There’s a new way for Yukon residents to recycle household hazardous waste

We are very excited to announce the launch of our new permanent collection site in Whitehorse, Yukon. This marks Interchange Recycling’s first expansion beyond British Columbia, bringing its extended producer responsibility (EPR) program to a new jurisdiction.

The new site accepts lubricating oil, antifreeze, diesel exhaust fluid, oil filters and all automotive containers from Yukon residents.

“We’re incredibly excited to officially be up and running in Yukon,” says Jenn Robson, director of operations at Interchange. “This marks a major milestone for our organization and for extended producer responsibility in the territory.

“We’ve been working closely with local partners to get this permanent collection site established in Whitehorse, and we’re proud to offer residents across Yukon convenient, reliable access to responsible recycling options. This is just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to growing our presence and supporting Yukoners in keeping these materials out of landfills and in the circular economy.”

Interchange also is supporting collection events outside of Whitehorse to reach additional residents across the territory. Confirmed events include: 

• Teslin: Aug. 5, Sawmill Road, 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
• Watson Lake: Sept. 13, 1022 Alaska Highway, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
• Faro: Sept. 20, Ross Road, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

According to Interchange, as part of its mandate to enhance recycling efforts of new automotive and industrial products, the organization’s product scope expanded in Yukon to include all automotive containers and diesel exhaust fluid, alongside lubricating oil, oil filters and antifreeze.

On average, nearly 50 million liters of used oil are collected each year in British Columbia alone, highlighting the impact of effective recycling programs.

“We want to make drop-off as convenient and seamless as possible for Whitehorse residents and will be actively listening to their feedback over the coming weeks and months, now that our program has kicked off,” Robson says. “Our collection events outside of Whitehorse will ensure that Yukon residents who live outside of Whitehorse are able to access the program.

“Our EPR program in this territory will ensure the proper disposal of materials, prevent pollution, reduce waste, and support a circular economy. It will also create jobs in recycling and waste management, while helping businesses and the Yukon government get a step closer to their per capita waste reduction goals and increase waste diversion from landfills.” 

We extend our sincere thanks to our partners: KBL Environmental Ltd., the City of Whitehorse, and the Government of Yukon for their collaboration in making this initiative possible.

For more information about our new collection site in Whitehorse, please visit here.

Interchange Recycling would like to acknowledge that the new collection site is located on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.