the garbage rate.
- Green waste: grass clippings, leaves and garden trimmings. We turn your organic waste into compost.
- Drywall: $0.41/kg if date-stamped or tested and not mixed, with a signed declaration form. See the drywall rules.
We also take household and car batteries, smoke and CO alarms, thermostats, and bottles and cans for return. See the full accepted materials list.
Where do I bring it?
To our transfer station at 360 Blackburn Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2B8. Open Monday to Friday 9 AM – 4 PM and Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM; closed Sundays and holidays. Coming from Ganges? See directions from Ganges. For prices, see transfer station drop-off. Item not listed? Ask at the office window or call 250-537-2167.
Usable items: the Blackburn Mall
Our transfer station, affectionately known as the "Blackburn Mall" by locals, has a designated area where usable items are set aside instead of going to the landfill. These items are available by donation, and proceeds support scholarships for local high school students and community programs. Usable items are charged the same as regular disposal. Let the yard staff know and they'll show you where they go. More about the Blackburn Mall (open 10 am – 3 pm, closed Wednesdays).
Paint, chemicals and other things we can't take
Take paint and chemicals to the Island Community Services Recycle Depot, 349 Rainbow Rd (250-537-1200). Please call them to confirm what they accept.
We can't take liquids, oil, oil filters and jugs, antifreeze, food scraps, or medicines, needles and medical waste. Asbestos isn't accepted at drop-off: full bin loads only, through our asbestos transport service.
Big cleanout?
A 12-yard or 40-yard rental bin can save you trips to the transfer station. See junk removal & cleanouts.