If you’ve visited the Bottle Depot lately, you may have noticed a few changes taking place – we’re expanding the list of items that are accepted for recycling! Vecova’s Bottle Depot has partnered with a number of organizations to expand services and help divert more waste from landfills to be recycled or upcycled into new products. Our new partners, and accepted products, now includes:

Wine bottle corks, in partnership with ReCork
Alkaline, lithium and eCycle batteries, in partnership with Call2Recycle
Clothing and textiles, in partnership with Can-West Clothing Recycling through a new drop-bin to be installed in near future
Electronics, in partnership with Technotrash Alberta and the City of Calgary
Empty fuel canisters for safe disposal and recycling, in partnership with the City of Calgary

We’ve also launched a new Bottle Pick-Up App and extended the Bottle Depot’s hours – now open every day from 8 am – 6 pm! Learn more about Calgary’s only not-for-profit bottle depot here.

Today we’re very excited to share our brand-new mobile app for Vecova’s Bottle Pick-Up Service!

The app will make it easier to coordinate your pick-up service, access donation information and receive timely communication through push notifications. As a self-service system, the app now makes it easier and more flexible than ever to recycle your containers with Vecova!

When you recycle your beverage containers with Vecova, you’re supporting inclusive, innovative and impactful programs and services in our community. All proceeds go directly towards Vecova’s housing, employment, wellness, mental health services and more for persons with disabilities.

All you have to do is sign up, rinse your containers and leave the sorting to us! Download the app today, now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play!

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]March 21, 2023[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Thanks to Global Calgary for celebrating and highlighting the great work of our Bottle Depot team – like Noah, Jason and Kyle – and our Applaud a Depot event! This aired on Friday, March 17.

Read the full article on Global Calgary’s website here and watch the segment below.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZnbG9iYWxuZXdzLmNhJTJGdmlkZW8lMkZlbWJlZCUyRjk1NjExNDglMkYlMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjY3MCUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjM3MiUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUyMHNjcm9sbGluZyUzRCUyMm5vJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Read the full article on CTV Calgary’s website here and watch the segment below.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]March 16, 2023[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Vecova has been the latest recipient of the Alberta Bottle Depot Association’s Applaud a Depot program. Applaud a Depot provides Albertans with a simple way to give kudos to their local Depot for a job well done. As a local community Bottle Depot, Vecova is proud of the impact that our inclusive and innovative depot has made. Below is the winning entry, from Carly V.:

“I make a point of going to (Vecova Bottle Depot) because it employs those who may struggle to find a place in the workforce, giving dignity to those with different abilities.”

To celebrate Vecova’s role in the community, the Alberta Bottle Depot Association is hosting an event on Global Recycling Day, March 18, at 11:00 AM at the Vecova Bottle Depot, 20 Research Pl NW in Calgary. We invite you to bring your bottles and join us as we recognize the work of our team and our consumers’ commitment to inclusion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”9249″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_message]As of March 1, 2022, Vecova is following the Government of Alberta’s Step 2 Public Health Measures. Learn more here.[/vc_message][vc_column_text]February 9, 2022 (Updated March 1)[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Updated COVID-19 Measures

The health and safety of our consumers, employees and individuals visiting our facilities are of the utmost importance. Vecova will continue to follow all municipal, provincial and federal health measures and restrictions and our own organizational health and safety policies and practices.

As of today, February 9, 2022, Vecova will:

No longer implement the City of Calgary’s Vaccine Passport Bylaw 65M2021 and the Government of Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program. The removal of the Restrictions Exemption Program means proof of vaccination, negative test or medical exemption will no longer be required to access Vecova facilities effective February 9, 2022.
Continue to implement the City of Calgary’s Face Covering Bylaw 63M2021. A face covering or mask will still be required for everyone over 13 years of age in Vecova facilities.
Continue to follow all of Vecova’s health and safety policies and practices which includes:
- Screening protocols for symptoms.
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols in all of its facilities.
- A mandatory vaccine requirement for all Vecova employees, volunteers and contractors to be fully vaccinated unless they have provided proof to Vecova that they are unable to be immunized due to a medical reason.
- A mandatory work-from-home measure unless the employee is required onsite at facilities to deliver a service or for operational effectiveness.

We thank all of you for your continued patience and understanding as we continue to manage and provide a safe experience for all.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Reducing the impact of the fourth wave

The Government of Alberta has declared state of public health emergency, starting September 16, 2021. These measures are aimed to protect the health care system, stop the spread and increase vaccination rates amongst the population.

Starting September 16, all of Vecova’s programs, services and enterprises at the main centre, such as Aquatics, Health and Fitness and Recycling Services, will follow the operational mandates regarding social distancing, mask wearing and capacity restrictions.

Vecova will review its operations and make a decision regarding the Restriction Exemption Program (REP) prior to its implementation date, September 20.

Vecova’s main priority has, and will continue to be, the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, consumers and community at large. As we gather further clarification and guidance from public health officials and other partners, we are making changes and adjustments to meet all restrictions by their set dates.

More information will be shared in the next few days. Please visit vecova.ca and follow our social media channels for the latest news.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” full_height=”yes” video_bg=”yes” video_bg_url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEWtXiUY5Q0″ video_bg_parallax=”content-moving” css=”.vc_custom_1491394844401{background-color: #3a3a3a !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10595″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=” Bottle Pick-Up Service” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1710441690670{padding-top: 15px !important;}”]

Sign-up for our regular, reliable and professional commercial and residential pick-up service and we’ll send you information on your pick-up schedule, drop off your bags or collection bins and keep track of your collection and tax receipts easily. Proceeds go directly to Vecova’s programs, services and research for persons with disabilities.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Sign Up Now” style=”custom” custom_background=”#f2a200″ custom_text=”#ffffff” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbottlepickup.ca%2Flogin%2Fregister_vec.php” css=”.vc_custom_1710441750318{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490366132939{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1453210963159{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_icon type=”material” icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-all_inclusive” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”appear” custom_background_color=”#f2a200″][vc_custom_heading text=”Register” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

Create a free account here and we’ll add you to our pick-up schedule.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_icon type=”material” icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-favorite_border” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”appear” custom_background_color=”#f2a200″][vc_custom_heading text=”Collect” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

Start collecting your recyclable bottles. We’ll drop off your pick-up supplies (a Bag Buddy stand and Vecova bags) within a week so you can start collecting right away.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_icon type=”material” icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-hourglass_empty” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”appear” custom_background_color=”#f2a200″][vc_custom_heading text=”Pick Ups” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

We save you a trip! On scheduled pick-up days, we’ll come by and grab your bottles – and drop off any replacement supplies, as needed.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_icon type=”material” icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-star_border” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”appear” custom_background_color=”#f2a200″][vc_custom_heading text=”Donate” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

We’ll send you an annual tax receipt for your cumulative donations – but your contribution will make a huge impact throughout the year!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1710442098819{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #f2a200 !important;}”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Download The App” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:40|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1710442005543{margin-top: -20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_btn title=”Download On Apple” style=”outline” color=”white” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fapps.apple.com%2Fca%2Fapp%2Fvecova-bottle-pickup%2Fid1571150372″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]December 3, 2020[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Enjoy Vecova’s Recycling Services’ Curbside Bottle Return Service!

Thank you for your continued support of Vecova’s Recycling Services, which includes Calgary’s only nonprofit Bottle Depot and Bottle Pick-Up Service.

We know that many of you have expressed appreciation of our Bottle Depot’s curbside service. This safe alternative to returning your bottles reduces the number of touch-points between our consumers and employees, and allows Vecova to do its part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Due to popular demand, we are continuing, expanding and improving this service!

Effective December 7, 2020, our Bottle Depot hours of operation are:

Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed on statutory holidays

Our Curbside Bottle Depot procedure has also been updated as follows:

We have modified points of entrance and exit (with updated signage on-site).
We have added new pre-screen posters available for you to review.
We are asking you to unload your bottles into the carts provided; our employees will then take those carts into the Bottle Depot to be counted.
You will be given a pager while they wait for your refund. Those with cars are asked to park in designated spots. Walk-in consumers are asked to wait in the covered carport area.
You will be paged to collect your refund once ready. And, all refunds will be placed in an envelope, to limit contact.
Please note: all pagers are sanitized after each use.

As with all of Vecova’s programs and services, we are also continuing to follow all Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and Vecova health and safety measures and protocols that have been put in place. This includes:

Encouraging all consumers to adhere to all of AHS’s COVID-19 recommendations.
Requiring all consumers to wear a mask and not use Vecova’s Recycling Services if you are presenting of COVID-19 symptoms.
Requiring all employees to wear their designated PPE, which includes masks and/or a mask and face shield combination, and gloves.
Enhanced and increased cleaning and disinfection protocols and procedures across all areas of Vecova’s Recycling Services.
Limiting public access to Vecova’s Recycling Services facility, including restricting access to washrooms.

Thank you all again for supporting Vecova’s Recycling Services! If you are interested in continuing to support Vecova during this period, please visit vecova.ca to make a donation.

For the most up-to-date information please continue to check in here:

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Photo by rawpixel.com – www.freepik.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

We are offering a curbside service Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to serve our consumers.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When you come to Vecova’s Bottle Depot and Pick-Up Service:

Please limit the number of glass containers in a bag to 24 bottles or less. Please note that heavy bags are a lifting hazard for our employees and may require repackaging by the consumer before they can be processed.
Please only include recyclable beverage containers that are eligible for refund. Please note at this time we do not take concentrated drink mixes, soup containers, household plastics, olive oil containers or vinegar containers.
Please enter using the new entrance via 33 Street NW.
An employee will guide you to where you can park and unload your recyclable beverage containers.
An employee will collect your name and the first three letters of your license plate and bring your product into the facility to process your order.
Please park in the angle parking spaces on the east side of the bottle depot parking lot while we process your order.
After processing, your refund will be brought out to your vehicle in a sealed envelope.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As Calgary’s only non-profit social enterprise Bottle Depot and Bottle Pick-Up Service, Vecova appreciates your continued support. When you use Vecova’s Recycling Services, all proceeds go directly to supporting Vecova to achieve our mission. Also, over half of our workforce is comprised of persons with self-identified barriers to employment. We demonstrate that a business can operate profitably and ethically with an inclusive workforce.

Click here for more tips on how to process your refund quickly and to learn more about our Recycling Services and modified hours and operations, please visit us at vecova.ca/recycling.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]