Courtenay Return-It Depot - Courtenay, British Columbia

Danika P.

I really didn’t want to have to post this, but after what happened at the local bottle depot today, I feel like people need to be aware of how things are being handled there. If I could give 0 stars to the manager I would.

My partner was physically shoved by another person at the depot — right in front of staff. This same individual also began harassing him about our late daughter, bringing her up in a cruel and manipulative way just to push him out of the way and grab more cans. What’s worse is that when my partner tried to handle it the right way — calmly, by going to the manager like he’d been told to in the past — he was the one who got banned.

And yes — he did throw a can in the other person’s general direction in retaliation. That’s what management used as the reason for banning him. But let’s be honest here: he was physically shoved, verbally harassed, and emotionally pushed to his absolute limit. The person who started everything — the one who put hands on him and said the most disgusting things — faced zero consequences. That’s what’s so frustrating.

This isn’t even the first time this person has caused problems. He’s harassed my partner about our daughter before. He’s shoved our elderly friend into a shopping cart. He even sits in his vehicle filming people through the hood, reporting them to management just to get others banned so he can have the place to himself. But somehow, he’s the one who gets to stay.

Honestly, I’m embarrassed to even be writing this. It’s not where I ever imagined life taking us, but right now we’re grieving, we’re struggling, and we’ve been using bottle returns just to stay afloat — to help with groceries, bills, and basic survival. It’s not about drugs, partying, or quick cash like it is for many of the regulars there. We’re just trying to get by. And now, even that small source of help has been taken from us — not because of what we did, but because of what management allowed.

I’m heartbroken, angry, and incredibly disappointed. People deserve to know what kind of behavior is being tolerated in our community — and who’s being protected when it’s easier to look the other way.

South S.

Yesterday was my first trip here and it was busy. After waiting inside for a cart and blue trays I quickly unloaded my bottles and cashed out. The counter staff worked quick and it seemed like an efficient but busy operation.

Christo S.

Fantastic staff here who do an amazing job despite the huge volume of recyclables. I tip my hat to every employee at this site for their professionalism and their ability to keep their cool especially when some of the more demanding clients come through.

Christine B.

I am very happy with the service. I know the job is a tough one. I'm shocked though that they no longer replace the bags you recycle in. I'm even more shocked that I have to pay. $2.50 to purchase the bags. That's ridiculous and that is shocking.

Pida B.

I have officially just started giving my empties away. I can't phathom going to this place anymore. The people outside are horrendous. Not polite and mooching money off me. I don't feel safe here. I can't imagine how the staff must feel if the customers feel this way.

grandma T. B.

Was able to recycle my stuff but brown haired lady at the counter didn't say a word to me and just stared at me like I never should've been born.
At least the other guy at the counter was kind and actually spoke to me but yeah I don't think Im personally gonna come back for a long time after that, Ill just go to Merville next time I wanna get rid of some cans.
Never had an issue before I don't know what her problem is.

Mike W.

Seems like the express drop off is closed every time I go. I’m done trying to return cans.

Jean Y.

I was returning two, 288 bags of cans when a female staff member insisted on counting them. The bags were purchased from them and are printed 288, which I pointed out when I was asked how many. I was then asked how I count them, "We have two flats which we fill, empty into the bag and then mark on a tally sheet."
The woman did not identify herself or on what authority she was doing this. I asked two other staff members what was going on and got no answer.
The count, which held me up for quite some time was correct, she said she was sorry, and she'd remember me next time but I only come 2- 3 times a year so I doubt it.
The experience was very upsetting. I don't understand why to obviously full "official" bags were counted.