Abbotsford's GFL Environmental Depot has gone back-to-back as the top collector in the province for used oil and antifreeze materials.
Interchange Recycling, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the collection and recycling of used oil, antifreeze, oil filters, and automotive containers in British Columbia, announced that the Abbotsford location has been recognized as the best in the province.
"For the second year in a row they ranked number one in the province," stated Interchange officials in a press release. "Thanks to their outstanding efforts in collecting used oil, and antifreeze materials - keeping hazardous waste out of landfills and protecting local ecosystems."
Interchange Recycling’s criteria to determine the top collectors included:
• the total amount of used oil and antifreeze collected at the facility
• the total number of years participating in Interchange Recycling’s public return facility program
• a demonstration of continued support of Interchange Recycling and other recycling stewardship-related programs
GFL Environmental Depot, located at 34613 Vye Rd., accepts antifreeze, antifreeze containers, oils, oil containers and oil filters. The depot is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
The company announced in January 2024 that they updated to two new 2,200 litre used oil storage tanks and one 1,100 litre tank for the collection and storage of returned used oil and antifreeze materials. These upgrades helped the facility collect more and achieve the number one ranking. They were second in 2022 prior to the past two first place finishes.
“We’re a busy depot and this upgraded infrastructure will allow us to keep even more used oil, used antifreeze and their containers out of the environment,” GFL's Don Mahew said at the time of the updates.
Burnaby's City of Burnaby Eco-Centre and Maple Ridge's Ridge Meadows Recycling Society finished second and third respectively for 2024. The Mission Recyling Depot (ninth) and the Chilliwack Bottle Depot (16th) were other local notable finishers. For a full list, visit interchangerecycling.com/participants/return-collection-facilities/top-collector-awards.
"We wanted to recognize these 30 facilities who collected the most in 2024 for going above and beyond to provide an important service to local residents," stated Jenn Robson the director of operations for Interchange Recycling. "All of our dedicated collection sites across the province contribute to keeping our local communities stronger and healthier, thanks to their ongoing commitment to keeping oil, filters, antifreeze and their containers, out of landfills."
“This past year has been one of forward momentum — marked by growth, expansion, and industry leadership. From pioneering new programs to enhancing member services and strengthening global partnerships, we have continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive product stewardship,” added Brian Ahearn, board chair of Interchange Recycling.
According to Interchange, used oil is a valuable resource and if it is recycled at one of Interchange Recycling’s dedicated public recycling centres it can be recovered and re-used. Used oil can be re-refined into new lubricating oil or material inputs for manufacturing or energy products. Additionally, used oil filters contain metal, which is recycled into metal products like rebar, nails, and wire. Used oil and antifreeze containers are recycled and used to manufacture new oil containers, drainage tiles, and parking curbs. Used antifreeze can also be refined and reused as new automotive antifreeze.
For more information, visit interchangerecycling.com.
