Earth Day comes around in April every year and is a great time to check in and see how we all can level up our recycling systems at home and at work. At Island Return It’s South Cowichan depot in Cobble Hill, the team is passionate about helping you get your returnables to the depot so you can get your refunds.
Materials such as aluminum and glass can be fully repurposed — recycling those diverts valuable resources from the landfill, while saving on the heavy cost of new natural resources. Glass and aluminum can be repurposed infinitely, so it just makes sense to make sure every bit of it gets to the depot.
Your One-Stop Drop-Off for South Cowichan
On top of accepting all your returnables, the South Cowichan depot also takes in other general recycling — laundry jugs, soft plastics, glass jars and more — for free. Serving Cow Bay, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay and Shawnigan Lake residents.
Tips from the Team
- Wash your returnables as soon as you’re finished with them. Conserve water by rinsing with the last of your dishwater.
- Pre-counted bags of empties are still accepted. Keep alcohol and non-alcohol cans separated.
- It’s more than bottles and cans! They also take old electronics, computers, laptops, electric tools, small kitchen appliances, fire alarms, batteries, lightbulbs and ink cartridges.
April’s Charity: RMCSAR (Rescue Marine Society)
The South Cowichan depot collects donations for local charities monthly. You can also choose your own favourite registered charity at checkout.
Making recycling a part of your everyday life automatically makes it a lifestyle rather than a chore. Let’s make every day Earth Day.
Dawn Howlett is the Refundable Solutions Coordinator at Island Return It. Contact: enroll@islandreturnit.com
This article originally appeared in the Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine, April 2026 Issue 209.