Richmond recycling audits start after contamination rises

Richmond residents should double-check recycling sorting this month. The city says random visual audits are starting in **July** after contamination in curbside and multi-family recycling rose above the level accepted by Recycle BC. The practical effect is visible at the bin. Richmond says correctly sorted containers will get a gold star, while bins with contaminants will get an "Oops" sticker that identifies the problem and points residents back to sorting guidance. ## Why Richmond is checking bins now [The City of Richmond notice](https://www.richmond.ca/city-hall/news/2026/reducerecyclingcontamination07jul2026.htm) says Recycle BC notified the city earlier this year that contamination had exceeded accepted limits. Richmond says contamination must stay below **3 per cent**. Its current rates are **7.3 per cent** for the curbside stream and **11.3 per cent** for the multi-family stream. The city says it must reduce recycling contamination by **25 per cent** by the end of 2026 or it may face financial penalties that could affect utility costs for residents. ## What residents should check before collection day Richmond is pointing residents to its Recycling Wizard when they are unsure where an item belongs. The city says residents can use the free Richmond Recycling app or visit [richmond.ca/RecycleSearch](https://www.richmond.ca/services/recycling-garbage/search.htm) before putting an item in a bin. The city highlighted three common sorting checks: - **Glass bottles and jars**: put them in the grey glass recycling bin, not the blue box. - **Loose recyclables**: place items loose in the blue box, not inside plastic bags. - **Unsure items**: look them up before tossing them into recycling. Recycle BC also publishes a general [what-can-I-recycle guide](https://recyclebc.ca/what-can-i-recycle/) for packaging and paper products, but Richmond residents should follow city collection instructions for local service details. ## What happens next The July audits are meant to correct mistakes before they become a bigger cost issue. Richmond says bins with contamination will receive guidance, not just a warning. The useful move is to check questionable packaging before the next pickup. If the item is glass, bagged, soiled, or made from mixed materials, use the city lookup tool first. ## Sources - [City of Richmond recycling contamination notice](https://www.richmond.ca/city-hall/news/2026/reducerecyclingcontamination07jul2026.htm) - [Richmond Recycling Wizard](https://www.richmond.ca/services/recycling-garbage/search.htm) - [Recycle BC what-can-I-recycle guide](https://recyclebc.ca/what-can-i-recycle/)