Recycling arrangements vary between destinations. Check local instructions before travelling, and plan how you will separate and store waste in your RV. Here we share resources and information to help RVers find recycling facilities during their trip, along with practical tips for packing to help cut down on waste.
CanaDream Cares
Responsible Recycling When
Travelling in an RV
August 4th 2025
Waste management is important. Waste sent to landfill is a huge environmental challenge that negatively impacts people and the planet. We can all do our part to help reduce waste at home, in the destinations we visit and on the road. Focusing on the 3 R’s for tackling waste is a great way to prepare for your trip, save space and helps lessen your impact on the environment;
- Reduce – can you take less and only carry what you need, for example removing excess packaging from items like breakfast cereals. Pack reusable storage containers with kitchen staples are easier to store and reduce packaging waste.
- Reuse –take reusable items– like cups, bottles, dishes and bags will help you avoid single use items like plates, cups, cutlery and bags
- Recycle – choose items with less packaging, and packaging that can be easily recycled, also look for products that also contain recycled materials.
Travelling in an RV means space can be limited, so planning ahead can help avoid creating unnecessary waste to deal with on your trip. Trip planning and advance preparation are simple ways to ensure you have what you need with you and avoid the hassle of trying to find that item you have forgotten which may be hard to come by in more remote locations.
Pack Food in Reusable Containers
How can I reduce, re-use and recycle on the road.
- Create a meal plan in advance to help reduce food waste and save money.
- Take kitchen staples in reusable containers reduces packaging and waste on the road.
- Have a plan to manage recycling and trash in your RV to make it easier when you travel.
- Separate items that can be commonly recycled, like glass, plastic, paper and metal cans.
- Find the recycling facilities at the campgrounds and use them.
- Carry re-usable bags when you go shopping.
- Have reusable cups, dishes and silverware in your RV, avoid single use disposable items.
- Wherever possible say “no” to single use plastic and unnecessary packaging.
- Look for products with less packaging, or packaging that can be recycled.
- Buy products with packaging that contains recycled materials.
Responsible Recycling when camping in an RV
Being responsible with waste starts before you go on your trip. Take time to look up recycling practices in the places you will visit. When you visit First Nations territory, you need to respect the original stewards of the environment. This means handling waste in a way that is respectful to the culture there. Planning ahead is an easy way to help reduce what ends up in the landfill. This will help keep the environment safe wherever you travel.
Look for local guidelines because the various locations may be different from what you know at home. Using these resources helps make sure that recyclable material is thrown away correctly by following local rules, you show respect for the communities you are visiting.
In Canada many Provinces offer resources and information that are specific to their areas. What you can recycle in one place may not be allowed in another. For example, some areas have different bins for paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste, while smaller municipalities may use one blue mixed recycling bin for their recycling program.
Before you throw away anything recyclable, check the recycling rules where you are. Look for recycling bins in parks, hotels, and tourist sites. If you are unsure about the local rules, ask a local or look online for guidance in the area you are travelling. If you’re camping in National Parks in Canada, remember if you pack it in, pack it out. It’s the law!
Reusable Water Bottles
Minimize Single-Use Plastics and Contamination
Reducing single-use plastics is something many travelers can do to help the environment. Here are ways you can cut down on waste:
- Do not use plastic bags. Bring a fabric tote or paper bag when you need to carry things.
- Fill up your own reusable water bottle with beverages instead of picking a new plastic water bottle each time.
- Pick things packed in cardboard or cans when you can, because these are easier for recycling.
- Rinse your recycling items and keep different materials apart to stop contamination.
Contamination is a big problem for recycling, if non-recyclable items go into the recycling bins, it can have a negative impact on the recycling progress and lead to recyclable materials ending up in landfill. If you keep your waste sorted and clean, it helps recycling to work better. When you travel and take these steps, you send less to the landfill and help keep our ecosystems healthy.
Familiarize yourself with what can be recycled, if you are unsure if something can be recycled, put it in the trash bin. Remember – if in doubt, throw it out.
Conclusion
Responsible recycling plays an important role in sustainable RV tourism. It is not just something nice to do. It is needed if we want to keep the environment clean. When you know about the recycling problems in every place, plan in advance, and use good habits on the road, you help a lot. Even a little effort has value. It can help cut waste and keep natural places safe.
As you start your next trip, your first step is to think about how to add eco-friendly habits to your day. We can all help by doing things that care for the world wherever we are. If you want to learn more about recycling and other tips for greener travel, reach out and get help to make your trips better for Mother Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle beverage containers everywhere in Canada?
Yes, you can do it! Most provinces take beverage containers for recycling.. If you drop off bottles at depots, it helps keep them out of landfill. Be sure to always check your own local recycling rules to make sure you do it right.
How do I find local recycling rules when traveling?
Use tools such as Recycle BC's app or Waste Wizard to find the closest depot and to learn about the recycling rules in your area. In unceded territories, indigenous people and local programs may have their own ways of disposing waste. Remember their role today in caring for the environment. Always follow community rules about recycling and respect what they do.
What are the best practices for recycling while traveling in an RV?
When recycling in an RV, prioritize separating recyclables like plastics, metals, and paper. Locate recycling centers along your route, and use designated bins to minimize waste. Carry reusable containers for drinks and snacks, and educate fellow travelers on the importance of sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
Are compostable materials handled the same as recyclables on the road?
No, the compostable materials are not the same as recyclables. They need special places for disposal. Recycling things like food scraps, beverage containers, plastic bags, and packaging uses different ways. This is true in many places, including indigenous territories. Doing these things the right way helps to lower the environmental impact.
How can I encourage others to recycle responsibly while traveling?
Share simple tips, such as using Recycle BC’s services and helping with First Nations’ recycling efforts. Tell others how travellers can have a good impact on the environment by using reusable plastic containers and cutting down on single-use waste. When you do these things, you help people build better habits and show why recycling and caring for the earth matters.
Using CanaDream's Recycle Bins when dropping off your RV
All CanaDream branches have recycling systems in place. When cleaning out your RV at the end of your RV vacation, please place all recyclable material in the correct bins. These are clearly labelled and your efforts will help us in our sustainability journey, thank you!
