This year, we’re celebrating a significant milestone at Product Care Recycling—our 30th anniversary! Over the past three decades, we’ve evolved from a humble paint recycling program in British Columbia to overseeing more than 22 programs across 12 jurisdictions in Canada (and the US!). In light of these achievements, we take pride in our accomplishments and are excited to share our story with you.
Starting our green journey
In 1994, Product Care Recycling set out on a mission to create a lasting positive environmental impact. Focusing on reducing the environmental footprint of post-consumer products, we began with a modest yet ambitious paint recycling program. This initiative laid the foundation for a broader ecological mission.
As regulations expanded and we nurtured our vision, we grew our services to include the safe disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW), smoke/CO alarms, and light bulbs and tubes. We take pride in having served thousands of members and millions of Canadians. Learn more about our journey in this video:
Our growth and success
Product Care Recycling has undergone consistent growth and improvement in our services. The launch of the BC Lights recycling program in 2010 marked a new era, which was further enhanced by the introduction of the BC Smoke/CO Alarms program. As of today, 1,250 paint recycling locations, 1,400 light recycling locations, and 300 HHW collection sites. The expansion has been significant, with new programs launching across North America.
In 2021, the Saskatchewan HHW program was introduced, followed by the launch of the Thermostat Recycling Program in California in 2022. Furthermore, the Ontario Lights program was initiated in 2023, and in 2024, we began accepting non-refillable pressurized fuel containers in Quebec and launched a new lights program in Nova Scotia. Check out our expansion timeline below:
What drives us
Our big push for sustainability, new ideas, and working with the community keeps us going. We’ve kept millions of litres of hazardous waste out of landfills and recycled tons of lightbulbs, helping keep our environment clean and safe. Working together with our partners, we’ve come up with better, more sustainable products and solutions.
Looking to the future
Product Care’s CEO, Brian Bastien, reflects on our path forward:
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we are poised to embark on a new chapter of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to sustainability will guide us as we navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world.
We couldn’t have done it without the help of our partners, members, and community. A big thank you to everyone who’s been a part of our journey. Together, we’ll keep pushing for responsible recycling and a healthier earth for everyone.
If you have items to recycle, feel free to find a convenient recycling location near you.
Here’s to another 30 years of making a difference! 🌱
