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.

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.

Ron N.

The staff here are extremely hard workers, I bring my restaurant bottles to this location every 2 weeks and leave my cans tagged in the drop off area. For 3 years now I have noticed nothing but hard working, friendly staff that try their best to help everyone fast and in a timely manner. With the city growing, the Comox location being shut down, this location has taken on the whole valley and sometimes we just need to recognize the effort, and hard work these guys put in day in and day out , hats off to you guys! Thank you for your service!

Samuel D. G. (. G.

The employees are amazing and I for one appreciate them for their diligence and hard work. One time I missed cashing in my daily bottle run by minutes and an employee gladly provided me a ten dollar loan from his own wallet. The courtesy I've witnessed here is unprecedented. Thank you Courtenay recycling center. I'm homeless so collecting bottles keeps my belly full and you're making me feel good to recycle at you're operation when you do good deeds such as this one.

Eric B.

Their website security expired 39 days ago. If your browser gives a warning, don’t go to the website.

Leanne P.

The staff here are awesome 👌 Over the holidays it's been so crazy busy for them and they work like crazy to get everyone through as quick as possible. One fellow has worked there for quite some time and I look forward to seeing him. Thanks for doing what you do, staff!

Cody G.

I have tried calling but no one’s answering the phones, I’ve been calling for an urgent matter regarding an employee. I’m out of province and live in Alberta but grew up in courtenay, I remember every time I called someone would answer. But now no one does? Little weird, I’m leaving 4 stars because you aren’t a bad company whatsoever, more then awesome, just I’d like to see the phones being answered a little more often when they ring because you never know if it’s urgent or not