GOT some unwanted electronics or automotive fluids to get rid of but don't know where to do it legally and safely?
There's an app for that. Metro Vancouver recently released weReycle, an iPhone app designed to connect users with locations that accept virtually any material or item that can be recycled.
"People are telling us they want to reuse and recycle more. weRecycle will help our region get to its goal of a 70 per cent waste diversion rate by 2015," said Metro board chair Greg Moore in a press release.
Once downloaded for free from Apple's App Store, the app works by prompting the user to type in the name of the material or item they want to dispose of. The app then displays a list of local depots and licensed businesses that can take the product and get it recycled.
For example, compact fluorescent bulbs, which can't be thrown out due to toxic mercury within the bulb, can be dropped off at Home Hardware on Marine Drive or Home Depot on Main Street in West Vancouver, or at London Drugs on Lonsdale Avenue or Rona Home Centres on First and Third streets in North Van.
The app also offers directions to get to recycling locations, and drop-off locations for donated items that can be reused.
Al Lynch, manager of the North Shore Recycling, said the app is good in that it's another way for users to find a place to drop off recyclables, but he said the app largely duplicates the work of BC Recyclepedia, an app released by the non-profit Recycling Council of British Columbia.
"It's a pretty good one because it gives you directions, and a range of kilometers and so on. What's better about the RCBC one is it's more up to date." Lynch said.
BC Recyclepedia shows some results that weRecycle does not.
Lynch also pointed out that weRecycle is only available for the iPhone while BC Recyclepedia works on all smart phones.
North Shore Recycling has an app of its own called mywaste, which prompts users with reminders for North Shore garbage and recycling pick-up.
